Pollyanna

We met Pollyanna at the vet's. No problem with my dog, we only went to get some worm tablets for the cats. Then we had to wait for a deluge of rain to abate.

Pollyanna is a Bichon Frise* which translates as a frizzy little bitch. The history of the breed is interesting. Originally descended from a cross between a water spaniel and a poodle, I also discovered the following information.
Because of their merry disposition, they traveled much and were often used as barter by sailors as they moved from continent to continent. The dogs found early success in Spain and it is generally believed that Spanish seamen introduced the breed to the Canary Island of Tenerife. In the 14th century, Italian sailors rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and are credited with returning them to the continent, where they became great favourites of Italian nobility and had success in France during the Renaissance under Francis I (1515–1547), but its popularity skyrocketed in the court of Henry III (1574–1589). The story goes that King Henry III was so fond of his Bichon that he carried it wherever he went in a special basket that he hung with ribbons from his neck. Bichons became favorites of Spanish royal families and of such painters as Goya, who included a Bichon in several of his paintings.
Interest in the breed was renewed during the rule of Napoleon III, but then waned until the late 19th century when it became the "common dog", running the streets, accompanying the organ grinders of Barbary, leading the blind and doing tricks in circuses and fairs. It became popular again during the second half of the 20th century, in America and elsewhere.

Also interesting is the fact that Bichons are hypoallergenic if groomed regularly. Both Pollyanna and her owner seemed very well groomed, the latter in a scarlet trouser suit the like of which I have not seen for many a year. Pollyanna, she said, had been a single pup, although usually there are four in a litter, and she was missing her mother who had died recently.

Pollyanna's party trick is shaking hands but she needed a little encouragement: the vet's waiting room is not a place where dogs feel relaxed.

*Strictly speaking that should be frisé, like the lettuce.

Number 3 of Dogs and their People