My Confessions….

[Deanna M.]

Hello, I’ve been a member of this site for awhile, mostly lurking, learning a lot, and enjoying the stories and pictures of everyone’s doodles, but I have some confessions to make……

 

Confession #1…I am not a dog person.  I grew up with cats my whole life and as an adult pretty much always had at least one.  With a few exceptions dogs were smelly, drooling, creatures who were either yappy or scary or both.  Probably because the only dogs I was really exposed to were toy poodles or shih tzus or the crazy cocker spaniel who chased me down the road when I was about 11.

Almost 12 years ago my husband got our then 9 year old son, a yellow Labrador retriever for his birthday, without much consultation from me.  I loved Rudy, he was a sweet boy but he was always really hubby’s and my son’s dog.  Then last year he died suddenly from a bleeding tumour in his stomach.  I felt the hole his passing left in our life and at this point in our lives our two oldest children had moved out and only our 15 year old daughter was at home.  In retrospect I think I was feeling empty nest syndrome, and I surprisingly was the one to suggest we get another dog.  Two months later we brought home Sulley, a F1 standard goldendoodle.  

Which leads me to confession #2….

For the first two months I was ready to rehome Sulley.  Between the time we put a deposit on him to just before we brought him home, my on and off battle with clinical depression was on again.  I was off work and barely able to get out of bed and get dressed and here was this creature who required constant supervision and training.  Plus it was the middle of winter and walking and exercising him was torture to me.  I was miserable on so many levels.  Most nights Carl would come home to me saying that I can’t do this, he needs to go.  Thankfully at this point we decided to put Sulley in daycare for two afternoons a week, he was housebroken, puppy behaviours lessened and the weather began to change along with my attitude towards Sulley.  Which leads me to confession #3…

I am obsessed with my boy.  He makes me smile, I can forgive him anything, I love grooming him, playing with him, just watching him run, interact with other people and dogs.  I take him wherever I can, show pictures of him to anyone that I can corner, talk about him all the time.  I even put magnets on the back of my car professing my obsession!

 

And now confession #4…

One doodle was not enough, last week we rescued Molly from the SPCA.  She was horribly dirty and matted and the most loving dog I had ever seen. 

She has fit into our house so well it is almost scary.  I think she will be the alpha and Sulley is fine with that but we will have to watch that we don’t let her dominate everything with her love of affection.

I am sure I will have situations arise that I will need to draw on your experiences and expertise and thank you for that in advance!

[Karen Glassman]

It sounds like Sulley and Molly are two very lucky dogs. Your writing is beautiful and brave. Happy Holiday to you and your family.

[Kathy Janes]

Sully is beautiful.  And isn't it interesting how there is something about doodles - you can't have just one!  It's great that you were able to rescue for your 2nd.  I watched this site for so long, and satisfied my longing by fostering for DRC, but I ultimately broke down.  I adore these creatures and the magical spell they weave around themselves where ever they go.  Ours are therapy dogs, as many are.  Such joy in life just has to be shared!

[DonMarie and Picco]

I love your story!  Dogs are really amazing creatures, what other animal gets so attached to a human.  I've always been a dog person and didn't have one as a child but always longed for one. I have health issues that have cause some minor depression and some very low periods and waking up to find a dog waiting for a hug is the greatest motivator to get me moving and brighten my day!

[Deb's Yarrow and Schatzi]

Love the whole story from beginning to end. I adore my Yarrow, who was a most challenging pup and is now like my right hand. Then Shiloh came into our home, her fourth home. She is a wonderful gift. A month later I was struck, literally, with rheumatoid arthritis and some difficult to manage symptoms. So, here I am, alone for six months of the year, with two 85 pound puppies who are just over a year old, and unsure how my strength and outlook will be from day to day. The only thing I know for sure is that they are my joy and my strength when I need to carry on as usual.

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Love this story!  Thanks for sharing....

[jane leichter]

wonderful story! . doodles are so special. thank you for sharing..we are really enjoying this site this week! brightens these dark winter's days to hear such lovely stories. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

P.S. One doodle is NEVER enough!

[Joan & Crosby]

Aren't doodles great? Good for you Deanna, to have 2 doodles, that's even better. Merry X'mas to everyone at Doodlekisses......

[Annie Oak]

What a wonderful story! My doodle, and all past dogs I've had had always made me smile,, Next year sign up for the holiday card exchange and every time you open the mail in December you will Smile...Merry Christmas

[Shari Becker]

Love your story!  We fought our condo board to get Lexi for our daughter who has anxiety attacks. She's registered as an emotional support animal, and we have a prescription for her. But the dog has been amazing, for all of us. Anxiety and depression run in both sides of our family. Last winter (my first with a dog) was my first season without winter blues - and it was a LONG winter. I totally credit Lexi. Not only is she a source of joy and love, but she's an excuse to get outside and move. Our dog changed the whole vibe in our home, and we are contemplating leaving our urban condo, that we love, just so we can get a second one.