The Royal Gardener Trimmed the Last Rose and Put Away Her Shears
A basket of pink and cream roses rests on the chocolate Poodle's arm, and a pair of pruning shears hangs from a hook behind her, along with a watering can and a small clipped topiary in a pot. She stands in a dark green coat with gold trim, a cream vest, a high white cravat and a brown garden apron with deep pockets. Her curls are thick and tight, and her brown eyes look calm and proud. Green drapery and a window glow softly behind the potting table.
Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, and they have a long tradition as retrievers and performers. A Poodle's coat is dense, curly and low-shedding, but it is anything but low-maintenance, since it needs frequent brushing to avoid mats and a trip to the groomer every month or two. Chocolate Poodles are not different in temperament from other colors, although the coat color can fade a little with age. Poodles love learning, and puzzle toys, new tricks and games keep their minds busy. A garden can be risky, though: mulch made from cocoa shells can be toxic to dogs, and some plants and fertilizers are harmful, so keep your dog away and ask your vet or a poison helpline if you are unsure.
The roses are cut, the shears are clean and the gardener is ready for tea among the topiary.
