ESCAPE FROM DOODLEVILLE

[Cathy C. Bennett]

No matter how much you love something – separation and/or distance can be healthy from time to time. The same holds true for me when it comes to “The Boys.” No one who reads our stories could dispute my unconditional love for these two creatures, but at least once or twice a year I must vanish to “replenish.”

DD (Doodle Daughter) is my “escape from Doodleville.”. Although she lives only a mere 41 miles away, weeks will sometimes add up before we see one another. We talk every day – countless times a day. She has an infectious laugh, and a smile that will light up any room…

…along with a comedic wit entertaining enough to be shared on stage.

When she announced she was working from home Monday and Tuesday we decided time together was way overdue!

Generally I pack up The Boys and we ALL motor over to her house for an overnight gab session, but this time I decided to be selfish! Doodle Mom was rolling out solo.

The more I thought about it, the more I liked it. 36 hours of not having to:

• Walk a total of 150 lbs headed in two different directions at all times
• Wipe eight nasty paws after those walks
• Toss “Wilson” for hours on end
• Dole out Greenies, treats, food, fun, back rubs, and tummy tickles

Listen – I couldn’t pack fast enough!

I hollered and laughed out loud at the thought of not waking up at the break of dawn to roll over and see this staring back at me from the side of the bed…

As the car rolled out of the driveway, I waved goodbye and kept reciting in my head “you deserve this” while the“three amigos” stood in the doorway as if I was never coming back…

Of course I asked DH (Doodle Husband) to take plenty of pictures and of course he did. Allow me to pupaphrase and describe what probably took place with each photo:

“If it’s outside you want, then it’s outside we will go”...

“Leo, do you really expect to play ball all day long? I’m not your momma”…

“Harley, is this all you’re gonna do?”…

“Leo – gimmie a break will you – let’s rest a minute?”…

 “Okay now, make sure you’re really ready to go inside, I’m not going through this paw wiping drill again”…

“Okay, okay, I give – let’s go downstairs and get your Greenies”…

Meanwhile, try as I might NOT to miss them too much – I failed. Tiffany and John took me to The Blue Ridge Grill (beautiful atmospheric, super “pet friendly” restaurant) on the most gorgeous night ever. And what did I do? Zeroed in on the most adorable 5 month old Wheaten Terrier named “Maui”…

I walked over, introduced myself and talked my head off about The Boys to her pet parents Matt and Caryn…

“Yes”, I showed pictures, “yes” they were very kind and looked at ALL of them. I really enjoyed meeting them, and during our conversation, I found out they too use Olde Towne Pet Resort - but the other location. Thanks to me and my incessant talking – Maui just might start Agility Training soon!

Dinner was nice, I loved listening and catching up. John surprised me and joined us, and that’s always “the best!” My little girl is all grown up now, she seems very happy, and I’m delighted….

And TWO of my Three Amigos? They just hung out – chilled out – and waited for me to come home…

I love all my days with Harley & Leo, and I also love those stolen moments away from them – I’m one lucky Doodle Mom…

Thanks for reading…

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hi Becka - Thanks, happy you enjoyed reading. Sometimes those lovely eyes can scare the crap out of you in the middle of the night! Never a dull moment in my house...

[Becka]

I just LOVE the pix of their eyes, and the one of them watching you leave. Thanks for another great blog!

[Cathy C. Bennett]

I know exactly how you felt. Why do you think I interrupted what looked like the makings of a romantic dinner for the couple with the cute Wheaten Terrier? We (you & I) are a hopeless breed, but I love it!

Thanks so much for reading!

[Hailey and Oliver]

  So cute!  I went away for a couple of nights and when i came home oliver literally ran to me!  I'd be lying if i said i didn't miss him. 

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Hey Joanna - You said it best! I told another pet momma, it would be great if we ALL could start a National holiday and "escape" on the same day! That would be pawlarious!

Thanks so much for reading! Have a good one

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Sounds like you had a lovely time. Even though our doods are always on our minds, some time away is very well deserved :)

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Thanks so much for your lovely words Lonnie!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

It is always nice to have a little "girl time" with a daughter and you definitely deserve a few days away from the boys!  I loved when you said, "I couldn't pack fast enough"!  A few weeks ago I went to San Diego to visit one of my dearest friends and I had those same feelings, but after four days I was missing my DH and Libby so much I couldn't wait for that plane to land!  Seems like your DH did a great job with the boys and then made "points" with the surprise visit.  You are blessed Cathy!  How fun to meet up with Maui and visit with her parents!  She is a cutie!  Great blog and the cutest pictures!