Stuart's 1st Adoptaversary!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Most of you know Stuart's story - born in a puppy mill - how we adopted him from a rescue organization in Atlanta, how sick he was when we got him at 8 weeks.  Oh the stories I told about the Coccidia & Giardia - with the poop catching paper plates and rubber gloves.  I shudder to think back to the days when Stuart's body emanated an odor so repulsive to me that I cried, thinking I had made a mistake.  (We continue to believe it was the smell of the parasites but it lasted for 2-3 months- uggg)   Now I can't imagine my life without my baby Stuart - still my baby at 70lbs!!! 

Stuart's 1st day with me and his 1st bone

Along with Rooney - they are the loves of my life.  There have been ups and downs this past year but how blessed I feel that every day has joy because of my boys.  How bad can life be when every day starts with doodle kisses on the bed?  Stuart is a real snuggle bug who sleeps not with his mom, not next to his mom but ON his mom.  He lays his front paws and head right over my legs, and one of us gets a good nights sleep, lol. 

Sleeping with the ball STILL in his mouth

Stuart can't stand to see his brother giving or getting loves and so will shove Rooney out of the way to make sure that he is getting more than his fair share.  Stuart has the biggest, blackest, coldest nose and I kiss it at least 20 times a day.  I laugh at his antics, the burping, the way he tries to lovingly get the kitty to play by taking his giant paw and stroking the cat, his rock and stick eating - oh dear.  He learned to fetch the newspaper by watching Rooney do it - that was all it took.  The big lug is ball obsessed, will swim endlessly, thinks he is a lap dog, will not jump into a car - has to be lifted, has the head tilt. 

I shake my head at myself when I see the scars on my leg from when I dove into a dog fight to save my boy, nothing else mattered at the point.  What a treat that we have been re-united with his brother Beamer and are getting ready to meet with two more, Crosby and Foster this month.  There will never be another Stuart, there can never be a greater love in my life.  People tell me "he is so lucky you adopted him".  Uh no!  I am the one that is lucky to have gotten this beautiful boy for my own. 

 

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Adoptaversary Jane and Stuart, it was meant to be. Stuart has certainly gotten his doodle look on and to think you were worried he wouldn't. This is one of my fave pics ever, he looks too cute to be real. Rooney and Stuart always look so happy so I think they must know how lucky they are.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Wow, that year went by fast!! I love your pictures and can't believe how tiny Stuart was when you got him!! Happy Adoptaversary to you both-so glad you found each other!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

I remember when we went through this!  Loved the underwear idea!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Stuart loves his daddy and his kitty! 

[Leslie and Halas]

Happy Adoptaversary to Stuart and your whole family!  I remember you wondering about his coat.  It's gorgeous now!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

@Lori - Stuart will NOT jump into our suv.  Little Rooney leaps right in and then Stuart will put his paws up and wait for us to lift his back end in.  He uses an ottoman to get on and off our bed.  We have considered that perhaps he has a hip issue BUT he will jump into the air to catch a ball.  So who knows.  Either was we love him - this is just one of his many quirks.  LOL 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I can't believe it has been a year already. Happy Adoptaversary, Stuart!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Congrats Stuart, you are one adorable dood! It was meant to be.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I remember you getting Stuart and the giardia, etc. I am so glad to see this story had a happy ending. You are both lucky :) I think Stuart is one of the cutest Doodles ever!!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Yes, you are BOTH lucky.  Congrats on a year of bliss (and growing pains lol)!