Lessons from my dog - Part 2

[Rachel and Ollie]

So, I have been mulling over what "part 2" would be for quite some time. Ollie will be one on July 29th, crazy right? It
feels like yesterday that I was posting on here with tears in my eyes about a different puppy who I had to pass by, and then with some help found Ollie. People kept saying (on here and in face-to-face life) that there must be a reason why I did not get that first puppy and that the right one would come along... to be honest, I rolled my eyes at this and
skipped past it out of annoyance. Boy was I wrong. 

My roommate in college used to put these pictures above her bunk of her yellow lab, Tazer. Freshmen year the whole floor knew more about her love for that dog then we did about her personally. Her facebook profile picture used to be of Tazer (and once in a while she was in there with him). I didn't get it. I thought she was hiding behind this infatuation with her dog. 

Don't get me wrong, I have always wanted a dog. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted one. I had hundreds of stuffed animal puppies. At one point I even had a real collar and leash for my stuffed dog and would drag it around. Like many parents, mine did not want to be stuck scooping poop, with vet bills, and dog hair all over the house. I understand and as many times as I said that I would take care of a dog if we got one, that's probably not true. 

Well last October Ollie came one day before I had to go on a dreaded work trip. When I came back, we had lost any bonding that had happened in that one day I had spent with him and suddenly I was "stuck" taking care of this crazy ragamuffin with razor teeth peeing all over my carpet (did I mention I live in a third floor apartment?). I was away from home for the first time in my life and experiencing Texas culture shock and then there was Ollie. Crazy, floppy, ornery Ollie. 

Somewhere after I figured out I had to buy flea meds and right before I had to take him to the emergency vet and have him tested for Parvo, I fell in love with the guy. Suddenly the pictures of Tazer made sense. I read today in a discussion on here from who knows how long ago the term "heart dog." This year has been one of the hardest of my life. "Growing up" hit my hard and fast and I was thrown in the deep end of a tough position, but when I came home Ollie was there ready for a hug. When I felt like I just couldn't go one more day in 100 degree weather or I missed my family so much that hurt, Ollie would come lay in my lap, and when I felt like nothing seemed to be going as I ever had dreamed, Ollie would come around the corner with that crazy look in his eyes and SPRINT around my crowded apartment. 

So what have I learned from Ollie? I learned that he is my best friend. That he is my heart dog. That no matter how hard work gets or how much I miss my friends and family, Oliver the dorky cuddlebug is always and I mean ALWAYS happy to see me and even if I'm gone for just an hour, I actually miss him too. I have learned that I care for this goofy boy more then I thought possible and there's just something refreshing about your first dog. :) 

[Rachel and Ollie]

Thanks all! I still miss home like crazy, but this guy helps a lot! It's crazy how much you can love a pup! 

[Shelby and Kev]

My Dood girl has my whole heart too...Puppy kisses for life!!!

[Sally]

oh yes! duncan is my first dog and i feel wholeheartedly the same!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Rachel, I'm glad Ollie makes you so happy and I completely understand. I've only had one dog before Quincy it was a long time ago and while we loved her, it is nothing like I'm experiencing now.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Well first off - I can't decide who is cuter - you or Ollie - it is a toss up for sure - lol.  Second - I remember the posts from your pre-Ollie days - hasn't time gone so fast!  I'm so happy that you have Ollie and the love that you share!!!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I can't believe it's almost a year and it's so good to read your blog and you love for Ollie. I remember how homesick you were and am so happy that life is indeed wonderful with a Doodle by your side.

[Bonnie and Kona]

What a wonderful blog! I love your descriptions and heartfelt sentiments. Ollie is as cute as can be.

As the owner of many dogs in my life time (I'm old) I must comment...You said, there is just something about your first dog... I would note: There is just something about each and every dog you have your whole life long. Each one will be different but so lovable. I think it might be their unconditional love that they offer to us that does it. 

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I am glad you understand the connection us crazy doodle owners have with our dogs.  I also have  Ollie (Oliver), he is my big boy but is so sensitive and my Sasha is my little princess.  Both my doodles are my babies and I could not even think of what life would be without them !!!!  Welcome to the world of true doggie love :)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Rachel, I cannot believe it has almost been one year. I remember all the things you described so well and how homesick you were.  You should be so proud of yourself!  Isn't it amazing how a little time and a wonderful dog can work magic? I am so glad the right dog found you!!

[Rachel and Ollie]

Sandy - I know it's crazy! I can't believe he will be one next month! Ya, I saw the mini's on her site (Ollie has never made the picture real...I stopped trying) He was supposed to be a mini too lol well...I love that he is a medium dood :)

Jane - It for sure is special. I never really got it before. Even though I knew I wanted a dog, I didn't really see how distinct a dog's personality can be! 

F- I know, he just is always so happy I am home and I don't think it's just because he has to pee :) He tends to cuddle if I've been gone too long 

Doris - I had some help and great examples from a couple doodle owners in town. For real, I think I would have lost it at the Vet school without you and you have saved me a couple times with watching him. You, Christine, Knox, and Shelby taught him a lot (oh and me too). 

Deanna - My timing probably wasn't the best either (I think many people thought I was a little crazy to be getting him so soon), but I am so glad I got him when I did. For a while there I hated to be in my apartment, I would spend hours at starbucks just so I wouldn't have to be home alone the whole night. Now I come home and stay home by choice and with excitement :) I'm glad your daughter experienced something similar!

Karen - I believe it. I will probably always have a dog (and probably always a doodle). I'm hoping it's many years to go with Ollie and I :)

Traci - I know! Crazy! I didn't get him until the very end of September, so I haven't personally had him for a year, but I can't believe we are through many of the puppy stages! It is neat that I randomly got this little (or I guess big) guy! 

Roy - well at least a couple. 

Janie - Thanks Janie! I think he is pretty cute too (not that anyone would know by the five bajillion pictures I have of him!) I was lucky to find him for sure!