Something to Bark About

So it’s mid February and it is finally almost cold enough to snow (hope it stays cold for a few weeks and the fleas freeze).  You know they are still trying to jump on me.  Mom says we are all protected and she also puts some special oil in our shampoo that fleas don’t like.  She uses it on customers dogs at Ears to Rears Salon.  Do you know there is a life size PINK poodle in the salon window?  It’s not as beautiful as I am of course.

Next Friday, February 17 and Saturday, February 18 is the Fire & Ice Festival in Lititz.  I saw a BIG banner that Historic Rudy’s Hall will be opening it’s doors again for the Main Street “Indoor” Market.  It was  poodle approved as the Christmas Mart, so this will be even better.  Ms. Lisa (she owns the Rudy building and loves dogs) told me that there will be over 40 local  crafters, artists, and vendors all under one roof!  My Dad is 1 of them. He will have lots of antler chews and yummy biscuits and items that I approve and pick out for my store The Barking Lamb Lititz Mart hours are Fri 5:00-9:00 p.m. and Sat  9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Now for the NEWS.  I am not happy about this at all.  Mom did Not consult with me even once.  Just see if I keep her feet warm tonight.  You know that I am brilliant, wise and beautiful and she should have asked.  It seems that Ashley (one of the silver standard poodle girls that lives at my house) is PREGNANT.  Oh horrors.  Parker is the Daddy.  Mom said the puppies are due the end of the month.  Oh what will I do.  Do you remember when Dazzle was a puppy?  I did write about how she got puppy spit on me (and soiled me) and how she tried to chew my long silky ears.  Now there will be lots of them.     HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

I have lots of new ideas planned for the salon (I’ll be there a lot to get away from the puppies).  Ask Mom or Dad about my ‘SHORT NAIL CLUB’  Remind all your owners that the salt for the ice and snow is hard on yours paws, have them bring you in for a pad and elbow treatment and maybe a blueberry facial.  I love it when Mom gives me a facial and a sugar scrub.  I bet all the dogs I know would.

I’m off to bark at Parker and Ashley,  puppies I just can’t believe it.

So BARK out the message about Lititz Mart and if you don’t like  puppies chewing your ears.

Have a barking great day

Einstein

It’s been a while since Mom let me use the computer.  Something about me picking on Parker to much.  (He is knotted you know)  Anyway I promised I would not pick on his bad spelling or his dreadlocks or how silly he is anymore, so she said ok.

Well I had my salon day with Mom this week, you do remember how beautiful I am.  I love being at the salon with Mom all day.  Sometimes I have to share her with Parker, Dazzle or Ashley but it is great fun to meet the customers and bark hello to them.  Mom didn’t cut any of my coat off, told me it would keep me warmer.  She is smart so I will believe her.  When we go to bed Mom even pulls the covers up over me so I am toasty and I keep her extra warm that way.  Sure don’t want her turning into a Mom-sickle.

Yesterday Mom came home from the salon and told us about the dogs she groomed. She said they were very sweet (not as sweet as me tho)  She said they were Cotons’ but all I can picture is GIANT cotton balls like she puts in our ears before a bath. She told us that their coats are even softer than poodles and that they can matt up very easily, even with special shampoo and conditioners.   Maybe I will ask her to show me a picture of what the look like.  She grooms lots of breeds that most dogs  have never heard of.  (Dazzle especially because she is not much more than a baby)

Every one here is waiting to see if Ashley is pregnant.  If she is the puppies will be born the end of February or first couple days of March.  Mom said I will like them but I remember what a trial Dazzle was.  She actually got puppy drool on my foot if you remember.  I was soiled by a drooling puppy YUK

2012 has lots of changes at Ears to Rears and The Barking Lamb.  My favorite are the antler chews.  They are good for us and our teeth have never looked better.  Mom never allowed us to have rawhide and said bones made our coats greasy, these are GREAT.  Also new is the addition of the Wysong dog food line.  Again it is a USA based company (no food from China for our customers) that has never had a recall.  Mom says it is good enough for even me to eat. WOOF WOOF it tastes great, I love the pheasant.   When you stop in the salon to visit me, or pick up your beautifully just groomed dog, check out all the new collars and toys.  Most of the toys I helped pick out.

Also new at Ears to Rears, THE SHORT NAIL CLUB, it’s easy,  just come in once a month to have your nails clipped, bring your card to be marked off and it will be
1/2 price

Hope you all have a warm thick bed and blanket and a favorite toy to play with.  If you see a poor dog outside too long BARK as loud as you can so they bring him in.

Have a barking great day

Einstein

I was reading Mom’s mail and one of her friend’s sent this.  Author is unknown.    I really like it a lot and want all the dogs to feel this way!  .  .  .  .

Here in this house…

Here in this house… I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks of the other dogs ‘out there’.

I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake my world will not have changed.

I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I’ll eat.

I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.

I will feel the sun’s heat, and the rain’s coolness, and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.

My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house… There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.

I will be talked to and, even if I don’t understand, I can enjoy the warmth of the words.

I will be given a name so that I may know who I am among many. My name will be used in joy, and I will love the sound of it!

Here in this house… I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.

I will never be used to improve peoples’ images of themselves.

I will be loved because I am who I am, not someone’s idea of who I should be.

I will never suffer for someone’s anger, impatience, or stupidity.

I will be taught all the things I need to know to be loved by all.  If I do not learn my lessons well, they will look to my teacher for blame.

Here in this house… I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch…knowing that, no matter what they do, they do it for the good of me.

If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed. If sad, I will be cheered.

No matter what I look like, I will be considered beautiful and known to be of value.

I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill, too unruly, or not cute enough.  My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.I will learn that humans can almost, sometimes, be as kind and as fair as dogs. Here in this house…
I will belong. I will be home.

Now BARK for joy if you are one of the lucky ones.

Einstein

Wow, it has been a busy time here.  Mom has been making me work so hard that I almost haven’t had time to BARK.

It all started last month with this big important dog show called Morris and Essex.  I also got to go  and my Aunt Molly went along too.  She has strange dogs, they are called Irish Setters.   Red hair and long tails with no pompom. We worked very hard getting Parker’s cords (they are really knots) looking perfect.  Dazzle was almost as well behaved on the grooming table as Parker and I but her topknot is not near as wonderful as mine.  Everyone says she is cute.  Yuk,  she is JUST a puppy, bad manners and all. You do remember that I am knock down gorgeous?    When we got there it was exciting.  Mom said it was the largest entry of any dog show this year.  Parker took  Select,  it must be good because everyone was excited about it.  I got to see my friends Grace and Marlene again so it was a BARKING good day.

So you don’t forget how beautiful I am here is a picture of me  2 summers ago on the deck.

Me and Mom have been very busy grooming at Ears to Rears salon (unfortunately she only grooms me once a day, all day would be better).  I get sad when dogs come in that have mats and are dirty.  They don’t look happy, but Mom makes them almost as beautiful as me.  When she is finished she gives them all a tummy rub and a cookie.  Tummy rubs are good things.

October 30 was a big deal day Mom said.  She called it a benefit dog wash.  It was for Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central PA.  Linzey is the director and she is almost as nice as my Mom.  You should visit their site and make a donation so more dogs can help people.  That is really SOMETHING TO BARK ABOUT.

A lady from the Shih Tzu rescue came in the store last week to thank me and Mom for suggesting NuVet supplements to her.  She said it is really helping her old dog and the new rescues stay healthy and happy.  She even said that their hair was almost as nice as mine.  Mom says NuVet is good for me but I like it because it tastes so good.

Poppa just took me out.  I was running around like the wind playing in the leaves.  They look so pretty on my white hair.  I almost rolled in them but then I remembered that was not dignified.  Instead I just barked.  Dazzle and Parker jump real high in the air to catch the leaves and act very silly.  Dazzle loves to jump in them in the morning when they are wet.  It makes her dirty and smelly (puppies smell).

Another big dog show to get Parker ready for.  The Kennel Club of Philadelphia is Saturday.  You can watch it on TV right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.  If Parker does good maybe they will put his knotted face on TV.  (Ut oh, Mom just yelled at me and told me to talk nice about Parker.)

Mom said we are all to BARK loud on Saturday to cheer Parker at the show.  So start to practice now.

Have a Barking great day.

E~

It’s been a long summer. And so hot.  I hope all the dogs and other critters had AC.

Mom has been making Parker and I work really hard.  She needs help to run the store and salon, I help in the store because Parker doesn’t understand the cash register.  He has to work in the salon.   That’s where Dazzle always is.  She is the wild child (she tries to bite my lips and beautiful ears).  at night after work Parker and I have to teach Dazzle everything. She already knows how to bark real good.   But all she want to do is play and carry sticks.  (Don’t tell anyone, I think she looks very cute with a stick, prancing around.)

Sunday Mom went to the Berks County Kennel Club dog show to hang out with our friends from By Nature.  They have funny names, Dog Food Demo Girl and Biscuit Boy?  You can check them out on Facebook,  they have YUMMY dog treats.  We have them at The Barking Lamb so your people can buy them for you.  Just bark until they bring them home for you.

All summer we have been planning a fun contest for all the dogs.  Keep an eye on the Ears to Rears site for details.  Guaranteed tail waggin’ fun.

Another important bit of news.  Dad built a ramp at the store so all our friends in wheelchairs can come in real easy.  My friend Linzey, from Phoenix Assistance Dogs of Central PAs checked it out and gave us her seal of approval.  Her service dog Gretel is wonderful.

Remember, practice that barking,  turn every car ride into a Bark & Ride and wag alot.

Einstein, don’t forget I am so beautiful.  Woofs, wags and howls

My shoulder is better so I am back at the computer.  Parker did a pretty good job helping me.  Guess I’ll let him look at my ball tonight.  But not for too long.

The 4th of July was a fun day for all the dogs that live at my house.  My people sister brought her new Norwich terrier puppy over to play with Dazzle, the new poodle puppy.   They are so foolish. Run, zoom, bark, jump, potty break and eat.  All that puppy breath..YUCK.  Even my people brother was here, he gives me lots of treats.  YUM!!

Lititz had it’s annual 4th of July parade, I was in it last year on a BIG float for the Lancaster Kennel Club.  That was fun. Dad played music and lots of my dog and people friends were on the float also.    This year we just enjoyed the AC and the parade.  It was Dazzle’s 1st parade ever.  I told her to be brave and she was.  Parker and I had lots of fun BARKING of course.

Mom reminded us about what the holiday really meant and she told us again that many people and dogs are heroes.  Did you know that Standard Poodles like me were used as war dogs in some of the wars.  Lots of people have flags and banners up, it’s America’s birthday.  I helped Mom put a red, white and blue standard poodle in the window at The Barking Lamb.  That’s my store you know. (I am much handsomer than the poodle in the window)  hehe, Maybe Mom will dye Parker red, white and blue.  That would be funny with his cords.

We live very close to the Lititz Springs Park where the fireworks are.   They make things rattle off the shelves here.  Mom and Dad turn the TV up loud.  This year they brought the puppy’s crate in by the TV with us so she could see how brave Parker and I are.  She did get a little scared but she is only 13 weeks old.  Did I tell you she has puppy breath?

Dazzle and Parker had their picture in the Lititz Record Express paper this week.  It was an article about Mom’s dog salon, Ears to Rears, and how she makes all dogs look and smell fabulous like me.  Today she did nails on an Irish terrier.  She was real pretty, and red like some poodles.

Driving home from the store (Mom drives,  I sit on the back seat) I saw a very  scary thing.  Remember that it is soooooooooo hot.  There was a car parked with the windows only cracked a little and I saw a little dog looking out panting.  Please don’t do that to your pets, or your children either.  I wanted to bite the owners.

Lots of new shampoo came in and also some brushes like Mom uses.  If you need a new one, or some yummy treats stop in at The Barking Lamb and Ears to Rears  and I’ll show you where they are.  Drink lots of water, sit in front of the AC and BARK your heads off.

Einstein

OK, dogs all over.  It’s time to sound the BARK ALARM.  It hot, and it’s real dangerous for us and even cats (babies and big people too).  When your people take you out for your ‘bark and ride’,  Bark as loud as you can whenever you see a critter outside with no water and shade or maybe worse in a hot car with no air on and windows up.  Just cause PETA wants us all gone in one generation this is not the way to do it.

I’m feeling a little under the weather myself,  an old shoulder injury is acting up so tonight (I can’t believe I am doing this) I’m letting Parker have some blog time.  I’ve been trying to teach him.  His spelling is not very good yet.  Please don’t forget how handsome I am.   . . and it will be a long time before that puppy breath, toe biting Dazzle is even close to ready to do this .

Don’t blow it Parker, this is your chance to ROCK.

Woof, woof, woof, bounce bounce, I can’t blieve Stein gonna let mee do puter stuff.  I better not look at his Ball.

A reel nice man was in Mommy’s store 2day.  He was reel  happi Mommy finished some present for his ‘versary’ so his wife won’t yell aat him.  It was one of the Dog Show Jewelry thingers. (Stein stop barking at me, i is trying)  Mommy wrapped it pretty 4 him and Stein put his toe on the ribbon for the bow.  Maybe someday I will be ‘llowd’ 2 do that.

Mommy gave Dazzle a nuther bath 2day (she gets dirty easy), she wiggles lots.  I jumped on groom tablle to show her how to be a big girl and stand still.  I told her my other Mommy, Marlene, taught me.  Told her ’bout dog shows and that I was a Champion,  but she went over and used her wee wee pad.  and Stein thinks i’m dumb,  hehe, is he in for a surprise.

Mommy and ’stein was lookin at a book ’bout dog sunglasses so we don’t get sun damage in out eyes.  Maybe that store on Sturgis Lane, Leese I-Wear will get them for us.  Mommy says she loves dogs and cats ’cause she has some.  I’ll ask ‘Stein to call her  and see if she nose ’bout them dog glasses.

Lots of stuff got delivered 2day.  Real important was the yummy dog food we eat.  It’s called By Nature and it’s in Mommys store.  Was reel citing cause there was a giant box of dog toys, grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr to Mom, she said I had  nuff toy and these was for customers.  I’ll get Dazzle to steal some,  she’s too little to get in big trouble yet.

Ut-oh  Mom wants puter back so she can work on the Ears to Rears salon web site.  I bet she wants to put pictures of the new toys up on line.  (Don’t buy them  I want them all.  Stein don’t growl I’ll let you have some of them,  (I want the blue platypus 4 me).

Please drink lots of water and stay in the AC  and BARK and BARK and BARK

Parker  (please write back and tell “Stein I did a reel good job, mayb he’ll share 1 of his yum Polka Dog Chicken Little cookies with me)

Does anyone know just how hard it is for me to stay beautiful.  I have to sleep on the grooming table at least an hour a day and Mom MAKES me wake up half way through so she can turn me.  Geez, what does she think I am, a piece  of cheap meat.

Dazzle

Today was a very hard day for me.  I was in Mom’s salon and the new puppy, her name is Dazzle Mom says,  but I call her #%X /.  My top knot was just properly combed out and banded up, my mane fluffed and bracelets combed and a few straggles trimmed, so you could see how gorgeous I am, I have told you I am handsome. . . . Mom helped me to the floor as I am NOT allowed to jump down. . and. . then she struck, like lightening, a speeding bullet from out of nowhere (actually from the little corner behind the sales counter).  That Dazzle had the nerve to bite MY TOE and had MY NAIL in her mouth.  Good heavens, I’m soiled, my foot smells like puppy breath, it stinks, yuk.  Mom came over, I really wanted to eat Dazzle, but that would be very bad manners, and Mom told her no and put her in her x-pen.  I held my foot up by Mom.  She looked at it and said it was ok.  I actually had to bark at her to get it washed.  It was soiled with puppy spit.  That little silver girl had better NEVER touch my ball.

I think puppies should be born grown up and with manners.  And not toe biters.  Even Parker has really good manners and he has only lived with me about 8 months.  (I think his other Mommy, I met her once, she was really nice also, Mom’s are like that, taught him the right stuff)  Sometimes he puts his nose in my ear,  but that’s ok ’cause I do that to him.  And he looks at MY ball, but he never touches it.  I sniffed his armadillo one time but I didn’t pick it up (it has his spit on it).  There are just certain things that should not be done in a civilized dog community.

After I am done here I will have to email my friends, Sam and Todd at Aaron’s Books in Lititz, PA.  Maybe there is a book, with lots of pictures (I am sure Dazzle cannot read yet) that will teach her manners.  You can’t imagine what she does on newpaper sometimes.

I still want to go shopping in Lititz, there is a neat store called Leese I-Wear.  I think the carry sunglasses for poodles because the stuffed poodle in my store, The Barking Lamb has sunglasses on from them.  It is supposed to be cooler on Wednesday so I will go then.

Remember BARK LOTS more, it’s good for you.  and remember this hot weather is not good for dogs.  Don’t stay in the car with the windows up unless the AC is running.

Einstein

What a week for a dog to live through.  A very long time ago I was the only dog in my house.  Life was rather quiet and peaceful.   I thought that was the way it would be.

Please remember I am a good dog,  and I am very handsome also.  I always behave and I am a gentleman.  One day Mom left me home (she does that once in a while) and told me she would be back with a surprise.  A couple hours later in she walks ‘WITH ANOTHER DOG’  She told me his name was Parker and that he was almost as sweet as me.  I did not believe her.  I will get used to him she said.  Do you know she actually expected me to share my grooming table with him!!!!

I guess maybe Mom was right, Parker is ok.  He likes to do some strange things however.  Now I really love to chase rabbits and squirrels.  They scamper and scurry and just begged to be chased.  But Parker,  he almost totally ignores them. . . he thinks he can fly and maybe he can. And I hate to admit it (but I have to because dogs can’t lie) but he can do something I can’t do any more.  He can jump really high into the air and catch a live bird.  He already got 2.  Mom tells him that he should not do that, explains something about getting hurt.  Then she reminds him that he is neither a gazelle or a stallion.  I think he is part kangaroo.

Did I tell you Parker is also a Standard Poodle.  Please don’t think he looks like me.  I have a beautiful English Saddle haircut, did I tell you I am beautiful?   Mom showed me picture from the ago times of what she called “corded poodles.”  Looks like knots to me.  That, she explained, is how Parker will look.  YIPPEE he won’t be on MY grooming table.     WRONG,  just like me he is on the grooming table every day.  But at least she never uses my brushes or combs on him.  I guess maybe I am getting used to him because I think he looks ok now since his hair is getting longer.

So anyway Parker and I sort of got into a schedule and he knows that some things are only for me; like the sofa in the living room and my favorite ball.  And Mom always makes sure I get lots of 1 on 1 time with just her, she doesn’t even bring Poppa along.  Life is certainly something to BARK about, and BARK as loud as you can.

Einstein

P.S.  oh no!!! horrors guess what Mom did now.   grrr, woof  bark

What’s a dog to do? I have spend my whole life being a great dog.  I happily do as I am asked, I’m beautiful, I am impeccably clean, I’m very handsome and when my feet are soiled I stand quietly so they can be rinsed and dried. Did I mention that I’m gorgeous.

So what does Mom do, she gets off the phone with one of her dog friends and announces that either Friday or Sunday she is going to pick up the new puppy. YUCK, puppy breath. I was afraid for a minute that it would be a Lab or maybe a Shih Tzu, but at least it’s a poodle.   That is a bit of a relief.   A little silver girl. Better than another boy. Parker is enough for me to take.   He is always looking at MY favorite toy.

So now I guess she will want me to share my grooming table at her salon, Ears to Rears and probably want me to help her train it.   It better not wet on my bed.  Hmmm, maybe I can give her my dog food when I don’t like it.

Well, I just put my paws (all 4 of them) down and told her, “I will not take it with me on my upcoming walking tour of Lititz.”  Can you imagine a bratty puppy in The North Star with all that glass!!   Gwen and Chris would never pet me again if I brought her in there.    They have really big, pretty glass balls there.  Do you think a puppy would think it was a squeaky toy?

Maybe I will find a beautiful glass water bowl for myself at the North Star, I deserve it.  I hope everyone goes there, you might even get to meet me.  I am very handsome you know.

So I have to make sure I get a few more nights of great beauty sleep ’cause I bet they will be few and far between.  I’m off to stretch out on the sofa in front of the AC.

Einstein, who is not happy