Oh, how fast the time goes by!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Two weeks ago Auggie turned 4! It's so hard to believe!

My "trouble" child, my itty-bitty-buddy-boo (well, not really itty-bitty) is an adult doodle. At least physically, LOL.

So what has he been up to in the last year?

Since his older brother Monty was out of commission most of 2015 thanks to his knee surgeries and rehab, I got to spend a lot of time with Auggie alone. Those of you with multiple doodles know how hard it is to have a dedicated one on one time with each of the dogs. Well, since Monty could not leave the house, Auggie got to spend some quality time going places and doing stuff with mommy.

And I have to tell you: I fell in LOVE with Auggie all over again!

During our alone time, I learned that:

* Auggie actually knows his name and pays attention to me if there is no brother to bug.

* Auggie is a true people dog. He loves to hang out with people at dog parks.

* Auggie is so patient. He always is a willing model when I want to practice photography. He can pose for hours (if treats are involved).

* Auggie truly loves water. We went swimming quite a bit last summer and he totally enjoyed jumping into the water and swimming.

* Auggie is a fast learner. We attended a trick class and he was a star pupil (I might be a little biased).

* And to top it all, Auggie surprised me by passing a Therapy Dog evaluations in March. I just could not believe it!

However, the best thing I got during the last year was a gift of communication.

I've had a hard time figuring Auggie out before, just because I was used to his brother's loud and clear communication.  Monty is VERY expressive and emotional (a true diva) so it's really hard to miss what he is trying to tell you. Auggie, on the other hand, mostly relies on the communication delivered by his brother when they are together. I'm sure that Auggie wants a treat after dinner, but he lets his older bro communicate that to me through an impatient gaze, a whine, and a scratch on the pantry door. Auggie just stands back and let his worked-up brother do all the work.

But when I was alone with Auggie, I learned his communication is very subtle. He does not throw fits like his older brother does when I don't understand what he is saying. Auggie's brown eyes give me the longest, the calmest, and the most patient look, as if he was saying: "Here mom, let me help you understand."  His way of talking to me is sweet and very gentle.

Just like his soul.

Happy Birthday, Auggie! Thank you for being a wonderful doodle!

 

[Carol and Banjo]

This is so special!!!   I've enjoyed watching Auggie (and his brother) grow up!     I love that you have learned to "listen" to his special way of communicating.     Banjo does that too.       Very difficult to ignore.      Big hugs to Auggie.....Happy Birthday sweet boy!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh I LOVE this!  I remember when you got Auggie....can't believe he's already 4.  I think it's so awesome that he's now a certified TherapyDog....congratulations I know you must have worked hard with him.  Happy Birthday sweet Auggie!