Hi:

My name is Percy. I came to live with Laura when I was almost 4 months old. She found me because this nice lady, Marcy, brought me to Massachusetts from where I was born in Florida. I don’t remember much of that time. I was supposed to go live with some people who wanted a poodle puppy, but they never called Marcy after I arrived. She said not to worry, that the right person would come along. That, they would really like me and want me and be the best alpha dog in the pack.

A family came to visit. The Dad and son and daughter were great. But, the mom wasn’t so sure she wanted a dog, so I waited just a little bit longer and Laura showed up. I was so cute and she couldn’t resist me. She had her sister come visit a few days later. Her sister has had many dogs and knows how to tell if a dog will be a good one. She told Laura that she would help pay for me because it was really important that she take me home.

I bet you can guess what happened next. You are probably almost as smart as I am. I knew I had it in the bag when Laura brought her sister and her daughter to meet me. I showed her how I could run and play and fetch. And, my stance was as good as any show dog would have. My puppy fur was so soft and fluffy. I only weighed 9 pounds. And, Marcy had given me a bath. (I now weigh 25 pounds.)

I am very attached to Laura. I just can’t help myself. She walks me and feeds me and throws my ball to play fetch. She took me to school and I know how to sit, shake hands, lay down, and I even ring a bell to tell her I need to go out. I get to sleep snuggled up on her bed at night. I hate being alone. And, since she has her own business, I get to earn my keep by entertaining and greeting her sewing students.

It is a very important job. I don’t want anyone to feel left out. I want everyone to know that they are welcome and I am happy to see them. Sometimes, it is so exciting to me, I have to go lay down and rest. I like being around people and want to catch as much attention as I can, so, I often lay in the middle of the floor. That way, people have to take notice of me. They usually step over me. But, sometimes, they stop and scratch my ears, then I offer them my belly and it doesn’t get better than that.

I do miss George, the mailman. He would come in to drop off the mail. Then, he would have me sit and he would give me a treat!!!! He is on another route now. I hope he stops by to say “hello” sometime. I really miss him.

I try to pick one person in each class to take me out on walks. One of my favorite students is Gina. Oh, She is the Bomb! I go wild when she comes in the door. I like to stand there and wait for her to arrive. I can barely contain myself. She takes me for a walk, I give her a gift in return. She bags it up and takes it back to the shop. I am so proud of myself. Then, before she leaves, I go over and remind her, with my nose, not to forget to take me out again. She has even taken me with her for longer walks after class. She introduces me to her friends, and family. I just love meeting new people.

Then, there is Charlotte. She used to come every week, but no more. I guess it is because she goes to a school far away. Luckily, she likes to have me come sleepover at her house. She plays with me, brushes me, feeds me. I whine when she leaves me to take a shower, but her family is OK. In fact, I think they really like having me around. Who wouldn’t?

The list can go on. If you haven’t met me, yet, I would love to meet you. But, if you can only come on Saturdays, I won’t be available. I have a standing date with my Tibetan Terrier friend, Sakhi. He and I play together all day long at his house. It’s the best. They have a dog door, so we don’t need anyone to let us out of the house. They have my food there, and they have this cat I like to chase. Though, he is faster than me and I haven’t caught up to him, yet.

If you are afraid of dogs, I know you can’t help it. And, I am not offended in the least, because I know who I am and your fear does not reflect negatively on me. So, I am happy to stay at home when you come to class. Or, maybe, I will pay an extra visit to my pal, Sakhi. Whatever makes you comfortable while you take sewing classes with Laura.

My paws are tired. I am going to go rest with my head hanging over the side of my dog bed. It is so refreshing and relaxing at the same time. I’ll be talking to you again, soon.