What's Popping at the Parks

Last Tuesday I said a prayer and drove twenty minutes to the San Mateo Humane Society. I'd searched on-line to no avail these past few weeks for a mature dog that wouldn't drop hair all over my home and wouldn't need thirty minutes of brisk exercise a day and wouldn't rip my house or my car apart, as my last rescue dog did.

To my astonishment not just one, but two mini-poodles stood behind the steel bars. I liked them both, but ended up with the older one - five to six years old, if the teeth tell well. After numerous family discussions, we've named her "Popcorn."

Poppy's unorthodox behaviors have lead us to sometimes sigh and say, Or, "What a strange dog." One family member, whose name I won't reveal, has even said, "She's not a real dog."

What shocks us is her refusal to eat and drink. Or, that she sometimes resists going on a walk or, once walking, wants to be carried after one block. Or, when on a walk she doesn't pee. And she doesn't seem to know where to put it when she does have the urge. On the sidewalk--heavens!

But we do love her. She is as adorable and cuddly as she looks in the photo. And she has started to eat some - if we add broth to her kibble. Today, she made her second do-doo in eight days! And--true to form--right on the path in our backyard. Oh, well--at least things are moving along. (Please excuse the mommy talk.)

I love the way she accepts pats from strangers and doesn't demand constant attention from me. She's done a lot of circling up on the couch and snoozing. She's coming when we call now and even following me around.

I suppose the time it's taken for her to start doing the normal dog stuff stems from being exhausted and traumatized. After all, she lived on the streets and then within a cage with three other dogs at the shelter. It takes time to recover and to trust that we're hers for good.

Comments

[Mariko]

Hi Carol
Poppy is so cute !! I love small dog so much b/c my parents had one for 17 years. Thanks for introducing me to other moms in MT. This summer I attended to most Park Play Date. This summer everyday I drove and took Emi outside to Park, Friend's house and trail. It is busy summer.
I will go back to Japan for 2 months ( from 09/03 to 11/03). It is big fun !!
This fall MT, you will have class !! Is it exciting ?
After coming back to here, I will join in MT !! Have a good weekend !!