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?

 

[Lynn D.]

I wouldn't want to date a guy that has issues with dogs!

[Frannie & Callie]

Hi Sophie - I'm a single doodle mom also. Callie is 3ish and I sometimes worry that I wouldn't love a human child as much as I love my furry monster! I agree that having a dog opens up new ways to meet people and that is great! In my neighborhood, the dog owners have a "it takes a village" stance and we help each other out a lot with our dogs. It's so nice to have "backup" for the days that you need to do something after work! I will be able to go to tennis practice tonight and not feel guilty about leaving Callie because I know that she will be having a blast with her BFF Louie (shih tzu mix),

 

Callie and I have had many long talks about how she needs to help me meet more men. I'm not sure she gets it. Or maybe she does...she and my last boyfriend didn't get along so well (he didn't think dogs should sleep in the bed. I do. There's not a lot of wiggle room there!) and Callie does like to have my undivided attention!!

[Joyce & Wilson]

Wilson is now 2 yrs old.  I didnt get him til I was done with my hectic, beloved job. I used to travel alot and worked 72 hr. weeks.  So when the company was sold I retired at age 53. Now I feel Im soo blessed with this doodle..and after swearing off dating for 7yrs.... I now have a wonderful boyfriend who has a 14 yr old choc. lab.  He is also 9 yrs. younger than I...so dont give up!  I had know this guy for over 3 yrs.  He didnt think Id go out with him and I thought I was too old for him..go figure!  Life is good!!  : )

[Connie & Bocelli]

Joyce - YOU GO GIRL!!!!!

[BG and Gavin]

Ohhhh, Wilson's momma is a COUGAR!

WTG Joyce!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Nice job! you're my hero!

 

retired at 53. double hero!

[Anna]

ME-OW !!

I like your attitude.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Joyce, I see BG already wrote what I was thinking.... LOL!  Enjoy every minute of your wonderful boyfriend :) You rock!!

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

Hi Sherri, I am a single Doodle Mom of 2 doodles.   I agree 110% on everything you say.  I could not ask for two better dogs that bring such joy to my life - as they say in the movies (and maybe only a few people would understad) but my doodles complete me - LOL   They are the K-9 version of me and my personality.   Is it time consuming .... YES but I love taking care of them and would not have dogs if I did not want the responsiblity but what they give back to you in their unconditional love and devotion out weights the responsiblity, the vet bills, the cleaning up of the poop when they are puppies, the chewed remote, cell phone, shoes etc. etc.   It is difficult at times to handle two dogs alone, Oliver who is 11 months and 73 lbs and Sasha who is 18 months and 45 lbs.  Unfortuantely I cannot walk them together YET because Oliver is still very much a puppy and loves to explore and is strong as heck.  Sasha is a champion walker and is quite the Princess when walking and keeps up with me when I jog.  My goal is to have Oliver trained and walking like a good boy with Sasha and I by 18 months.     You should start a group "Single Doodle Moms" :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Two Doodles and single doodle mom?! that's awesome. I posted a thing in the puppy group about how badly I wanted another doodle and begged people to talk me down from my doodle fever. I don't know how you do it! One is so much work. I'd love to hear more about your experiences.  ... Maybe you're right. Maybe I should start that group. :o)

[Carol and Banjo]

So glad having a doodle in your life is such a wonderful experience for you!    I have been telling my DH that if anything ever happens to me he'll be fighting off women.....all he has to do is go out in public with Banjo and they'll flock to him.    How many times have we been strolling through one town or another and I'll duck into a shop for a few minutes only to come out and find him engaged in conversation with one or more ladies fawning over the dog.   It's hysterical!     I think having a dog (especially a doodle) is a great ice-breaker!

[Teri & Clover]

Single, too. I have to admit there were times when she was little that I thought, "What in the world was I thinking????" Now that she is older, life is much easier. A lot of the reason it was hard at first is because other people had to adjust to me having a dood in my life. :) One of the big benefits for me is that having a doodle made me go out and get exercise. Also, I have MUCH more balance with work and my personal life. I am a teacher and I used to stay after school for hours. Now I have to use my time more efficiently, so I can get home to take care of Clover. Today is Clover's first day of summer break. It's her first one. I have never felt that the best part of teaching is June, July and August. I love what I do, but I think Clover just might think that by the end of the summer!