Thought I’d let you guys in on the source of a lot of grief over the last year – partly because I was ashamed I couldn’t teach him or train him, but also because I thought no one else would be interested. Initially I was going to call him “Trouble” or “Bulldozer”, as he was exactly the opposite of what I thought I was getting.
On a cold April day just over a year ago, I thought I’d do my grieving father a favor and get him another mutt as his best pal of 17.5 years had died. I wanted to get the same size, same breed, and hopefully the same temperment. Toy poodle, black, 7 pounds max . I found a “reputable” kennel whose name I’ll withhold … but maybe you tell me what you’d do …
Holy terror ...
Anyway, this cute little black bundle arrives, but he seems a wee bit bigger than I remember Bear ever being when he was small. Called the kennel – and they assured me again that he’ll be no more than 7 pounds full grown. 3 months down the road – it’s obvious – this kid is already 8 pounds and he is violently opposed to any discipline (I’ve got the 18 holes in my jogging pants to prove it!) and does as he pleases.
To top it off – I don’t care what his papers say (pure bred miniature poodle) – it’s obvious he’s no poodle – more like half poodle and half sneaky neighbor’s dog … and both he and dad decide they want nothing to do with each other. Which leaves me this huge headache and because I feel obligated since I was the instigator to this whole mess and I was the culprit that brought him home … so now he’s my problem.
Anyway … the last few months have seen a huge change. For the longest time he wouldn’t listen, wouldn’t come when called, kept peeing on the flowers (no many how many times I yelled, or threatened …) chased anything that moved, and wouldn’t even let anyone hold him. Actually I was ashamed to admit it, but he was out of control and I had no idea how to stop it.
We’ve had several dogs before, and yes they were spoiled, but they listened and were well behaved and mild mannered. With Snoopes … different story. But we’ve been working things out and I no longer think he needs a flying lesson and I really can’t believe the change in such a short time.
So, if it seems I don’t post for a few days … it’s ’cause Snoopes and I have gone on a road trip.
Ange
PS – the pics above were taken shortly after I got him.
