The Canine Americans who reside at my house tend to be very curious critters in more than one sense. Not only are they quite nosey, but they have some very odd behaviors that keep the family highly amused at times. Welcome to today's installment of the ongoing saga of my life with the Poo and the Chi.

Cheesy Paper and Cookie Capers Poodles are excellent thieves. The Poo is no exception. Sometimes he is subtle; other times he is forward and outright. He loves cheesy paper, which is a burger wrapper with cheese stuck on it. When he thinks you are not paying attention. he sneaks over to the bin and surreptitiously removes the cheesy wrapper and hides where he can safely shred it into minute pieces as he removes the cheesy residue. Funny to watch but not to clean up. He is also adept at thieving cookies left within his reach and liberating them from all sorts of wraps and containers. Untidy as the cheesy paper.

Taming the Fire Lizard When I was small, I had an affinity for lizards and dragons. As a matter of fact I still do to a certain extent which may explain why I still possess a large flaming red stuffed reptile which we refer to as the fire lizard. We rediscovered this beast as we were cleaning my room, which is how it ended up on the back of our sofa. Several days passed uneventfully, and then the Chi discovered the behemoth, which had invaded her space along the back of the sofa. Lacking the strength to remove it from its perch she proceeded to stomp it into submission and lounge comfortably upon its back like a dragon slayer of lore.

Doggy Dementia Both Canine Americans are becoming aged, and there are some interesting changes in appearance and behavior. They have increased in girth, lost a few teeth, and in the Poo's case begun to show some early signs of doggy dementia. Five minutes after the Poo goes outside he forgets where he has been and returns to the door, requesting to be let out. Sometimes he trots into the room, stops short, and cocks his head from side to side, trying to remember why he entered in the first place. Then he gives a doggly shrug and returns to business as usual if he can remember what that is.

Porcuchi Just as porcupines shoot quills Chihuahuas shoot hair. This is particularly troubling at our house because the Chi has a special affinity for dark clothing. I cannot tell you how many times I have put on a dark suit for a formal occasion, religiously avoided contact with the Chi only to look down and find myself liberally coated in long, silky dog hair. I guess she wants the world to know that I am property of the Chi.

Indeed the Canine Americans grow curiousier and curiousier with age. But I am not complaining because they can be quite entertaining, and their antics provide me with plenty of material for this column.