Coco is the most polite dog you’ll ever meet
Bernese-poodle mix unfazed by being hosed down and shampooed by owner
Most adoring pet owners would do anything for their cherished companions, but could they speak for their furry or feathered or finned friends and tell us what they are thinking? To find out, we’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist Marcel Proust. Meet Ted Endean and Coco. If you look up “well-mannered” in the dictionary you’ll probably find a picture of Coco.
“She’s the politest dog I’ve ever met,” Endean says of his 2-1/2-yearold Bernedoodle (half-Bernese mountain dog, half-poodle). While Coco wouldn’t dream of sneaking food from the kitchen counter, or playing with anyone’s stuffed toys but her own, Endean takes no credit for her model behaviour. “She’s just always been that way.”
Coco’s daily trip to the dog park to burn off her boundless energy usually requires a pit stop at the U-wash on the way home (like a self-serve car wash but for dogs).
She’s “so chill” that being hosed down, shampooed and blow-dried in the pristine white-tiled enclosure (replete with large, rubber aprons for owners) doesn’t phase her.
Coco’s social calendar revolves around the annual SwissRidge Doo- dle Romp in Guelph, Ont., where Doodle games, doggie pools and plenty of space for reckless abandon with her own kind make it the highlight of her summer. What is Coco’s current state of mind? Blissful ignorance. Which talent would Coco most like to have? The ability to fetch. Her version is getting someone to chase her while she has a tennis ball in her mouth. What does Coco most dislike about her appearance? Everything after a bad haircut. You can tell it really bothers her all the next day. It’s the only time she’ll ever misbehave. Who is Coco’s hero of fiction? SpongeBob SquarePants. He’s always ridiculously optimistic and positive — and Coco is the same. To her, everything is always fun and always exciting. Who are Coco’s heroes in real life? Daisy, our neighbour’s tabby cat. She’s always out and about, she has freedom and she can get out (of her yard) under the fence. Coco thinks that’s the greatest and desperately wants to be friends with her. What is Coco’s idea of perfect happiness? Food, dog park, nap — in that order. Also being included in whatever we’re doing. Which living person does Coco most admire? The pizza delivery guy. She doesn’t eat pizza, she’s just crazy about the guy who brings it. What does Coco most value in her friends? Doodle-ness. What would Coco’s favourite occupation be? Mountain climber/model if that was an occupation. What is Coco’s most marked characteristic? Her kind, goofy face. What is Coco’s greatest fear? Sudden loud noises and baby gates — it’s the noise they make when they’re moved around. What is Coco’s most treasured possession? Tennis balls. If she has one in her mouth and you bring her another one, it would be just as important to her. Although, sometimes that confuses her. What or who is the greatest love of Coco’s life? She loves, loves, loves the people at Doggieland (the local groomer). What is Coco’s motto? If it makes you happy, do it. If it doesn’t, then don’t.
If she has (a ball) in her mouth and you bring her another one, it would be just as important to her