MY GOOD BOY

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle's been a little neglected lately. It's been raining a lot, so our walks are shorter, and many days we can't play ball in the yard. I've been spending a lot of time on the phone and computer, too; lots of rescue doodles in need of homes, and well, Jackdoodle has a home. So he doesn't get much attention some days. But he never acts out, or gets destructive. He just waits until I have a little time to play with him. He's such a good boy.

Sometimes when he does get attention, it's not so much fun. His paws are still pretty inflamed from his late summer ragweed reaction, and every other day I have to apply an antibiotic/steroid lotion to them. He really hates that. But he bears it. Jackdoodle bears what he has to. He's such a good boy.

Every week we go to the vet's office for his antigen shot. His tech comes to get him and he goes with her willingly. On the way, they pass the scale, and Jack steps on and sits down. He doesn't have to be weighed every week, but he thinks that's what he's supposed to do, so he does. Everybody laughs. His tech says that once they get in back, she tells him to sit & stay while she gets his shot ready, and he does. She says she “brags on him” to the other techs, because he's such a good boy.

Every week, we also go to the groomer's for a bath. Jack has to be there a long time, because when he's flaring, he has to air dry. He doesn't like it when I turn to leave, but they say he's always well-behaved after I do. The other day, the groomer wanted me to come back and see a dog who was there being groomed. He was adopted and the owners aren't sure what mix he is; she thought he might be a doodle.

As we walked into the grooming area, we passed an empty grooming table, and Jack jumped right up onto it and sat down! He thought that was what he was supposed to do, even though he doesn't like being groomed. Everyone laughed. The groomer said “I wish all the dogs were as easy and cooperative as Jackdoodle, he's such a good dog.”

Tonight, he's lying here chewing on a brand new marrow bone, and I'm thinking how lucky I am to have him. He just accepts whatever comes his way and tries his best to do what he thinks is expected of him. Really, he deserves so much more than I can give him. The least I can do is pay him a little tribute here from time to time and hope he knows how much I love him. And that he really is such a good boy.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Lucky you and lucky Jackdoodle. I tend to think JD is not deprived. The doodles wouldn't mind being amused whenever they're awake. Although I think my doods are good they sure aren't as good as JD. I just finished grooming Luca this AM. We have to look great and be mat free for the romp with all that water and sand. Luca only tries halfheartedly to leave periodically but I am not looking forward to Calla. Give JD a hug from his DK friends.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I think I see Ice Cream in your future JD and a GOOD BOY shouted out all the way from OHIO

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Awww, what a sweet, sweet boy!!! I vote for tennis balls IN and crystal OUT!! JD has earned it!! :)

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

What a lovely blog on such a good boy.

[Donna K & Quincy]

JD, you are a winner, you could teach all of us a thing or two about how to deal with what life throws at us without complaining. Hope you get outside to play soon.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

JD is a very special boy with a beautiful soul. It breaks my heart that he has to go through so much with his allergies, but he seems to just take things as they come. There are lessons for all of us in that. He's lucky to have you Karen (and you him). I believe that there was some special reason you two were brought together....I think the DRC work that you do save Doodles is a big part of that. Thanks for reminding us about our JackDoodle.