Linsanity, Tebowmania, and Pupxiety?!?

[Katie, Andy, and Ernie!]

Well, I said I wasn't going to start this until next week when I had more free time, but I'm so excited and anxious that I can't distract myself from the matters at mind. What you'll read following is my story!

Years ago, 7 to be precise, I was captivated by the radiant beauty of stunning young lady named Katie. Katie was a professional student then, and I a graduate student, when we met in the neuroanatomy lab. Careers and life led us in different directions in the time after and even though we've been separated here and there since then, we never really lost sight of each other!

Recently, the fluttering nature of our relationship stabilized and I moved halfway across the country, leaving a paying job behind, to try and begin a life with her. After a brief trial period and nearly a year of living together, I'm ready, without hesitation really (something I always thought I'd have more of), to ask her to start the rest of our lives together.

Now, something you should understand is that Katie has always been a dog person. Her parents have 3 dogs, including a particularly quirky labradoodle named Gracie. Her sister has a rescue we believe to be a goldendoodle, and a moderately-hefty cocker spaniel name Mitch. The youngest sister, Kelly, and husband John, have a chessy and a goldendoodle named Todd. And, brother TJ and his wife, Laura, have a cockapoo named Vinny. Can you imagine what holidays are like at her parents' home? Here's a hint: all dogs are invited! Todd, sister Kelly's GD, it turns out, is where all this trouble began. Today, like a horrible James Bond movie, I'm secretly aligning events of incredible potential explosiveness. See, Todd came to the family from TR Doodles in Bennett, CO, and is the most wonderful and intelligent dog you can imagine, if a bit spoiled! We fell in love with his teddy bear face the first time we saw him and there's been no discussion of the kind of dog WE would get since! Sadly, not long after he came to be part of our lives, Kelly and John, our best friends in Denver, moved and took him with them. On the bright side, it provided more impetus for us to make a greater commitment to getting one of our own!

Anyway, I sit here today, one week from D-day (that's Doodle day to you and me), spilling my story to the internet about my love for a girl and a breed of dog (but really I love nearly all dogs and only one girl!). Next Thursday, March 29th, Ernie, our F1 apricot/red baby goldendoodle, comes home to us at 8 weeks of age. I mean it when I say that Katie has no idea. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to keep my mouth shut about it and so her youngest sister knows, as do her parents. :( I've got a crate, toys, potty pads, sprays, a collar, leashes, etc., etc., etc., all in our storage unit miles away. I've got a ring neatly hidden away and a snuggle puppy under the bed. Food and other supplies are traveling to my doorstep as I type this. I've arranged for her to have Friday and Monday off from work under the guise of a season-end skiing trip. And, when she walks through the door on Thursday after work,  there's going to be a yelping, excited bundle of joy awaiting her with a jewelery box affixed to his collar (if I can figure a way to pull that off without him pulling it off!) and a nervous, shaking, once-young man ready to ask her the most meaningful question in his life!

It'll be a scene no one wants to see, with me sweating and shaking, probably convulsing, and her crying and trying to talk through her tears and all that comes with them. All the while I'll be fumbling to get out the words I've spent so many nighttime hours debating. With any luck at all, 8-week-old Ernie will come out of it without permanent emotional scarring!

[Joyce & Wilson]

Oh I'm crying tears of happiness for you two or should I say 3 !!!!  You've got to catch this memorable moment on video so we can all share and have another good cry!  Best of luck !!

[Katie, Andy, and Ernie!]

Thanks, DKers, for alll the comments and feedback! 6 more days!

[BG and Gavin]

What a touching and beautiful story.  I did not expect to be crying this early in the morning.  I cannot wait to hear what happens next!  Thanks for sharing your wonderful plan.

[Donna K & Quincy]

Congratulations on both your upcoming proposal and the new puppy, both very exciting events. I hope Katie doesn't read this before the main event. Love your picture, your new doodle will surely enjoy the great outdoors with you. Good luck and I'm looking forward to the follow up story. Don't you dare disappear and leave us hanging.

Just make sure Ernie doesn't eat the ring, it would give an entirely new dimension to your poop patrol.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

Katie is one lucky girl! I look forward to reading chapter 2, and want to see a picture of Ernie with his jewelry box!

[Elizabeth & Cosmo]

What a sweet, sweet story! Wishing you, Katie, and Ernie lots and lots of happiness!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Wow, this is all pretty exciting.  I can't think of a better way to propose.  I'll be waiting for Katie's answer....

[Carol and Banjo]

Awwwwwwww....jeeeeze.....I'm all goosebumps and teary eyed!!!!    Sending you best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This is one of the most wonderful blogs I have ever read. Katie is one lucky girl and this sounds like the proposal of a lifetime. Andy, There is no way Katie is going to say anything but YES!! Any guy who goes to all this trouble AND includes a Doodle in his proposal deserves the girl of his dreams for a lifetime. Please do a follow-up blog when she says yes. Good luck!!

[Judi, David & Maddie Irishdoodle]

Omg I'm so excited for you, Katie and baby Ernie.  What a romatic story and can't wait to read chapter 2 and see photos of Ernie, the ring and the sobbing Katie.