Am I mad?

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

The answer is yes according to one of my good DK friends.  As some of you know I went through quite a traumatic couple of weeks when I attempted to adopt a Goldendoodle who was up for re-homing.  It didn't work out because the family were quite frankly nuts.   During a two week period I became close to the original breeder of that dog who was and still is very upset about the whole thing.  The breeder tried to get the family to return the dog to her and she even offered to pay me back if I paid the owners (money was a big factor).   At the end of the whole episode we failed in our attempts to rescue this dog but he is now in a new home although she has lost contact with him and that is very distressing for her.   The breeder has now changed her contracts to include a clause that states that she has to be notified of any possible re-homing and has to have the option to take back the dog and re-home it herself.  She has also included a clause that allows her to visit new homes.  

I realised at the end of all of this that if I was to get a second dog that I needed to start all over again with a puppy and that any mistakes in training and socializing would be mine.  I told the breeder to put me on a list as I have now met three of her puppies and they are all gorgeous, healthy and well adjusted dogs, now between two and four years old.   Fast forward to two days ago when she called me to tell me she had a litter expected in two weeks time and so we are now expecting our first Goldendoodle Standard puppy. This puppy will only be a five hour drive away so we will go to choose at six weeks.  Puppies are born and raised in the house and the breeder knows what I require. I told her I am useless with Alpha dogs (too soft) and she said she would let me choose and then if she thinks I have made the wrong choice she will tell me.  That sounds like a plan.  So I am nervous and excited at the same time.  Wish me luck.  I'm now trying to work out where the second crate is going to go in my very small home and how to feed two dogs at the same time and all sorts of questions about how this is going to work out.  Needless to say I will be driving you all crazy for a while like I did with Riley ;)

[Camilla and Darwin]

How exciting!!! I can't wait to see pictures!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Without reading your blog - just based on the title - I was able to answer "yes" to your question: You are, indeed, a bit mad!  LOL!!  :)  As to getting a second doodle from this particular breeder - that's not mad and I'm really excited for you???

[Cyndi, The Boys & Callie]

Congrats and good luck.  We have two and have never regretted it.  It's all the fun and craziness of having more than one child but you don't have put them through college.  Two is more expensive (but not that much more) but honestly we don't find it that much more work and watching them play is worth it.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Nicky, I am absolutely thrilled for you!   You are such a great doodle mom and have so much love to give!  That puppy has hit the jackpot!!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

You better start picking names then. Riley and ???

Yes, looking at pictures makes me feel better as well. Pictures are not moving, biting and peeing. :-)

And you are totally correct about the selective memory part. I don't remember anything from Monty's first months with us, yes I AM SURE Auggie is worse. Isn't that strange? We completely forget those few first months of craziness since we already have an adult, semi-well behaved dog, who pees twice a day and sleeps till 9:30am. But I have to admit, even with Monty I had my doubt that we picked the right puppy, LOL. It does get better over time. That time just can't come soon enough. :-)

Can't wait for your new addition. By the time you get the pup, you will be the one posting and I will be annoying you giving you smart advice on how life with two doodles is a breeze. :-) Yippee!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, As a two Doodle owner, I am not afraid to tell you, "YES, you are mad!" but it sure is twice the love :)

[Jennifer and Jack]

Congrats ! So excited fr you!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Nicky, I just couldn't be happier or more excited for you Riley and your S.O.!!!  A new puppy - WE LOVE new pupppies!!!  Stuart really is Rooney's brother and has added to our life in such a wonderful way.  There were challenges, set backs, a few bumps in the road but it has been so worth it!  Riley will help you be showing the new little one the ropes - so have that camera ready - we want to share in the fun!!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I don't have a preference for male or female just the right puppy for us.  We love big here too even though it's a small house.  My partner always had Old English Sheepdogs.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Jarka, I have read your posts and that's what has me so scared.  Mind you when I look at your photo's my heart goes into a little meltdown lol  

Ps I like the 'it does get better' bit.  Funny thing is I can't remember much about those very first weeks with Riley...must be natures way of blotting it all out of the memory bank, or just age ; )