Suzie Paine, Sales Broker at Bayleys in Three Lamps, Ponsonby introduces her best
mate Ralph.
Tell us a few things about Ralph. Where did he come from and how old is he? Have you had a dog before?
Well first of all Ralph is a poochon and is the sweetest little man with a very kind temperament. He is 22 weeks old and everything in life is just one GYLUMPSCIOUS (new word) fun experience.
Ralph was born in the Waikato. His father is a toy poodle and his mother a bichon/sydney silkie cross. He was the only tri-colour puppy in his litter of seven and he just stood out to me to be quite the wee character. I think he may change colour as he gets older but he’ll still be just as cute!
I have had big dogs in the past and never really been drawn to small breeds. My sister has the most beautiful chihuahua called Tilly and I fell in love with her and so decided a small breed was for me, especially as I live in an apartment.
He learns extremely quickly and house training was no problem…after a few trial and errors!
What’s his favourite treat?
He loves helping himself to the herbs in the garden and especially likes to carry around and chew on a bay leaf, although Ziwi treats are his favourite, along with liver treats.
Where does he enjoy a walk?
Or should the question be where do I like to go walking? Well we found a big mud puddle in Meola Park. Ralph circled it and peered into it then circled it again. Another big dog jumped in and started digging away and thick muddy water was flying everywhere. I called to Ralph, “Noooo you are an apartment dog”. He circled once more then pinged straight up in the air (that’s the poodle in him) all four paws wide part and went SPLOOSH, sunk, and then came up looking very happy with himself. I didn’t look that happy carrying one muddy dunked fluff ball home under my arm! We haven’t been back.
So, Grey Lynn Park is the favourite. The dogs are nice and the people are friendly and have nick named him Fluffball! Ralph trots around on the lead and when it comes time for an off lead play he’s the fastest in the park!
Where does he sleep?
He prefers to be close to me. Ok, he sleeps on the end of the bed, on a blanket; his blanket. He’s happy there. I tried crating, but he tried harder to get out and did on several occasions. Maybe I should have called him Houdini.
Has he been to Barkley Manor yet?
We have our first ‘meet and greet’ there on Thursday. My last dog spent lots of time at Barkley Manor and always came home with a good school report card. Let’s hope Ralph keeps up with the expectations. I think they will love him.
I see you take him to work. Is that on what I call the ‘Dolly Parton shift 9 to 5’?
Haha. He gets to come in occasionally and is well loved by all the staff and my colleagues. He gets lots of love and hugs and puts a smile on everyone’s face. I took him in today sporting his new double sided vest and he thought he was looking very dapper indeed!
He is fabulous at finding things on the ground that he shouldn’t - like pens and rubber bands! I don’t need him to swallow one of those; he has enough ping already.
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