Frank and Marion Were Deep Into Their Puzzle. Cocoa Had Taken the Third Chair.
A wintry forest scene is coming together piece by piece on the kitchen table, and Frank and Marion are bent over it side by side in matching cream cable-knit sweaters. Frank peers through his glasses as he slots a piece into place, while Marion sorts through the loose blue and white pieces near the edge. Sitting tall on the chair beside them is Cocoa, their curly chocolate Poodle, posed like a dignified judge overseeing the competition. A box lid full of extra pieces, a peeled clementine, a cup of tea, and a pair of glasses fill the rest of the table, and the kitchen shelves behind them are lined with bowls, plants, and a basket of fruit.
Poodles are often described as among the smartest dog breeds, and they tend to be very tuned in to their people's routines. That intelligence means they need mental exercise as well as physical activity. Puzzle feeders, scent games, short training sessions, and learning new tricks can keep a Poodle's mind busy, especially on days when long walks are not possible. A bored Poodle may invent its own entertainment, which is not always welcome. Their curly, low-shedding coats also need regular brushing and professional grooming every several weeks. For couples who enjoy quiet hobbies at home, a well-exercised Poodle can be a calm and attentive companion.
Cocoa may not be placing any pieces, but she is taking her supervisory role very seriously. Frank and Marion seem glad to have the company.
