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. :) 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Ollie is as cute as can be and I'm glad the two of you found each other! 

[Roy Henderson]

you have learned your lesson well...lol

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

My,where did that year go???  I remember clearly how you were going to have to leave Ollie and I actually thought you were in Indiana & I was wanting to watch him for you while you were gone!!!!  I am so glad you got the dog you were meant to get.  Aren't they wonderful?  Happy Birthday, Ollie!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There will be something very special about every one of your dogs, and I have a feeling you will have many in your lifetime. Once you know that feeling of love for dog, once you have bonded with one, you just cannot be without that.

I look forward to hearing about all of the life lessons that Ollie will be sharing with you in the future. This is only the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

As she was growing up, my daughter, too, always wanted a dog - but since we were an "on the go" type of family, we always said "no".  At the end of her sophomore year of college, she moved into an apartment and almost immediately got a puppy.  I thought she was crazy to take on such responsibility at that time of her life.  Reading your blog makes me understand a little more why she may have gotten Dixie when she did.  It turned out to be a wonderful thing for Rebecca, just as getting Ollie has been great for you!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Oh, and she's an amazing young woman -- wise beyond her years! 

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Rachel, you and Ollie were just meant to be together!  He's a fantastic little dog, and you aren't so bad either!

To other DK'ers -- I have personally witnessed the transformation in Rachel and she's become an amazing doodle owner!  I'm so proud of her!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Isn't it grand? Somehow they are always forgiving and happy to see us and make us smile.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This is a really sweet blog.  I'm so glad that you and Ollie have been there for each other.  That bond is one of life's very special gifts to those who are open to it.