Passing of A Friend

Today, November 14, 2011 is truly a sad day. It is with a heavy and sad heart that I announce the passing of a true friend. A dog you say, no, not just a dog. Champagne Rose came into my life by being bought by my neighbor Stephanie, whom had never owned a pet before. One month after the purchase, Stephanie got a second job and told me she either had to sale C-Rose or could I walk her in the evenings. Stephanie had already become emotionally attached to C-Rose, so how could I say No. I walked C-Rose nearly every evening for the next seven years. Loved every minute of it, even the cold.
C-Rose's intelligence was apparent early on, she learned how to sit in just under two hours. I went and bought Stephanie a book on dog training. The next weekend Stephanie showed me three new tricks C-Rose had learned. I was impressed, so I started to just talk to the dog. She associated many words with whatever was wanted of her. Here are just a few examples: Inside, outside, front porch, the mailman, go for a ride, take a wizz,(Stephanie says 'Go potty'), she learned the difference between hot and cold water (she preferred cold). C-Rose just started running and jumping hurdles one day, hurdles about two feet high. No reason I guess except for the pure joy of being a young dog.
Walking her on a leash was my one of my favorites, early in training I started to teach her Left and Right. Next I used Stop and then got her to sit while stopping at a corner. I had a idea one day and tried it and it worked. After that, training to walk was a breeze. One day a man watched as we approached the store. He asked me how did I get her to go left and right like that. I replied that I trained her the same way you would a horse, Silent commands.
Now to my all time favorite, C-Rose's bark. As you may not know, a poodle's bark is very loud and deep pitched. This fact is because poodles where originally breed as hunting dogs. When I found out this fact the fun was on. I used C-Rose's natural instinct to train her to protect her house and owner. I had a blast, when I whispered 'Get'em' she would go nuts and I mean berserk. Sometimes Stephanie had a time getting her to calm down, but with me egging her on...
I know this has been long, but C-Rose was a special dog who enriched both Stephanie's and my life. Stephanie is a regal lady and C-Rose was a regal dog. She will be surely missed. Also, this is the first dog ever that I thought that I hope God can find a small spot in Heaven for her. I would like to see her again. Sad day, Later.