Sorry Lucky...I missed it!

    There should have been  a birthday party several weeks ago. Nothing big. No cake or ice cream. A couple of bones and a new toy. It was Lucky's third birthday.

   For those who follow our family, you will remember that several years ago  we decided that after a few  years without, we would get a dog, this time a puppy. After careful research and with allergies to pet fur, we opted for a standard poodle. They were said to be smart, easy to train and were pretty much hypo-allergenic because, instead of fur, they have hair. 
   Little did I understand who would require the training.

  When we brought him home from the kennel, he weighed about eight pounds. He was a cute little ball of black curly hair and big black eyes that would melt the heart of almost anyone. It was a thirty minute ride and we had anticipated tears and crying, for after all, he was leaving his mother and father, brothers and sisters. But we didn't cry, nor did he   and he enjoyed the trip to his new home.

   We were warned that the first few nights could be difficult and were prepared with all the recommended tools to make the adjustment as stress free as possible. There was a soft blanket, a warm water bottle  and an old shirt that he had been sleeping with while at the kennel for several weeks. Come to find out, those items were really for us. The first night he slept just fine and has done so ever since. Maybe he was happy to get away from those pesty siblings!

   With what seemed like a few short months, he put on some weight, grew longer, taller and so much stronger. By Thanksgiving of that year, he began to look, not like the cute little puppy he had been, but a mature and strikingly handsome young adult dog.

   The first trip to the groomer was like taking a child to the barber for the first time. Our previous experience with dogs did not involve regular hair cuts, but with Lucky it was going to be different. Nervous? He was fine. We weren't so sure. But he really liked the bath part. After all, poodles are water dogs. Right? At home he freely jumps into the bath tub, waiting patiently for someone to turn on the water.
   And now, at age three, he enjoys his trips to Danielle, his groomer, except when the hair is removal from the ears. (That would bother me too.)

   Poodles are very smart and we have found that to be true. Training has been a challenge, not for him, but for us. He has trained us well!  We have been part of a training program  that rewards with treats and  have met with great success. He loves to eat. Sit, drop, heel, front, are all part of his current vocabulary. Stay...For sure. 'Leave it' is also a success. He does  well and I am sure there are a number of other words he knows. His favorite word? Treat! The classes are going  well for both him and for us. Thanks Stephanie! 
   At three, he is very strong and his current weight is nearly eighty pounds, a long way from the eight pounds when we brought him home.

   From the beginning, he  enjoyed riding in the car and is quite eager to go anywhere we are willing to take him. "Car!!" and he runs to the door. Generally he either sleeps or looks out the back window, but he does like the ride.
   One of his favorite trips is to the dump.... sorry, the transfer station. He knows the route well and if I deviate at all, he becomes quite confused.

   Having a dog  has been a 'life'  refresher course for us. It is  hard not have a smile on your face when you to look into his big black eyes, talk to him  and watch as his head tilts from side to side as if he understands every word being said. .

   So to the 'Luckster", I am really sorry  we forgot your special day. Happy birthday guy!  :)