The Poo People reinvent themselves from time to time. They change their actions and communication styles depending on what they are doing and who they are with. The Canine Americans in my house, The Chi and The Poo, also have a tendency to transition from one personality to another at any given point with little advance warning. Today, I wish to discuss some of the many canine characters we've come to know and love.

The Tan Recluse

No, it's not an arachnid but it does lurk in dark, secluded areas and under the covers and may bite if disturbed. The Chi has established her lair under the sofa and she guards it jealously. She will wait for food to be dropped and pop her head out to devour it. You must also watch your toes, lest she mistakes them for tasty sausages.

Sister Plumetail

Both dogs frequently await the return of their humans, perched on the back of the sofa, looking out the picture window. Just as deer flash their white tails as warning, the Chi has her own signal. As she leaps from her perch, her white, feathery tail flashes in the sunlight. She waves it with a flourish like a banner to rally the forces to greet humans. Hence, she has earned the name Sister Plumetail.

The Chi Poodreaux Boudreaux

Most people call poodles French poodles, and, indeed, I've been told that they are descended from French water dogs. Our poodle however is a manly dog, sporting a moustache and goatee. He is not fru- fru enough to be French and this is, after all, the new world so we figure he must be the Cajun cousin, Poodreaux Boudreaux.

Rasta Poo

He doesn't smoke, and the only weed he's ever ingested is the wild grass he eats for indigestion. Why, then, do we call him Rasta Poo? The Poo has long silky ears, which are normally very attractive, but lately he's been battling frequent bouts of swamp ear. It not only stinks, it itches. As he scratches, those long silk ears become matted into dreadlocks which makes him look a little skuzzy and slightly Rastafarian.

These are only a few of the canine characters portrayed by the four legged ones in our house. They keep us on our toes and make life quite interesting at times. Keep reading in weeks to come to meet some more of the curious canine characters who make a regular appearance in our home.