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Are You Smarter than a Poodle
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This article was orginally published as "Poodles Are Just Another Little Person in the Family," by me, the original author. I have two small poodles and they have changed my life for the better. As sad and as sorry as it may seem on the surface of it, they have taught me positive lessons about love that I would never have imagined. They have taught me to love animals, peoples, things, ideas and more...life itself, if you will. I have not stopped learning, and learning to love, from my experiences with my poodles.
As published on NowPublic, the article, which has no commercial content whatsoever of which I am aware was marked as spam within 34 minutes of posting. I'm sure that action was taken by a well-meaning soldier, who is only trying to fight the good fight, all for what I agree is a good cause. Though I don't believe that the end alone can ever justify the means. (Now that is a newsworthy opinion.)
Unfortunatley, receiving the "marked as spam" message somehow reminded me of May 1, 2000, May Day, in London, when I passed a McDonalds that was ransacked and burned by the annual anti-capitalist crowd rally. Somehow I still see through such struggles, whether forged by ideology or religion, as a competitive battle for power, plunder and treasure by one group over another, a battle fought by idealistic pawns who's eyes have not yet opened. But, I'm sure all my thoughts and feelings are an overreaction. And then my thoughts turned to wonder whether NowPublic was a commercial enterprise, or a political, or charitable, social, intellectual, or some other kind of undertaking. In a muddle of confusion where the very meaning of words and concepts begin to blur over one another, I withdrew. "It doesn't matter," I thought. "It is their undertaking, not mine. Whatever they say goes. The article is gone." Thereupon, I vowed to get back up on my horse and write another.
Because the article expresses my opinion about poodles, I posted it in the "opinion" category, probably a mistake. My article did not berate a corporate entity for its greed, express why one interest group should win the brass ring, or dominate us all, over another interest group, nor does it cut down a political figure, movement, or body public. So, it probably was not worthy of calling it an opinion in the newsworthy sense.
Likewise, it did not discuss the significance of Britney Spears or some other public figure walking through a shopping mall and failing to wear underwear. Nor, this fact possibly having been revealed when she sat on a bench with her legs uncrossed, did it underscore the importance of drawing an entourage of media people around whereever you go, who care enough to look. Nor did she wear underwear on her head after shaving her head, nor were several others in the place wearing underwear, nor did anyone care.
And alas, it did not discuss killings, bombings, fires, war, destruction, death, politcal forces, crime, robberies, brutatlities, cheating, ideologies, unfairness, wrongs, evildoers or pestilence.
Regretably, there was no new product or service to announce in a press release, nor am I planning event that could be announced in the news.
I could not honestly claim that "man bites dog" (either dog) at this time. Although I thought about that for a while.
And thus, I'm going to conclude neither it, (nor probably this commentary) is in any way newsworthy.
However, in the interest of the public's right to know - the right to know that a Poodle is not a foo-foo and why a Poodle really is a dog to should consider for a pet, I reprinted the article on NowPublic within the confines of this very rant. So far, it has lived for at least 24 hours without being removed by a well-meaning standards enforcer. Put your hands together please, for NowPublic.
As for caveats and conflict of interest statement, please be aware that this author has no commercial interest in poodles, does not breed them nor sell them, and owns no stock in a pet food company. However, he does publish articles, if he thinks they are useful, valuable, or even entertaining. After all, why not? He also does write music, fiction, non-fiction and commentary. Furthermore, he has long awaited the appropriate context where he could refer to himself in the third person. This seems to be it, but I don't like it so much.
As you will see, the article does contain a link at the end to more articles. Maybe that's what made it so spammy. But then again, maybe my article was so stilted and insipid, it's got to be spam...
Without further ado, or maybe great ado about very little, so that you may judge with your own eyes, here is the text of the article at the very heart of the controversy, a tempest in a teaspoon, the one, the only:
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Poodles are Just Another Little Person in the Family
When you think about getting a dog for a loving, best-friend pet, have you thought about a Poodle? Poodles have much more than just great looks. They are smart, affectionate, great with children and so devoted. Poodles are extrmely people oriented. In fact, they do not do well without human companionship. Poodles are also friendly with other dogs and non-canine pets. They are very loving and loyal and will defend their home and people with their lives when threatened.
Poodles are non-shedding dogs and considered hypoallergenic, so this makes them wonderful dogs for people with allergies. Poodles are adaptable and easy to train. In fact, Poodles are among the most intelligent dogs you can own. As puppies, they do not usually need a lot of exercise although some daily exercise is recommended. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are just not demanding as far as exercise goes.
Poodles are sensitive to their owner's emotions, ready to be your best friend and quietly sit by your side when you are sad or equally ready to go play ball when you're happy. Poodles are clowns and prance around with a toy or a dog biscuit in theirmouths to greet you or to play with you. Above all, Poodles think they are human. They love their owners faithfully and want to be with them.
Many people think that Poodles originated in Germany. The name "Poodle" comes from the German word "Pudel," which is short for "Pudelhund," which means "splashing dog". Others are certain that the Poodle is actually descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. These dogs have a very long history. Poodles are depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. They were used extensively throughout Europe through the ages for retrieving game, (especially in the water.) Toy Poodles became royal favorites, particularly in the 18th century.
Poodles come in three recognized sizes, the Standard Poodle being the largest, the Miniature Poodle and the Toy Poodle (the smallest). Toy, miniature, and standard Poodles are distinguished by adult shoulder height. Toy Poodles are 10 inches or under at the highest point of the shoulder, and typically weigh less than 12 pounds. Miniature Poodles are taller than 10 inches and up to 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulder. For those who prefer a large dog, Standard Poodles are over 15" at the shoulder, with some reaching as much as 30" at the shoulder. "Standard" Poodles (the big ones) are usually between 45-60 pounds (Female) and 65-80 pounds (Male. Other designations, like the "Royal Poodle" on the large end of the spectrum, and the "Tiny Toy" and "Teacup" are not officially recognized sizes, but are used for convenience and descriptive purposes. Among the Toy Poodles, most breeders say "Tiny Toy Poodles" are 4 to 5 pounds, "Teacup Poodles" are 2 to 4 pounds, and the regular Toy Poodle is 5 to 8 pounds at maturity.
They are fairly healthy dogs. For example, in Miniature Poodles, the leading cause of death is old age (39%). They have relatively long life spans. and live anywhere from 12 to more than 15 years. As a general rule, smaller dogs have a longer life span than larger dogs, and accordingly, a healthy Standard Poodle may live as long as 14 years, and the smaller varieties longer.
Ear infections are a problem in all Poodle varieties, but ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care and regular grooming. Healthy Poodle ears should be cleaned on a regular basis, and so should the area around their eyes. Along with ear and eye care, your Poodle will need her teeth brushed and her nails trimmed. Poodles do require dental care as they are generally known to develop serious dental problems as they age.
Poodles come in many colors including black, white, red, apricot, silver, and brown. Because they don't shed Standard Poodles do need grooming regularly. We think of Poodles in elaborate grooming cuts, and we may see some like this on pictures, or shows. But, most pet Poodle owners keep their Poodles in much simpler cuts that are easier to care for and require less grooming.
You may seek a newborn Poodle puppy, or an adult. It is great to rescue an unwanted Poodle from a shelter, as they are generally so good natured and behaved. For some unknown reason, many people seem to want to adopt female Poodles. There is really no logical reason for this, as male Poodles are just as smart, attentive, and well behaved as the females. Most Poodles that end up in rescue centers are male and are usually over five years old.
Regardless of when or where you get a Poodle, you will find that you are truly adding a new family member. And one who thinks of himself or herself as a family member, just another person, like everyone else. Poodles are are wonderful with children as they love to play and do many silly things just as kids do. And adults will love this quality in the Poodle, too. Poodles are wonderful family and personal Pets, that will bring you many years of fun and constant companionship."
Well, upon rereading the article, I'm sure it's not inherently spam, (it depends on how it's used and where it appears,) but I'm also sure it does not really do Poodles justice.
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Written by Gary Gable. You can see more articles and
even submit your own and build a web publishing empire here. And, if you haven't had enough yet, you can hear
the some of author's 6 CD's of relaxing music at ggable.com
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