Newbie

[Katie Ternes]

Hey Everyone!

My name is Katie and I live in Atlanta, GA and we will be reciving our first labradoodle puppy on April 26th! 

Ten years ago my husband and I brought home a golden lab named Daisy, and she was our first baby, and the best dog anyone could ask for. She never chewed things she shouldn't, she was the best friend my kids could have ever asked for, and she literally held my hand through some of my worst moments in pregnancies and in life. Besides the occasional trash can feast, she was amazing in everyway. And I joked that I would clone her again and again and again, if only I could get rid of the shedding!!!! Which is how we landed on the labradoodle breed. 

We had to put Daisy to sleep about two months ago, and I still don't sleep at night, going over the decisions I had to make again and again and again. Our family vet promised me that I'd be back, sooner than I imagined, with a new puppy to love, because that was the best way to honor Daisy's life. I swore up and down and around the block that wouldn't be happening, but it has. We found an amazing breeder who's dogs have already done so much healing to my heart, and we are excited about bringing in our new family member. It takes time to work through the grief, but I'm finally at a point where I know that no dog will ever be able to fill Daisy's paws, and that's the beauty of it. But when you look around and you see so many "best dogs ever", it doesn't have to be a once in a lifetime experience. That we can love and be loyal to them for many years, and all those years count. 

So, now we're staring down the barrel of a gun that's about to shoot a new little family member this way, and I'm FREAKING OUT. I'm in the medical field, so freaking out doesn't normally happen to me, but I swear I didn't feel this anxious when my kids were born! I just want to make sure that we give this puppy the best start that we possibly can, and set it up for a lifetime of health and happiness for him and for our family. And that's a lot of pressure! What if I cuddle him too much? Am I going to be able to keep him in his crate when he cries? What if I let him sleep in the bed sometimes? What toys? What brushes? Organic shampoo or non organic shampoo? What if he has allergies? What if he doesn't love me and only loves my husband? What if I'm not ALPHA enough? 

I know, I know, I'm crazy. I got it. ;) I just want to do the best that I can for this puppy and I honestly can't wait to love another furry friend again. Its taken so many tears and heartbreak to get to the point where I'm ready to love a puppy again, and I'm so excited for that chance!!! 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Hi Katie and welcome! First, please except my condolences on the passing of Daisy. I know all too well your pain, having experienced the same with our Golden. But I will say, our puppy Enzo, has been the best Therapist ever! My hope is your adorable little newbie helps you through this very tough time. Certainly NEVER a replacement , but helping to fill the very vacant hole in your heart.
DK is a great, fun place, so pull up a chair and sit awhile! Join the Puppy Madness Group...lots to learn and lots of great info to be had. Can't wait to see more and more pics!

[Wendy and Myla]

Hi Katie and welcome to DK - You must be so excited!  We also had to put down our last goldendoodle, Zak,  at the age of five - and it was heartbreaking!  Two months later, I knew I wanted another goldendoodle (and what a great tribute to Zak, that I wanted another!).  I definitely didn't want to replace her, which is why I chose a totally different colour, but it is my belief that Zak is guiding Myla and always has.  We have Zak buried on our property and every time I pass her, I thank her for Myla and helping Myla be the dog that she is!  I really believe that Zak is Myla's guiding star.  

There is so much to learn here on DK and you have definitely found the best website!  All of the questions you are asking have been brought up here and if you can't find the answer, someone will answer again!  What makes me laugh, is you're asking about him loving your husband more than you and I know that Zak was definitely my dog. As for Myla, neither of us know the answer - she is definitely both of our dog! - which is weird, but both my husband and I could not tell you which she loves more! 

Enjoy the site - I know that when I was waiting for Myla to come home, I read every page I could for hours!!!! 

[Kim and Jaxson]

Welcome Katie.....and get out of my head..lol...we had to put our 18 year old Charlie to rest last year..and it's still so hard...he was my boy,  but in another 4 weeks we will be welcoming our new fur baby home. I have had 4 children and I swear I am more anxious about this little one coming than any of my human kids...lol...so rest assured you are not alone!   From everything I have seen on this site...we are in very good hands....wonderful people who want only the best for our fur babies. So many great groups!

[Sally S Miles]

Ah Katie, welcome - sympathy for your loss and yes I can relate.  He is a cutie, I have a black one - yummy.  We really tried to be footloose and fancy free for a few years after we lost our GSD and then Yorkie and it was awful - thus I became an obsessed Doodle mom.  The empty hole just felt like it got bigger.  Wanted and needed a dog unlike either.  Wanted and needed canine companionship for all the reasons anyone can think of. 

Same sorts of things went through my head, could it work?  Your list of doubts is familiar, I think it's normal after having loved something so much to wonder if you can do right by another love - but once you have loved, it's easy to love again.

All of my dogs have been 'the best dog ever'... I figure if I don't think they are, then I won't convey that to them.  They are the best dogs ever, for me - right now.  They have all been royal pain in the butt, stubborn, etc - and every last one was a mark on my soul.    I also have a little non-doodle fellow, because I like twosomes. 

You'll be great, you will be blessed, and your pup will thrive. That's the way to look at it and go in with both eyes open, prepare for deep water. I have never seen my hubby bond with a dog like he has with our doodle - she gets to him and I think it's great, but it's a pretty even split on her attention towards us.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Beautifully written, and as you can see from the comments--you are in good company--I felt exactly the same way when I lost all of the dogs we have had in our lives thus far--I am turning 60 this year and now have three doodles, but have had 5 other dogs in my life that were all very special to me --it is so hard to say goodbye to them but I, like you, find healing is easier when I get a new dog--and get to experience all that unconditional love again.

This is the first time in my life that I have had three dogs at once-they are 7, 51/2 and 3---I am thinking that I have really gotten myself into a jam this time as the goodbyes will be harder times three! But let's not go down that road--enjoy your new pup--you will be a great doodle mom!!

[Ginny Nightingale]

By the way, I love the picture! So cute!! If you click on the icon in the toolbar that is the second from the left, you can put it right into the discussion.

[Kimberly Keenan]

Katie, welcome. I am sorry for your loss. It took me a long time before I wanted another dog & even longer for my hubby. My husband after almost 8 years agreed to another dog at the urging from my kids. "Mom needs a dog she is talking to the fish" & "she is home alone every night" He finally gave in, but it had to be a labradoodle & it had to be chocolate brown. After a month of searching I found one in Pennsylvania. I sent him a picture of the litter stating "one of these puppies are mine" Bindi is the best. She stole our heart from the minute we saw her.

It will all be fine and you have great people hear to help give you advice.

Have fun!

[Michelle & Ruepunzel]

WELCOME to DK Katie! Congratulations on your new puppy arriving soon! I am so thankful I found DK after bringing my Rue home. They are really a saving grace around here. Join all the groups you can, they really help!

I had to put my poodle down last year, I thought I'd never be ready for a dog ever again. 10 months later, she was a gift for Christmas and I couldn't be more excited about her. She really helped heal the hole in my heart left by her brother. A goldendoodle has been my dream dog for as long as I can remember!

They're put into our lives at exactly the right time! Trust yourself because you know what you're doing :)