DEAR ABBY

At the end of July, I, Polly, will be moving from Portland, OR to Porterville, CA to stay with Gram P. I will be bringing some furniture, my paints, this blog...and a sensitive, gentle dog named Abby. Some of you have met Abby, some of you know her well, but to most of you this is your chance to MEET ABBY.

Abby is a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, born in 2004. She is quite typical of that breed, in appearance, temperment and many behaviors. She'll be nice company for me and a good addition to the household. She is a submissive dog and will get along well with Ding.

Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers, or Wheatens, have hair instead of fur (like poodles) so they don't shed much. Many people with allergies choose them for pets because of this. Abby's coat will pick up more pieces of pasture weeds than short-haired dogs, so I'll have to be very careful about letting her outside. My plan is to install a pen with artificial turf made for dogs.

When you come to visit, here are some things to know about Abby. If you point and say the word "Go" in an authoritative voice, she will go away from you in the direction in which you point. If she's bugging you, tell her "I'm eating," (or "he/she's eating if she's bugging someone else), and she will move away and not look at you. She knows the commands "Come," and "Sit," and "Down" for her means to lay down. She knows "Stay." She also responds to common hand signals for these commands. Use a deep, authoritative voice to get the best response.

Abby is sensitive and easily frightened. If she is scolded, she will want to hide. She doesn't like loud or sudden noises, too much quick movement, or arguing or fighting - even on tv. Her only reaction if she's scared is to leave the area where the people are or to move under a table or chair.

Abby jumps straight up off the ground when she's excited in the classic "Wheaten Greetin'." She usually won't touch you, but this could be scary for a little child. She's very friendly and loves everyone. She likes to lick, but knows she's not to and will cut it out if told. She's very excited around children, but hasn't been around them much and is not a dog who plays. No chasing balls or tug of war; Abby just doesn't care. It's probably wise to have close adult supervision for preschoolers at least.

Abby is a clean, dignified house dog, so if you are visiting us, you will be visiting her, too. Rule Number One of being a good friend to Abby is that she has food allergies. PLEASE, NO TABLE SCRAPS OR TREATS! I have to watch what she eats carefully, or she gest violently sick. I'm sure you'll enjoy Abby's wet kisses and exuberance just as much as I do.