Horse Update

Hi All
All of us here at Poodle Place appreciate most animals (certain rodents not included), but are particularly fond of horses. Baron has a lifelong wish to play with horses which is further evidence of his nonverbal learning disability.  He just doesn't understand size differences.  He is particularly motivated to hang out with horses because he recognizes the love his beloved employee (that would be me) has for them.

I actually had a riding lesson last week in which I learned 4 important things.
1) Do not get into a discussion of catastrophic equestrian accidents in the middle of a lesson; this impairs concentration (never my strong suit).
2) When your trainer, after her beloved student decided not to jump the 2nd jump in a line at the last minute (response time also not a strength), wants to practice a quick turn after the first jump, do not, once again, turn away from the 2nd jump at the last minute.  This makes both horse and trainer very nervous.
3) When your trainer, in the interest of helping her beloved student (who by now is not so beloved) drills you on turning away from the problem while still avoiding the 2nd jump, do not turn in her direction.Trainers get really cranky when you turn towards them on a cantering horse. To be fair, my trainer said, "Didn't you see me standing here against the wall?"  I did see her, but didn't understand why she was standing there putting her life in jeopardy.  It never occurred to me to turn towards the center of the ring.  I thought my trainer was being foolhardy.
4) The horse who accompanied me on the aforementioned unfortunate incident earned extra treats.  The trainer earned either a bottle of wine or a bloody Mary at the next barn lunch, in addition to an increase in her life insurance policy!
All for now,
Botswain

Health Scare

Hi All,
We had a health scare here at Poodle place.  Baron has, despite our best efforts (not his), once again gained weight.  Also, there is a slight film over his eyes which does not impair vision and is no big deal (thank heavens) except it is sometimes associated with hypothyroidism.  The vet had to do a blood test (not inexpensive, but nothing about Baron is inexpensive) to rule out hypothyroidism, which is easily controlled with medication.

As you might imagine, the possibility not only of another health problem, but of giving Baron a pill to speed up his metabolism (read all previous posts for information on Baron's metabolism) put me in a tailspin, so to speak.  Visitors to our home have actually complimented me on the improvement in Baron's behavior.  One guest noted approvingly that Baron no longer jumps over the couches, then skids across the floor, followed by a cartwheel  as part of his enthusiastic welcome. 
The good news is that Baron's thyroid is normal (at least something about Baron is normal).  The bad news is that Baron now weighs 76 pounds and has to watch his boyish figure.
All for now,
Botswain

Mistaken Identity

Hi All,
Once again, Baron has mistaken my belongings for his - specifically my ivory figurines for his own personal (who else would want them?) bones.  I will spare you the details, other than to say I am extremely displeased.  Baron has been reprimanded.  He no longer has the run of the house and will have to spend more time in the kitchen - let's face it, it is a lovely room, someone should enjoy it!
Grumpily yours,
Botswain

At it Again

Hi All,
We returned home last night to discover that Baron has, once again, tried his paw at cooking.  Using the lazy Susan, he managed to remove seasoning, soup mix etc from the cabinet.  The floor was a total mess.  He tried to mix everything on the floor rather than using a mixing bowl as he had previously been instructed to do.  Will this dog ever listen?
Botswain

Tuba Serenade

Hi All,
I am living a canine version of "To Catch a Thief"!   Here's the latest.  I entered the bedroom where master was gently snoring  (if you consider the tuba a gentle noise).  Baron was relaxing next to him (on my side of the bed), and immediately looked away, avoiding eye contact.  Translation: he had done something really bad! I noticed that Baron once again tried to blow his nose, hence the Kleenex box was on the floor, along with several pieces of Kleenex.  This didn't bother me, as I recognized Baron's effort to take care of himself - who wants a runny nose?  What else had he done?

Then I saw it - an object between Baron's paws.  Upon closer examination, I discovered it was Master's watch. This was quite a shock! I wasn't aware Baron had learned how to tell time. Dear readers, undoubtedly you understand the conflict: the watch looks great on Baron, but it is not his.  I was forced to do the right thing and return the watch to the bedside table. Master, meanwhile, continued to serenade me, Baron, and perhaps our neighbors with "tuba" music. 
Fortunately the watch is still in good shape, as long as Master doesn't object to spending extra time fastening it.  This episode is our little secret.
And the tuba played on.....
Botswain

Halloween

Hi All,
Thankfully Halloween is but a fading memory (although I still have some Snickers if anyone is interested).  I received several inquiries re: Baron's Halloween costume.  Sorry dear reader, but Baron's Halloween costume was not finished in time for Trick or Treat (not that it stopped him).   Baron wanted to dress up as an "Obedient Dog" but was unable to get his costume ready in time.  We here at Poodle Place are hopeful that it will be ready by next Halloween.  Don't hold your breath.
Botswain

Meanwhile in the kitchen...

Hi All,
Master and I returned home this evening to discover that our home had been invaded!  A bandit actually raided our kitchen.  He (call this a clever assumption) opened a "lazy Susan cabinet" and helped himself to: flour, uncooked pasta, cans of vegetables (which thankfully he was unable to open - he has yet to master the use of a can opener).  I am sure you are wondering who the crook could possibly be - or perhaps you aren't wondering at all.  Yep, Baron strikes again! 
At this point I need Betty Crocker as our dog trainer aka cooking instructor.
All for now, I'm still cleaning.
Botswain