Heatwave to Hell

There is nothing, I mean NOTHING, as determined and annoying as a bored poodle. Zeus loves to walk, play, chase the water spray of the hose, and is usually a good boy those days he gets to participate in at least two of these activities. However, he is a "black poodle", which means he overheats really quickly. As such, summer is a trying time... we either have to do the outdoor fun stuff very early in the morning or late at night. The last near week has not even allowed that... when it is over 90F at 6am, and 106F by mid-afternoon, there is no "cool" time to be outside.

The poor poodle is BORED... and aching to let loose and burn off energy. I hope the heat wave breaks before our sanity does!

Nothing more destructive than a bored dog

That's not a Poodle... that's a Pony!

Zeus has definitely moved from the appearance of "puppy" to "dog"... even if he is still a puppy at heart (and attitude). He's becoming a BIG boy... just look at that progress from January through September!

Local Celebrity

Sherri and I were reminded today of just how striking Zeus is. We were at staples, buying some supplies, when the cashier looked at us and asked, "do you live..."

We replied that we did.

She perked up. "You have that beautiful dog!" She was a bus driver who went past our neighborhood every day during the school year and was used to slowing to allow the kids to oggle at the puppy as we walked at the same time as the bus route.

It is amazing just how striking he is to others. To us, he's our beautiful, bratty, boy... to others, he's a magnificent and striking dog that they are amazed by.

It is odd to be recognized by strangers because we are the owners of "that dog".

Next thing you know, there will be a reality tv show about such things!

Silence of the lamb-wooly puppy!

Zeus has become enamored with his own voice. He barks at the cats, at us, and at anyone or anything that passes by. He isn't a continual barker, but his bark is so percussive that it cuts up our peace instantly. We've obtained a "petsafe, antibark collar" and Zeus has worn it last night and today. It is not left on him when we aren't around, nor is it on him when outside. It provides a mild electrical shock to him when he barks. This appears to be working extremely well. He seldom goes beyond a single bark now; and as his barking usually accompanies unwanted excited behavior he receives a "correction" for both actions. He is still playful, happy, and comfortable... but his occassional barks are now short lived. I would prefer not to have to use such methods; but as my own nerves and comfort should be considered in addition to being humane to my pets, the collar is the best choice.

My dog is my copilot!

Well, not in "life", that's reserved for The Wife, but he does enjoy being my navigator when running errands. I generally take him about with me to the dump, the farmer's stand, and other quick stops where he can either get out with me or won't be in the car longer than a couple minutes.

Zeus rides in the car extremely well. He is behaved, calm, and happy. I am glad we have worked to take him as many places as possible in the car (not just the vet) so that it is a "normal" thing for him. He does get a bit "barky" if I get out of sight of him while at a location and he's left in the car, but that's to be expected.

He is also so very well behaved (usually) when we do get to the farm stand and such that most people truly enjoy having him show up!

Zeus and the Wet Stick

Five Months of Growth

Our Poodle Boy has grown a LOT since we got him in January