Fabulously Single Doodle Moms (or Dads)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Some of you may have figured out by now that I am a single doodle mom. When I was contemplating getting a dog people warned me that a puppy is just too much work for one person, that it would ruin my social life, my career would suffer because I'd be running home at lunch and wouldn't be able to work overtime, and that I would regret this because guys won't want to date me if I'm always running home to walk the dog, etc etc. As a result I waited years before I decided to take the plunge, and when I did I still had relatively few supporters.

 

Well I am here to put on the record that all those naysayers were absolutely positively wrong wrong wrong. Here's why:

 

1. I love taking care of my Sophie Bear, it brings me a sense of purpose and allows me to exercise my nurturing side. I never see her as a burden (well, ok, cleaning poop off my bed at 6am aside). Her hugs and kisses makes it all worth while.

2. My work life balance has improved tremendously, which means less stress and more happiness - I welcome the lunch time breaks to walk her and can't wait to rush out of the office so we can go out and play. My boss who runs out at 4pm every day to get his daughter from daycare can no longer take advantage of me by making me stay and finish up his loose ends.

3. My social life has improved, as I've met so many new people and made a ton of new friends. Before Sophie, I never talked to my neighbours or knew anyones name. All my neighbours know me now and love to comment on how fast Sophie is growing and how well behaved she is. Plus, I always look forwarded to greeting everyone in the doggie park or having doggie play dates with dog loving friends. Sophie comes with me to all my activities (tennis, ultimate frisbee in the park, etc.) and as a result, I'm a much more active because I love to go out and show her off.

4. You wouldn't believe how many attractive men there are who have dogs, and what better way to strike up a conversation than to let the dogs do the work to break the ice. The other day we were in the book store (yep, I live in a very dog friendly neighbourhood) and I turned around to find Sophie had crawled in the lap of a cute guy who was crouched down to browse the books on the bottom shelf.

 

That's not to say there aren't any challenges. It can be tiring, it's expensive, it's a lot of work, and I never get any pics of the two of us since the cat can't work the camera. So, I'd like to know if there are other single doodle parents out there and if so, what are some of the benefits for you, and how do you cope with the challenges?

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Sherri, I'm not single but have had very similar benefits as you with having our doodle. We moved across the country to a new place and before we even left our home state I started the Arizona Doodle Romps so I could meet new people as much as having fun with my doodle. I have made great friends through our mutual love of doodles and they are certainly ice breakers anywhere you take them, cute guys and old men alike. I love coming home to them and the house never has that empty lonely feeling if hubby is gone for days on end. 

We are pretty active already, but I run and DH doesn;t so I have a running partner in my doodle. We have two now and whether you are married or not it is still hard work, expensive and we never think to take pictures of eachother with the dogs. We just take pictures of the dogs!!

As for you, I bet you meet a fabulous dog lover that will think of Sophie Bear as the icing on the cake!!! Good luck. Enjoy!

 

 

[Connie & Bocelli]

Hi Sherri.  I too am single raising Bo on my own.  He's only 11 weeks old and hasn't had all of his shots so I haven't been able to take him to the doggie park but I know that it will be a great place to meet people.  

I can't go home for lunch as I live 35 minutes from work so when he's a bit bigger, I will take him to doggie daycare a couple of days a week.  Also another place to meet dog loving people.

I've only had Bo 3 days but he has already brought new purpose to my life.  He has so completely bonded to me.  I'm his mom and he's my 'baby' and it's a wonderful relationship already.

Yes, he's a handful and yes I wish I had some help with things when these 59 year old bones are tired, but the joy he brings me is worth every ache and pain.

Now if Bo could just lead me to a tall, dark stranger.......

[Adina P]

Awesome!  I agree even though I'm not single.  Even in a couple it tends to be more one person who does the majority of dog care--especially if both work outside the home.  And YES it totally improved MY social life even though I was dating my husband when I got Rosco.  I made so many friends via my dog...it's great!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Not single but totally agree on getting to know people in the neighborhood who ALL know our dogs!

Also people at PetSmart, we don;t live in a dog friendly shopping area but that's an advantage to you! All that matters is that you 2 are happy!

[BG and Gavin]

Glad this is working out so well for you Sherri.  Just don't tell the cute guy about the diarrhea in the bed frame incident ;)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Ha! That's some good advise. :o)

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

See, everything doodle is wonderful, even the expense and the extra work. How many times have you come home BD (before doodle) and found the TV to be more company than going out. Now you have Sophie.You have to go out, you have to walk, you have to socialize and yes, cuteness is an ice breaker.  I am not single but Daisy just adds so much to both my DH and my lives.

Good For You!

 

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

yea, but lately I've been spending too much time on DK. When my doodle sees me go for the laptop she lets out a huge sigh and flops on the floor as if to say "not again mom. sheesh"

[Taylor & Huff]

Well I am single but I am only 14 so I do have people to help me take care of Huff (Mom, Dad, sister, even grandma:))but I would have to say that Huff has improved my social life. I mean I wasn't anti social before but I have more things to talk about with other people. I used to be a little more shy too but now people are always talking to me about Huff and I am not shy anymore. Life without a doodle would be like no life for me hahaha:)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Oh I'm so happy Huff has helped you with your shyness. I'm 32 years old and am experiencing the same benefit from my doodle.

[Coco Chanel and Cheryl]

I too am a single doodle parent and I wouldn't change it for the world! I find that people talk to me everywhere because of her! It can be hard to go out and do things after work, but I love my time with her!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

um, Sandy, judging by the fact that I can't tell the doodle from the teddy bear in your photo, I would venture to guess that you will meet oodles of people who want to cuddle your doodle. just don't be surprised if nobody knows your name but they all know who Hattie is. some people don't even recognize me unless Sophie is with me. I  think I do the same to other dog owners.

 

I used to travel for fun, and dreamed of a fancy international career but it never seemed to happen and time went on. Last summer I finally got a break I had been looking for - got accepted on full scholarship to do my masters degree in a fancy school in Geneva, Switzerland which would have undoubtedly led to a UN job. Well after I had accepted and started planning I became less and less excited about it. I woke up one day with the full realization that I was happy right where I am and no longer needed to run away. All those years I had been looking for happiness elsewhere and didn't realize it had slowly settled in all around me. I love my friends, my neighbourhood, my home, my job... I've already seen lots of the world, and will see the rest when I retire. For now, I'm content to nest with my doodle and my kitty (and well, maybe that cute guy from the book shop).