Lab or Poodle??

[Ann]

I'm new to this site and I'm new to this breed, the Labradoodle. My journey into this world began a few months ago, after my Chocolate Lab, Odie passed away from diabetes. We had him from a puppy and he was 12 years old. It was my first dog that I had to put to sleep. I went, thinking nothing. The experience hit me like a ton of bricks. I cried my eyes out and to this day, when I think about it, I get upset. I never knew it could be so traumatic. Needless to say, I was NOT going to get another dog.

Yeah, sure. My husband was so very sad without a dog. He'd walk around, calling out Odie's name, saying "see how empty this house is??" Yes, it was empty. But the shedding was now gone. I didn't want another dog that shed. I have OCD, so I vacuumed practically...no, I did vacuum every day. But, my husband Jerome did not want a small "poodle" dumb dog. Okay, time for research. I did my research and came up with a solution!! Ah-ha...a Labradoodle!!! Yes, that's it. Lo and behold, a first time breeder was about 20 mins. from my house. I went "just to look" and of course, you know that doesn't work. Samson was born on June 4, 2009. I picked him up as he was the first puppy to greet us! The breeders were wonderful!!

We live in Lancaster County, PA. in the middle of Amish country. My family owns a campground resort. It is beautiful here! I found my dog. Samson was his name.

He is wonderful. These are his adventures. I will write about him. I love him to death!!

He is now 5 months old, about 51 pounds. How big will he get?? Well, I'm not sure but Dad was a Labradoodle himself, and Mom was a standard apricot poodle. These were beautiful dogs. Samson is a gorgeous brown color. He does not shed at all!! Yayee!! Horray!! And my husband got his big dog.

He has been groomed twice, this last one, I kinda went crazy on his face and he looks more like a standard poodle. I'm not sure Jerome likes it much. I will maybe not cut so much on his face next time.

We built a deck recently on the back of our house. For us?? No, for Samson, to run around on!

Now you will see how much this dog is a part of our family. Oh, family?? Yes, I have a son who is 21 and lives home and works. He finished college now and is not working in his field, but thank goodness he is working. My daughter is 19, and goes to Temple University in Philadelphia PA and loves it! A journalism major. So, I am basically home with Samson alone a lot. And I love it!

We just got back from a walk in the campground. The camp is closed for the season now and I can spend a lot of time with Samson. I am in the process of finding an obedience class. His jumping is crazy right now!!

That's it! That's where I am right now! Hope you all will love Samson like I do!

[Karen & Lucy]

OMGoodness Ann, I love your story. I know you will just love Samson, sound like a real gem. We live near Pittsburgh and have made 3 trips to the eastern part of the state in a motorhome and have stayed at Roundtop campground and Granite Hill campground. Where is the campground that your family owns? We love that part of the state and will be out there many more times. Maybe sometime we can meet and Samson and Lucy can play together.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Welcome. We got our second dog when our first was about 12 or 13 and she passed at 15. When she passed we were still devastated, but at least the house wasn't 'empty.'

[Joyce & Wilson]

Same story...You have a gift with your writting and am looking forward to your next post!! Love those Doodles!! They give so much back in return...smiling..

[Michele Barton]

Welcome to DK Ann! As you can see, you are not alone in your experience. I raised 3 dogs prior to getting Gus and Molly, and after each one died I said "no more, too much pain". That old saying "it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" is so true - the wonderful years we have with our pups more than outweighs the agony we feel when we lose them. If I could have one wish, it would be that dogs could live as long as elephants! (I know, that would cause lots of problems with overpopulation, etc., but hey, it's just a wish!)

[The Berry Oaks Doodle Ranch]

Hello Ann, and Welcome...your story sounds like most of us here...have fun with your Doodle.You will also find that you will gather alot nick-names for your Labradoodle.

[Pat & "Tucker"]

Hi Ann- similar story here. Yes, most of what I do revolves around Tucker ! Kids are grown, youngest is 20- away at college. My older daughter graduated from Temple- nurse, now CRNA- Drexel. We probably stayed at your campground. We camped a lot when the kids were young and frequently stayed in Lancaster. I'm in Bucks County near the Phila. border. Welcome to DK!

[Kyoko]

Hello! and Welcome!! Please Check out the PA doodle group!!

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

Same story here too - had 2 cockers who had to be put down like a year apart and I swore "NO MORE". It took me 4 years, but here we are with this wonderful goldendoodle - and we are closer to her than we have ever been to any other dog. I can't imagine our home without her!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I am so happy for you and your family! Husband and I made a decision together that we will try to never have just one dog (especially as that one ages). I don't think I could ever not have one! My mom's cairn died when I was 16 and she said she could never get another dog - she bought Mr. Jake 2 days later!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

How wonderful! I too swore off pets when my last dog had to be put down. It lasted one year and now I have 2 goldendoodles and I can't imagine life without them.