Observations by a first time doodle owner

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

I have always loved dogs, but until recently, the situation did not allow me to have my own dog. I did not know what to expect and had no idea how much better life can be with a dog...let alone a DOODLE. Monty turned 2 in March and it got me contemplating about our two years together. Here is a handful of things every new doodle owner should expect to happen:

 

1. You will never shower alone...and I mean EVER again. So get used to stepping out of your shower finding an "extra bath rug" laying on the bathroom floor. And get used to freezing your butt off, literally, since the bathroom door will be wide open. You can try and close the door before you take your nice relaxing shower, but I'm afraid you won't be able to relax due to the howling and whining that would be coming from behind the closed door. So yes, you will step out of the shower all soaped up, just to crack the door open to allow the howling intruder in. And eventually, you will learn to keep the door ajar before you step into the shower. By the way, this also affects any other business you might want to try to conduct in your bathroom. You are never alone.

 

2. You become invisible and nameless. When you are out and around with your doodle, somehow you completely disappear from other people's views. All they see is your doodle. Not only that, some even know his/her name. I would walk into Monty's daycare with him and the front desk ladies would squeel: "Hi Monty! Are you coming to play?" That's all. Do they know my name? I doubt it. The other day I was dropping off Monty at his groomer. She opened a second location and I've never seen these new assistants before. Yet, we walked in and one of the assistants already bathing a different dog looked up and yelled: "Monty is here!"  Well, I was there too, but I don't think anyone actually noticed. So get ready: people will notice your dog. You are just an accessory.

 

3. Many adult human beings fall righ down to the level of their kidswhen they meet your doodle. I especially love this one. On our morning walks, we periodically cross paths with two new moms pushing their infant kids in strollers. Even though I already know I'm invisible, I still try to be polite and greet them good morning. All I get as a reply is a  "doggy doggy" in a childish squeeky voice from BOTH of them. Consistently. Every. Time. We. Meet.  It actually makes my day.

 

4.  Even if adults are speaking in a normal voice and you might think they are actually talking to you, snap out of it. They are NOT talking to you. I have to state here that I'm happily married. But still, every female walking her doodle and passing a male who suddenly says "You are gorgeous!" would want to think the remark belonged to her. Married or not. Oh well, get over yourself. He is talking to your doodle. You should know by now.

 

So there you have it. These are my two cents for the new doodle owners. What other insights would you have?

 

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

We are asking our daughter NOT to attend her brother, our son's college graduation because our dood had some minor surgery and we don't want him left to play too much!  Tells you who is highest on our priority list!

[Lori, Rooney & Zuzu]

1. Before making plans outside the home you will give more consideration to the dog's schedule than your own. "Hmmm... will I have enough time to walk Rooney then? No, I better not go then..."

2. You will take more photographs of your dog's first year than you did for your first, second or third child... combined.

3. You will start watching dog grooming videos online, researching scissors and clippers and imagining converting your son's bedroom into a dog grooming salon.  I mean, if he can't keep that room clean then might as well give it to the dog.  

4. You will find yourself spending inordinate amounts of time socializing with other Doodle owners online to the extent that you hope no one else finds out about your secret addiction.