A Dood's reflections on the 1st year with her human!

[Christine & Shelby]

Hi Doods.... Shelby here!   It's been a crazy few weeks at my house since my mom had back surgery.  She still has a way to go, but is getting better every day.  However, this recovery process has really gotten in the way of my blogging - so I had to take time tonight and blog.... because - I've got a lot to share!

Yesterday... my mom (human mom) told me it was our doodleversary.  What is a doodleversary you might be asking... I wondered the same thing.  It means it was the day she picked me up and brought me home... to OUR home!  This caused my mom to reflect a lot on the last year... and then I got to thinking and thought I would share my reflections and memories with you!

I remember that first day... because it started with a long car ride in what I learned was my "crate".  I was scared at first, but then fell asleep.  When I woke up - my new human mom took me to a big grassy area with a really tall fence and put me down.  I was thinking... thank goodness, I need to go potty... and when I did - she got really excited and gave me lots of petting, hugs and kisses!  We played in the backyard with the friends who made the drive with my mom.  I ran from person to person and then... I was tired.  We went inside and my mom held me while I slept.  It was nice to be held, I was a bit unsure because everything was new.  I also got to study and learn her smell.... and we got to bond!  The first week I was home, my mom and I bonded a lot... and we both learned a lot - from each other.   I taught my mom what "I have to go potty" looks like and my mom taught me that pottying in the house was not ok.

Here are some other fun memories and lessons learned:

- Socialization is fun... don't be afraid.  My mom had people over everyday the first month so I met lots of people.  She also socialized me with her friends dogs (who were healthy and up to date on their shots).  This helped me become the social butterfly I am today!   Doods - pay it forward and help with another dogs socialization.... it's a good thing!

- Learning to potty outside isn't that hard!  I only had 3 or 4 accidents in the house (and my mom, to this day, says they are all her fault for not recognizing the signs).

- The veteranarian (doctor) isn't a scary person.  I had to go to the doctor several times in the first 4 months at home.  I love my doctor she is super nice and is gentle.  Believe it or not, it is good for you!

- The crate isn't a bad place.  I found that I really liked being in my crate, it made me feel safe when I was by myself and mom was at work.

- Chewing the furniture is bad.  I made a mistake or two and mom wasn't happy.  Try your very best to chew only on the toys and bones....

- School is awesome!  Mom enrolled me in puppy kindergarten for training.  I learned lots of new stuff and mom learned along with me.  Now I know what to do when mom asks!   We took another class after kindergarten called the AKC Star Puppy Class... I got a medal and a certificate when I passed the test!

- If you behave... you get more privileges like not having to be crated at night, getting house freedom during the day and maybe even furniture privileges.

- Walks are fun and a great time to bond with your humans.  The leash can be annoying, but it's necessary to keep us safe from cars, trucks, etc.   I love going on walks with my mom!

- There will be days when your human(s) may be sick.   Be extra good these days and stick close by them.  I remember the first time my mom got sick.  I was only 4 months old, but I knew something was wrong - I just slept by her for the three days she didn't feel good.  She said I was a good girl... I thought to myself, I am just doing my job... watching out for my mom.

- Car rides are fun!   When I was a little pup I got sick once or twice in the car, but now - I am a pro!  My mom takes me lots of places in the car.  Sometimes to go somewhere... and sometimes just to run an errand.  Like this morning - we went to the pharmacy so mom could get some medicine.  We went through the drive thru and I got a treat!   This happens a lot - lot's of doggy friendly drive thru's and stores where I live!

- I've learned I am a good alert dog.  I let my mom know when something is wrong or someone is coming near the house.  Mom likes that I do this... it makes her feel safe!

- I've made lots of doggie friends (both doodles and non-doodles) and my mom schedules play dates for us. 

- Doggie play care is fun!  I love meeting so many other dogs and playing all day.  When I get home, I am tired!

- I have learned that my mom loves me... no matter what... even when I've done something naughty.

- Snuggle up with your humans... they love it and nothing feels better than the soft petting and belly rubs they give!

- Recently with my birthday and Christmas I have learned that I love to unwrap presents.... here is a photo after the unwrapping is complete!

There is so much more I could share, but I am sure this blog post is getting LONG!  I hope you all show your humans today how much you love them for all they do for you!   Have a great day everyone.... I am already looking forward to my 2nd doodleversary with my mom!  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Wow, Shelby...you are an expert unwrapper :) Have a happy doodleversary! I am glad you and your mom found each other.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Happy Doodleversary!!  Boy, Shelby you sure know how to unwrap stuff good.  My mommy had to help me at Christmas, which was kind of embarrassing since I'm 18 months old (but my older brother, who's two didn't know how either).  I'm going to have my doodleversary in March and now that I know what it's all about I'm really looking forward to it.  Thanks for the scoop otherwise I wouldn't know anything about these things.  Clifford.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

What a special blog, Shelby.  You are a very lucky Doodle to have a Mom who loves you sooooo much!  She's also pretty lucky to have a great Doodle like you too!  Happy Doodleversary and Happy New Year to you and your Mom.  Keep the blogs coming....

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Wow Shelby - you really taught me a lot today, I had no idea what a Doodleversary was - I'm going to have to go back and mark the date down so that I will know when Rooney and I have a Doodleversary.  You sure sound a like a very very good doodle girl and your mom I am sure feels very blessed to have you!

[Carol and Banjo]

Hi Shelby!  So great to hear from you!  Happy Doodleversary to you AND your Mom!   My mom and I really liked reading about your 1st year together.  Keep up the great work taking care of your Doodle Mom!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Shelby,

Ned was reading your blog over my shoulder (he likes to climb on the pillows behind me and look over my shoulder).  Anyway, he whispered to me that he likes the way you unwrapped your gifts. His favorite thing is tissue and mostly he prefers it to gifts, unless they are gigantic beef bones.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Shelby, I just love reading your blogs! Just wondering...at which puppy class did you learn to write so well?? I have attended both of the same classes that you attended and I can't even spell D-O-G! It's kinda embarrassing really -- I guess I'm just a big 'ole ga-loof! Tell you what I'll do -- I'll ask my big brother to work with me while he's home on Christmas break. I always hear my mom say how well he does at Duke, so maybe he can teach me a few things!! While he's at it, I might even see if he'll teach me to swim!! Then I can be more like you!! I really am glad we are friends -- you really are a great inspiration!! P.S. I'm sorry for all those times that I have tried to dominate you over the past few months -- I just desperately need to win at something!!

Hope to see you a ton In 2011!! Your buddy, Knox

[cheryl & oliver]

Happy Doodleversary Shelby & Christine, may you have lots and lots of doodleversarys for years to come.  You are such a good girl Shelby and such a pretty one too...You just keep taking good care of your Mom, and soon she will be up and taking you for long walks again...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Happy Doodleversary Shelby and Christine!!Hope you are both running around soon, enjoying your second year together.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Shelby, I just love this post! I've missed your blog updates. Congratulations on your doodleversary. It sounds like you and your mom have had a wonderful year together!