Random Ramblings After the Romp

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jackdoodle and I attended the Paw Pad romp in the forest preserves this morning; we had a wonderful time. Jack is the only honorary Paw Pad labradoodle in existence. (I have no photos, as I forgot my camera. I had all I could do to remember Jack and all his assorted paraphernalia, including but not limited to many bottles of water, many tennis balls, his boots, poop bags, etc.)

It was great to see Leslie & Halas again, and Penny with Comiskey and of course little Beemer! Beemer looks wonderful, and to see him running around the park, you would never know he ever had surgery!

Penny had the most thoughtful surprise for Jack and me; a handmade, personalized photo album, which I must show off:

Is there no end to this woman's talents? She made one for Leslie & Halas, too. Of course, what with two young active doodles, one of whom just had hip replacement surgery in both hips, I'm sure she has a lot of time on her hands. Penny, thank you so much!

Speaking of Halas, a word about his name. (See, I told you this was random ramblings.) I know for a fact that many people are unfamiliar with the name "Halas" (rhymes with Dallas) and often think that he is of Middle Eastern descent, and/or a girl. So I have decided to take this opportunity to explain. George S. Halas was the legendary founder, coach, and owner of the Chicago Bears football franchise, and he is a hero here in Chi-town. I hope this clears that up for those of you who were wondering.

We've been getting a lot of rain here this past week, and it was very muddy at the park, especially around the swimming area. Realllly muddy. I wish I'd had my camera, because I would have been all set for the next "Dirty Doodles" slideshow. Halas didn't want to swim very much (smart doodle!), but surprisingly, Jackdoodle was very enthusiastic about playing fetch in the water. He ended up covered in mud and really reeking. Several times, his ball went out far enough that he would have had to actually swim to get it, but a very nice strange dog retrieved it for him each time, brought it up on the bank, and went back into the water. Very cute!

After we left the swimming area, I put Jack's boots on, and we played ball. When it was time to leave, I forgot to take his boots off and he just rode home in them. He was wiped out and slept the whole way. We got into the house, I removed his boots, and low and behold, there were the wettest, muddiest paws in doodledom. Walking across my family room carpet and hopping right up onto the sofa.

In his last life, Jackdoodle must have been a devoted follower of Gandhi. What occurred when I attempted to get him into the mudroom (and I assure you, no space was ever more aptly named) to clean his feet was the most impressive display of passive resistance I have ever seen. No amount of pushing, shoving, pulling, cajoling, begging, crying, or cursing moved him. In the end, the cavalry (my DD & GS) forced him as far as the kitchen floor, where he proceeded to lie down with all four paws tucked underneath him.

Several hours and 2 cups of Haagen Dazs later, we are once again on speaking terms.

It was all worth it. We had a wonderful time, and my carpet & upholstery needed cleaning anyway. Hopefully, one of the real Paw Pad alumni's parents will post photos.

And how was your day?

[cheryl & oliver]

Now we know for sure that our Doodles are the smartest animals on the planet, Jack knew some treat would be given, so ice cream it was, I would have done the same, wouldn't you???....So glad u all had such a good time today at the romp. And like u said the carpet and sofa needed a cleaning anyway, all kidding aside, I would have been as like you, but then ice cream sooths the soul, hope Jack shared with you...

[F, Calla & Luca]

Doesn't the carpet and upholstery dry and then the mud falls off like doodles? I wish. I really just give up on a lot of "cosmetic" house things--it's hopeless. I just will have to expand my bedroom decor--I've started getting mud colored linens! Sounds like a good time was had by all.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Halas, now I feel like I really know you :)

Jackdoodle, I want ice cream!

Beemer, not to fret. A lot of us doodle moms will soon be having hip surgery and none of us will be running around the park. Good for you young man.

Thanks for asking about our day Karen. It is fine now that I got to read your blog. Makes me smile.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

This sounds like an absolutely PERFECT Doodle day..well all except the muddy paw Gandhi incident. I'm not going to tell Guinness and Murph about the "passive resistance' ploy...they still will do anything and go anywhere for the right treat. I'm thrilled about Beemer...that poor guy has been through so much, he deserves a day like today. I hear you about the carpet and upholstery. I've said before we actually have a contract with Stanley Steemer...if you do more than five cleanings a year you get a price break. We definitely do more than five. In the scheme of things, who cares as long as the Doodles are having fun, right? I'm sure JD will sleep like a rock tonight and have some really happy Doodle dreams. His Mommy will probably do the same. We also had a great day. Took our Doods to a Lacrosse tournament (grand kids) and out for burgers. They love their burgers!

[Wendy and Eddie]

Eddie and Elmo want to know Jack's favorite Haagen Dazs flavor! They're up for trying the Ghandi protest.

[Adina P]

Ahhhh sounds like a wonderful day...um...aside from Ghandi's antics :) Hilarious. If I knew there was ice cream involved I'd do the same!