Poppy

Poppy is a standard poodle who has just had what is called a hunting cut. Her person was only too eager to let us know that poodles aren't cut all foofy for no reason: here the thick fur is left on to keep joints and organs warm when the dog jumps into freezing water to chase its prey. Extra fur is removed so the dog won't suck up too much water and sink. Poodles are water retrievers. Even the decoration is based on tradition and practicality: strings were tied on the hunting dogs so people could see them clearly in the water. Poppy is a lovely sweet tempered thing, and not a hunter, but proud to carry on the look.

I love talking to random people about their passions. This is definitely in the category of the Educational Who Knew? Blip. We could call it Learning Wednesday, but that doesn't have a very melodic ring to it.