Guard Dog Extraordinaire

[Heidi & Milton]

Before we moved into our house, we spent many a morning, noon, and night over here painting.  On one such occasion, we met one of our new neighbors who informed us about the "state of affairs" in our little corner of the city.  We were told that our neighborhood has been home to a few burglaries, and potential crooks had been known to drive by jiggling door handles in the middle of the night.  The sweet treat to follow that mouthful was to not leave our dog in the backyard because he could be stolen for bait in a dog fight.  We all know what a pretty boy Milt is, so I can only imagine.  Jeff and I, an enthusiastic, young couple wielding paintbrushes, slumped down a few inches and our grins turned to frowns.  News of the lack of security, completely true or partially fabricated, is enough to dampen one's spirits for not just the day but weeks and months following.

Since that day, I have been apprehensive when entering the house at night, and Jeff has trouble sleeping.  When Jeff and Milt leave for a hunting weekend, I lock the doors and sit tight.  Should we be forced to feel this way in our own home?  No, certainly not, but we have not yet reached a solid comfort level.  Everyday we feel better with the more homey touches we add around the house.  Curtains certainly help too.  So we start to feel at ease, and then I witness a man out walking, early morning, with a face mask on.  Granted it has been cold in Dallas but not that cold... 

This is why I insist that we do not gate the Milt into a certain portion of the house on days when he is left home.  He is our first line of defense, and it is imperative that he has free movement between the front and the backdoor, so he can adequately guard both.  He takes his job very, very seriously.

Vicious

Guarding the front

Keeping watch in the back

Are we overreacting?  Probably.  Websites like this:  21 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You  fuel our fear too.  Oh, and this one:  10 Things to Do When a Stranger Knocks on Your Door  Remember to keep it all in perspective though, and please don't read these websites at nighttime when you are sitting by yourself because they are written from the burglar's point-of-view, and they will creep you out.  When Milton found his deep, scary voice (his bark), as a mom I was proud, and now I am thrilled.  When our doodle barks, I congratulate him and know that he is protecting his family around the clock.

To read more about Milton the Goldendoodle visit www.goldilocksandherdoodle.com

[Pat and Traveler]

What a cute watchdog!  Trav watches too--keeps me informed if anyone walks down the sidewalk or puts the garbage out across the street.  :)

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Heidi, I forgot to mention in my last post that your pictures are so cute and as always Milton is absolutely adorable and definitely looking out for your safety!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

These Doodles definitely have a bark that scares and alerts someone that they should not try to come in if not invited!  At times my DH gets annoyed at her barking, but I am fine with her alerting us to someone at the door or in one of our yards.  As soon as we let her know it is a friendly person she stops and then wants to give her big Doodle Kisses to them:)

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Years ago, when my daughter was in college and living on her own, her boyfriend gave her a puppy for her birthday.  I thought she was NUTS taking on such a responsibility as a young college student.  However, I soon had a change of heart - I was glad to know that Dixie was there to watch over my daughter.  Best friend and protector!!

Sedona is also very good at alerting us to the goings on around here - and since we're in the midst of a big bathroom remodel, we have a lot of "goings on"!!!  I just wish she didn't care so much about the UPS truck making a delivery to our neighbor 130 yards away.

[Christine & Shelby]

I appreciate Shelby alerting me to people walking by and/or someone approaching the house. She sounds so scary.... And I love it. Although the nights she starts backing at 3 and 4am really scare me, but I appreciate her letting me know something is up!!!! I have a lock on the gate to my yard.... No need for anyone to get back there unless I am letting them in. When I unlock it for the lawn guy, Shelby is locked inside!!!!