Atlas hasn't been in these pages lately, so here's a little of what he's been up to. Our little man is very much part of the family, we both adore him (which is an understatement). Above, Atlas is harnessed in his safety car seat-belt. He's off to be groomed. All that wool is a little toasty in the heat of summer.
Here is his before picture.
And after. So fluffy and trim!
And a close up at work of his new look.
With 'poodle feet'.
A few weeks ago Atlas and I took a road trip (about 45 minutes away from where I live) to visit his former owner's partner. She was not able to take on both his dogs when Atlas' owner died, and so Atlas was adopted out. The new owners didn't want him after a while and tried to give him back to Poodle Rescue.
He really is the sweetest boy, I don't know how they could. His little heart must have been broken for the past 2-3 years. I am glad we are now able to make the rest of his retirement a happy one.
His former 'mum' Pamela was so glad and emotional to see him and we had a lovely few hours. I met his poodle 'brother' Samson and heard how much his first owner John loved his poodles. They even went to his funeral.
Pamela gave me a little bag of goodies for Atlas - some of his favourite toys, his vet records, a little jersey for the winter and a framed portrait of Atlas as a puppy (only two months old). Do you think he looks like an owl?
From talking to Pamela I found out Atlas is actually 14, and not 12. What do you say to that? He wasn't young when he came to us, now he's just a little older. After I brought his goodie bag home I thought to myself 'his birthday will probably be on his vet records, then we'll know when to throw him a party'. I checked, it's in a few weeks time - he will be FIFTEEN! Could Atlas be in the Guinness Book of Poodle Records?
Considering his grand age though, he's very spritely and adaptable. He gets very excited about coming or going. Atlas is all bouncy when I put his harness on in the morning to go to work, and equally happy to arrive somewhere, practically launching himself out the open car door when we get there. He's nothing if not fearless.
And here, just because he is very handsome in his new jacket, is Atlas modelling this winter's look for chilly poodles. He won't be needing it for a couple of months at least. I'm hoping I haven't bought it too soon... (I find black humour works well in situations of elderly-to-the-extreme poodle adoptions).
Just in case you think otherwise, we are so happy to have Atlas in our life. He has added much richness and fun. For as long as we have him we will consider ourselves very, very lucky.
aww he is too cute for words! My little poodle is also 15, she takes alot of naps stumbles sometimes but she gets bursts of energy especially when she smells food and just like a human teenager she will look me right in the eye and disobey haha. They have so much personality.I am so glad to hear he is doing well, what a lucky poodle to have found such a great home :)
ReplyDeleteLoved the update and he does seem very sprightly! I have been told miniature poodles can live to be 20 so hopefully he will be in that group. Love the coat too. He is lucky to have you as his family.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the update! He looks very content and well loved. And no, you didn't buy the jacket too soon. I waited too long to find one for Rocky (absolutely needed in below zero weather) and it was very picked over...hard to find one that would fit. In fact, I think I ended up with a girl's coat--we are working on his metro-sexual side.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could have a puppy picture of Rockefeller--what a gift.
xxBliss
Fiona, thanks for sharing the pics and story. I'm so sorry to hear that Atlas had a rough stretch but am so glad that he has such a loving home in his senior years.
ReplyDeleteoh fiona he is adorable. my beloved poodle mei-tu only lived to 15. i think no matter how long atlas lives, with your love and attention he is surely one lucky little poodle.
ReplyDeletexo
janet
What an adorable and very lucky poodle he is!! Sounds like you're blessing his life as much as he is blessing yours. Thanks for the update.
ReplyDeleteHe is just the sweetest little dog. I'm so glad you found ach other!
ReplyDeleteThank you Jennifer, Juhli, Bliss, Cherie, Janet, Jackie and Trish for your lovely comments. I would be so happy if Atlas got to 20, but would be happy with at least this year!
ReplyDeleteAtlas is one sweet little poodle, and he looks very dapper in his new "furstyle" and new coat! I hope you'll have many more lovely years together. Bess
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona and Atlas,
ReplyDeleteLoved the update - he is a very lucky little guy. My toy poodle, George turned 15 this month and is as sparky as ever. He sleeps a little more than he used to but still wants to play and go places with us. I take him to work too, and right now he is next to my desk curled up on a chair asleep. We are absolutly potty over him. He brings so much love to our lives. Hugs to Atlas, Cokie
Fiona, wow! From what you've said about him I would never have guessed his age. I suppose he's of the opinion that "age is just a number."
ReplyDeleteWhat struck me all of a sudden was the possibility that Atlas is supposed to be a gateway love. Meaning, he's opened your heart and made it bigger, so that later you can love another. But I am wishing him at least another 5 years. What luck for you three to have found one another. He's lucky to have you and your husband, but I am sure you feel you're just as lucky to have found him!
Bess and Cokie, thank you! If Atlas could hear (he's deaf) or see (he has cataracts so is partially sighted) these comments he would be so happy (if poodles could speak human words). I'm sure he can feel the love though.
ReplyDeleteHe sure does love sleeping (who wouldn't, given the chance). He only gets up just before we leave for work in the morning, eats his breakfast at work and then naps most of the morning. In between times he has his puppy moments.
'Potty' is a word I would use to describe the way we feel about him too! We love him to bits and just want to make his life comfortable, safe and happy, and enjoy the rest of his time on earth.
Kalee, I think he does know that age is just a number. I have also thought that, even if it might be a shame we don't have longer with him, we are now going to enjoy a lifetime of re-homed and needy poodles. Perhaps starting a little younger would be nice, but not puppies.
ReplyDeleteHi - I've just found your blog. I love dogs and people who are dotty about them - Atlas looks like a great chap, and very smart after his haircut. I love the winter outfit too. Hope to hear more about the great times you will have together.
ReplyDeleteAtlas looks so adorable as a puppy...and he looks so handsome and distinguished at 14...love the red coat!
ReplyDeleteFiona,
ReplyDeleteI already knew just in reading a great many of your posts that I think you are caring and kind,but this post about Atlas just about made me cry. May what you have given this beautiful, sweet dog come back to you three-fold!
I just spent yesterday with my favorite little poodle, Lily. Super Bowl at friends was highlighted for me with her presence. What is it about these cute little dogs? They are so "human". Cute doesn't describe Atlas. He is adorable!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet! And his haircut took years off! He is absolutely precious and very fortunate to have you. We rescued two pugs who were older (close to eight years old now.) Sometimes I ask myself what on earth was I thinking? But they are always happy to see me and have nothing but love to give.
ReplyDeleteI love Atlas' French and nautical t-shirt! I'm glad to hear he's enjoying his retirement home and that you have such a loving heart to give him all the care he deserves.
ReplyDeleteSo adorable! Call me a softie...but I found this post to be very touching. ;) You don't need me to tell you that what you guys are doing is nothing short of amazing. And, he seems like a real sweetheart. Love it! ;)
ReplyDeleteMrs Exeter, Leslie, Julia, Debra, Beth, Rebekah and Ani, thank you for your kind words! Atlas sends his poodle love.
ReplyDelete