Lessons from a Two Dog Household

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Well...I survived the first week of my life as a double doodle mommy! Whew!  What an eventful week!  I thought I'd share with you some of what I learned.

 

1.  Before you get 2 doodles, make sure you have a king sized bed!  I didn't realize how much more crowded you can get with yourself, spouse, 40 pound mini doodle, and 60 pound standard doodle!

2.  Going for errands with BOTH doodles is not quite as easy.  I was bound and determined to take Maggie with me for my morning coffee run (as Bexter always has done).  No problem getting Maggie into the van.  However, getting her out was another story.  She is a little scared to do that.  I had to pull and push and pull and push.  She knocked over my coffee cup which spilled coffee onto my van floor.  Well...so much for the coffee run!

3.  Double doodles = double poop!  My kids are thrilled about this since it is THEIR job to pick up the poop from the yard.  Needless to say, I am actually getting REAL pooper-scoopers today rather than their toy shovels they use!

4.  It is really hard to figure out who ate whose food!  I am still working on that one!!!

5.  It is sooo fun to watch them play together!

6.  Unless "playing together" results in Bexter introducing Maggie to the muddy corner of our yard...I was enjoying the weather yesterday grading papers on my deck...watching my boys play soccer (each of them chose a dog to be on his team)...thinking how wonderful and complete my life is.  I get done grading my papers and to my horror  turn to see this...

 And then this...

And I'm thinking OMD!  That stinker Bexter has corrupted my sweet and innocent Maggie!

So, needless to say, I am realizing that TWO DOODLES is DOUBLE the bathing & grooming time!  As a matter of fact, while I am typing this blog, DH is busily trying to solve the problem of the muddy corner because I had to give Maggie ANOTHER CLEANING this morning before church due to this problem.  It may not look too great in the yard, but problem SOLVED.

 7.  I also have learned that sometimes two doodle siblings can get a little rowdy in the house.  When they do, it is TIME OUT as you can see here.

 

 8.  I did learn that one doodle can teach the other something useful (I'm NOT talking about Bexter teaching Maggie the muddy corner).  Bexter actually helped teach Maggie to go in her crate.  He is VERY good about going when we say "Go to your crate!"  She wouldn't budge at first.  Now, she goes in just as easily as Bexter!  Good boy, Bexter!  Maggie is attempting to teach Bexter not to chew on our blanket.  Last night, we were ALL snuggling in our bed (too bad I don't have a picture of that for ya) when Bexter started munching on our blanket.  We said a firm, "BEXTER, NO!"  Every time we said that (yes, we had to say it more than just once...), Maggie would kind of slap Bexter's head with her paw.  It was hysterical.  It was like she was saying, "KNOCK IT OFF before we get kicked off the bed!"  Good girl, Maggie!

 9.  The most important lesson I have learned is that double doodles = double the love and double the joy.  I can't imagine not having my two doodles in my life.  Getting Maggie has completed my family - and hey, I finally can buy pink!  My decision to get her will be one that I am ever grateful I made...and I will always remember that it's okay to think with your heart!

 

 

 

 

 

[Marcy, Apollo & Phoebe]

I have read this blog several times. Awesome. I am really thinking about adding a second doodle to our family. My heart says Apollo needs a little sister. Apollo will be two next year and my human babies will be 4 and 7 next year. My mind tells me: "Lady you're crazy. You already have two small children and one puppy! That's twice the poop, twice the food, twice the grooming, and twice the exercise!" But I imagine Apollo running and playing with a little sister, just like my two human children. We'll see. I'll come back and read this blog periodically. I'll be sure to let you know what we decide. Your family looks like tons of fun!

[Hazel & Chester Wayte]

This is a great blog- I was wondering how you were making out. I think we became 1st time doodle moms around the same time last year..where does the time go??

These 2 are great together. We have thought about a 2nd.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Wow! Looks like they are getting along great together! So cute-you are blessed!

[BG and Gavin]

I am so happy that this decision worked out just the way you wanted it to!  Your picture are adorable.  Love the pink collar btw!

[Carla, Lucca and Izzy]

What an absolutely enjoyable blog!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Maggie is a very lucky girl. You have given all the reasons why we also have 2 doodles. Izzy mimics everything Lucca does also...including the mud!!!! My only drawback is the double the poo part. We do so much recycling that our garbage pail is literally "full of sh_t"!!! and stinky too:) I just saw some flushable poop bags at the store the other day. Wonder if they really work!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so happy for you.  Double trouble, double fun, double love!

[Vicki and Harli]

So happy for you!! Your doodles seem to be best buds already!! :)

[Melody & Bruin]

So happy for you.  Everyone seems to be adjusting well.  I am definitely getting the "second doodle itch'!!!  I will wait to read more of your stories!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

How wonderful!!!  I love the photos....

[Pat and Traveler]

What a fun blog and photos!  Love the muddy pictures, and the one with your happy son, and the one with the two cleaned-up doods--well, guess I loved them all.  LOL