California Poodle

We've had some major excitement at our house during the last few weeks and now that it's official, I have been given clearance to share it with you.

Short has accepted a job promotion, so we're heading out west to Sacramento! That's right; I'm going to be a California poodle! This could be my big break into show business.

We're all so excited. I'm hoping to meet lots of new friends on the other side of the country.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

I've been told by the humans that today kicks off National Dog Bite Prevention Week. Should I be offended? I hardly think my puppy bites can be counted toward the 4.7 million people a year who are bitten by dogs, but maybe I'm wrong. I certainly mean no harm to my humans; I only want to play with them.

Regardless, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer some tips on preventing dog bites that I wish everyone, not just children, would observe. Here are a few:

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog. (You wouldn't approach a strange human and try to pet them, would you?)
• Do not run from a dog and scream. (Seriously. This is not only annoying, but also embarrassing.)
• Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree") when approached by an unfamiliar dog. (Yes, let me sniff you to my heart's content.)
• If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and lie still. (This is good for a laugh.)
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog. (We all know staring is impolite.)
• Do not disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. (But it's okay if we do this to you.)

Happy National Dog Bite Prevention Week!

Something to Sink My Teeth Into

As I was napping this afternoon, a delicious aroma floated into my crate and filled my nostrils. Was it chicken? No. Was it turkey treats? No. Tall was cutting raw meat off uncooked beef rib bones that she purchased for me at Whole Foods.

I later learned my vet recommended these uncooked bones to help my stinky breath and stained back teeth. Tall discussed this with her during our visit on Wednesday. I loved my vet before, but hearing she was the reason I received this delicious treat quadrupled my affection for her.

Apparently, this bone was one of three that Tall purchased. I'm anticipating getting another one any day now. However, until it arrives, I shall feast upon this bone like there's no tomorrow. Photos of me enjoying my yummy treat follow.

Take your "Doghter" to Work Day

Yesterday, Short Human had a doctor's appointment, which just so happens to be on the first floor of the building where Tall Human works. Tall suggested that Short bring me with her so I could visit Tall's coworkers and see her office. I was pleased by the prospect. After all, I'm very curious about where the Humans spend the majority of their weekdays.

Although Tall's coworkers seemed mildly interested in me (some more than others), I'm sad to report that she has a very boring work environment. Honestly, I'd rather nap at home in my crate. So, I now know that when they leave me for the day, I'm not missing out on anything at all.

Goodbye, Tooth

You won't believe what happened today. Tall pulled one of my teeth! Yes, you read that correctly. SHE PULLED MY TOOTH. I am flabbergasted.

Wen Tall saw some staining on one of my "way-back" teeth this morning, I knew I was in trouble. Normally she doesn't see these teeth, but I was panting and they were on display for anyone and everyone to see. Tall immediately went into a panic, worrying about the staining because she hadn't been brushing my teeth as much as she thought necessary.

After we arrived home from agility class, she pounced on me and started brushing my teeth. I put up a struggle, but was exhausted from class and was no match for her. As she brushed my top teeth, we both heard a "crack" sound and sort-of stared at one another. She started panicking again, this time thinking she had broken one of my teeth. After prying my mouth open to get a better look, Tall saw that the tooth was barely hanging on, so she pulled it out. It was one of my puppy teeth.

Neither of us are sure if this is the first puppy tooth I've lost, but the humans are saving it. Tall cleaned it up and put it in their jewelry box. I wonder if Tall will let me pull one of hers in exchange for the one she stole from me.

Puppy Plus Class

Last Saturday was the final day of my Puppy Love class, and today I moved onto the next, which is called Puppy Plus.

I can already tell I'm going to like this class much better. The humans also like it better because, according to them, the instructor isn't an effing b*tch. I'm not exactly sure what that means, but I'm guessing I might be too young to understand.

Today's class was packed full of training exercises that build on what we learned in the Puppy Love class. But at the end of class, they set up some agility equipment — an A-frame and plank — for us to try. I wasn't a big fan of the plank, but I loved the A-frame. Can't wait to do that again!

Dreaming About Poodles

Tall Human shared with me a dream she had a few nights ago and I want to share it with you. It's quite interesting.

In her dream, my breeders were retiring, but didn't want to see their legacy of breeding champion poodles end. So, the breeders called my humans and asked if they would be interested in taking over Aris Poodles. Tall Human was extremely excited about this prospect and somehow managed to talk Short Human into going along with the plan.

Isn't this a crazy dream?!

Toy 9: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Recycle Ball

Remember the My Toy Box Investigative Series I started back in April but never finished? If so, I'm picking up where I left off. If not, forget about what I just wrote and keep reading.

Today's toy is the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff Recycle Ball, which wasn't actually in my toy box until today. It's a new gift from the humans.

So far, I'm immensely pleased with the Recycle Ball. This toy is not only really bouncy and fun, but is also environmentally friendly. The Recycle Ball is made from a "regrind" of 100 percent first-quality material to prevent waste, and the manufacturer touts it as indestructible. We'll soon see about that. In the meantime, I'll take satisfaction in knowing my toy isn't too bad for the environment. As Planet Dog says, "Recycle, reuse, rewoof."

Confessions From a Sick Poodle

For the third time since moving to Orlando, I was stricken with some of the worst diarrhea imaginable. That's why I've been missing from the blogosphere this week. I'm only able to write about it now because I've fully recovered. Being sick like that is a humiliating, traumatizing event.

I realize that authoring this blog might give you the impression that I'm a much older, more mature dog than I really am. But in truth dear readers, I am only a four-month-old puppy, and I am afraid of many things. I am especially afraid of the loud noise that bellows from my hind quarters as I waddle around the yard trying to rid my body of whatever has overtaken my digestive system. I am so afraid, in fact, that I jump when I hear the noise, which makes the humans moan in sympathy and giggle under their breath. They say they know how I feel but until they know what it's like to bare their bottoms and poop in a wide-open grassy area, they know nothing about how I feel. Nothing.

The humans are, however, excellent caregivers when I'm sick. They don't make me walk long distances and they cook and feed me boiled chicken and rice. They also have my pet sitter stop by more frequently so I'm not forced to soil my crate. That would certainly be the straw that broke the poodle's back.

Me in Action

I share!

Some photos, for those of you who asked . . .

Thanks for the sweet comments! Here's some photos of my new cut for those of you who requested them. (Psst . . . Pardon the weird eyes; Tall Human is by no means a professional photographer.)

The Cookie From Chicago

A few weeks ago, my Auntie Kelli brought me a gourmet cupcake cookie from a fancy dog bakery all the way in Chicago. Unfortunately, I was unable to eat it because of my tummy trouble. Until now, that is.

Behold the beautiful, delectable, cupcake cookie. Its beautiful, besprinkled frosting has beckoned to me for too long.Today, the humans decreed that I could eat this delicious cookie. So, Tall Human presented it to me:I sniffed the cookie. Satisfied that it would be delicious, I began sampling it:
Putting the entire thing in my mouth apparently wasn't what the humans had in mind:Once shown the error of my ways, I ate the cookie like a civilized dog and all was well.

Family Reunion

I have exciting news, everybody. Today, I got to visit my mom and dad and all the adult poodles I lived with until I moved to Orlando with my humans. It was so much fun! I also got to visit with my breeders, Beth and Michael, who are really top notch.

After puppy class, Tall Human drove me a whole three hours to their house. I know that was thoughtful of her to want me to get back to my roots, but she had ulterior motives. First, Beth agreed to give Tall Human a lesson in dog grooming. Second, Tall Human can't resist being around multiple poodles. Nonetheless, it was a win-win situation for us both.

As soon as we arrived, Tall Human let me off the leash in the back yard and mom came out. She recognized me right away and we played. She looked so pretty! Beth brought dad out for a quick hello, and I got to see Promise and Buffy for a few minutes too. I mostly hung out with mom though, which was just fine with me.

Beth and Michael fussed over me, which was really sweet, and I showed them all my obedience work and tricks. Then Beth and Tall Human (mostly Beth) groomed me. Because they were both going to so much trouble, I tolerated it.

I was sad when it was time to go, but I also was in very bad need of a nap. Beth sent lots of toys home with us, including more PPTs (a purple and orange one this time!), so I curled up with them in the back seat and let Tall Human chauffeur us home.