Newbie

[Barb Perkins]

It's been awhile since I have been on this site. A lot has happened that kept me away. I planned on getting a Goldendoodle down the road as my American Bulldog, Buster, started to age. My plan was that this would help me transition into the idea of losing him. When I got Buster 9.5 years ago, it was strictly to help me through losing Casey, my 11 y.o. boxer, that was growing ill. When it came time to put Casey down, this puppy Buster was right there when I got home to make me smile again. So, back in June when I joined this site, I was just researching Goldendoodles. Buster was not sick. He was my best friend. He was happy and healthy. In July, everything changed. In one weekend, I learned all too much about prostate cancer in dogs. According to two vets, we had really no option and had to lay him to rest. We were devastated, heartbroken. And my big plan of having some Goldendoodle puppy at home waiting there to make me smile, failed. Then I had to have some surgery. Anyway - now we are ready. We have just put a deposit down on a Goldendoodle from Redmond, Wash!!!! (so far away, we are in Upstate, NY). We are so excited! He or maybe she is set to arrive September 8th weekend. And don't get me wrong, I don't think a new pup can ever 'replace' our beloved lost dogs, but they certainly can help the hole in your heart that's left when they they are gone.
So coming soon will be some actual puppy pics, this one on my profile is just someone else's cute puppy that looked like what I was looking for....
Very excited to become a real owner and Mom to a Goldendoodle. Anyone that has any tips for a newbie, feel free to message me...
Barb

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

@Barb -- Only one thing left to do before Wednesday -- Get Some Extra Sleep!   :o)

[Barb Perkins]

Well..it's been a strange few weeks - we agreed to the pup from Seattle, sent in a deposit. Then as I started reading a puppy book to refresh my skills in training, a few red flags appeared to me. 1) ESN. My pup was being neutered at 7 wks to the day and shipped to NY 3 days later. 2) My pup was being shipped (2 flights, all day affair) on post op day 3 after his neutering.  Well, I wasn't that comfortable with either idea. The ESN after some research...eh I was 50/50 on. Would rather do at 6mos,  but the lengthy travel at 7wks and the 3 days post-op made me way too nervous for the little guy.

So, I changed my mind with the deal,  lost 250.00 in the process...but Wednesday, in 2 DAYS, I get to meet Otis!. He is also arriving on a plane, but it's a 2hr direct flight and he is 9.5 wks and not neutered. That's him on my profile pic!

So we have the crate, food, chew toys, snuggle puppy for crate, the hot water bottle, the baby gate...and have just finished reading Good Owners, Great Dogs. We are READY!

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I am sorry for your loss but glad you are about to get a new "little" one. That's exciting. Good luck & keep us posted. There's lots of help here.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Please update us on your new puppy. :-)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am so sorry for your loss.  When our lab mix was diagnosed with cancer we had only a short time with him too. Congratulations on your soon to be puppy. I hope she/he fills your heart with loving memories.

[Barb Perkins]

Holy cow, so I just logged on to this and see these comments. I'm not sure if the Goldendoodle will warm me as much as seeing complete strangers responding to this. I kinda just wondered if anyone would even have read it today. Thank you all...really. I will be sure to join these groups to help me learn..especially about the grooming. Buster required an occasional bath, ear cleaning and nail clipping. So grooming will definitely be different, as will not having to vacuum three times a day lol. Looking very forward to this adventure!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am so sorry to hear about Buster. I am glad you are ready for a puppy. Good luck with it all.

[Kaytlin and Cooper]

i am sorry for your loss, but glad that you are getting a puppy soon to occupy your time and mind, and ease some of the great sadness you probably feel

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Welcome back!!  We will all be watching for updates and pictures!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dogs. How exciting to be getting a puppy soon. Good luck and I hope you post some pictures soon.