BEXLEY IS OUR MAY DOG OF THE MONTH Bexley, a Whootle, is our May Dog of the Month. No, he is not one of our Fido strange or rare breeds…but he is unusual! A Whootle is what is now known as a “Designer Dog” – a dog that has been created specifically to capture the good qualities of two familiar breeds. In this case, Bexley is a combination of a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle. Have you noticed that Poodles seem to be the dog most chosen to be cross-bred? The Wheaten is prized for its soft and silky coat and warm wheat color. It is a square, medium-sized dog that is all terrier. He is happy, alert, and confident. This fits our Bexley to a “T”. Bexley is high-spirited, cheerful, and can’t get enough exercise. The Wheaten was not a rich man’s dog, he was a farm dog, herding sheep, demolishing vermin, and hunting with his master. This dog requires lots of exercise and can adapt to any lifestyle. They relate well to children. They need regular grooming to keep the coat mat-free. But remember, Bexley is part Poodle…so he should shed minimally, if at all. The Poodle part doesn’t need much introduction. Poodles did not originate in France; they originated in Germany and were utilized as a water retriever. Their fancy “poodle cut” was designed by their hunter owners to help them move through the water more efficiently. We all know they are considered one of the smartest dogs ever. Poodles excel in obedience training, are loyal, excellent watch dogs, love children, and don’t shed! There’s a plus…but they do require grooming. Bexley is a combination of both these breeds and he exhibits all the best traits of each. Getting Bexley to and from Central Bark daycare is a family affair. His grandmother and his mom’s roommate are responsible for many, many pickups and drop offs, especially during basketball season. That’s because Bex’s mom is Dana Halicki, assistant coach for the Case Western Reserve Spartan women’s basketball team. Dana is a devoted athlete who previously served as the JV head coach at Padua Franciscan High School and while a student at Kenyon College, earned several North Coast Athletic Conference awards in both basketball and softball! Bex requires a lot of romping and playing and even Dana can’t tire him out. Bex loves coming to daycare where he can cavort with his buddies.
