Max, Sweet Samantha, their pals Charlie, a Standard Poodle (he prefers to be called Charles), and Shadow, a Black Lab/Shepherd mix (don't care call him a mutt!) were playing a friendly game of Friday night poker. Bouffant Bailey was dealer.

Everybody anted up, cards were dealt. 

Samantha and Shadow had to fold.

"Bouff," they exclaimed in unison, "What lousy cards!"

"Luck of the draw," said Bailey.

So it was up to Max and Charlie, er, Charles.

"I'll see your two biscuits and raise you four," said Max.

"He's bluffing," whispered Samantha.

"How do you know?" said Shadow.

"His tail, it's wagging counter-clockwise. That's Max's tell."

Because Samantha happens to be be a very loud whisperer, Charles raised two more biscuits and three chewy sticks.

"Call," said Max. "What do you have?"

Charles had a Flush.

Max had a Full Dog House! He got so excited he ate the pot!

If you're a cool card sharp, or know somebody who is, you'd enjoy playing with this deluxe card set (and what a great gift for Dad!):