Sunday Musings

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I am now surrounded by Puppy stuff, Crates X 2. A stairgate, bed, bowls,feed,toys.  I have checked out and decided on a Vet, Puppy Creche, Dog Park, Classes.  I have decided which grooming tools to get and have bought the basics.  I have written a Socialization plan list to tick off and have the money saved and ready.  So what to do now?  I seem to spend quite a bit of time here on DK trawling all the interesting information, pictures and above all videos which are so good to look at.  The world is indeed a small place as I sit here in Ireland and commune with lots of you who are many miles away.

Childhood memories keep drifting in and I am just realising how much animals and especially dogs played a part in enriching my childhood and preparing me for life ahead for there are truly life lessons to be learnt by caring for a pet as a young person.  They teach you empathy and sharing.  They teach you how to grieve, how to give and how to be responsible and above all unconditional love.

I remember my first dog, Jet.  His mother was a Poodle as my father was very clear that Poodles were the smartest dogs and that his childhood dog, also named Jet was also a Poodle cross.   My Dad was a rather strict man and I always thought he was very tough on my dog.  It was only some time later when I saw him petting Jet and talking to him when he thought no one was looking that I realised that my love of animals came from him.  Dad told me stories from his youth.  One I remember about a baby bird that he hand reared whilst on holiday in a guest house where he spent his Summers fishing in a local lake.  One day Dad said lets go back and see if the guest house (where he had spent those happy Summers) was still there.  We all piled into the car, Mum, me, my sisters and of course Jet whose place was on the floor by my feet.  Two hours later we arrived into the Wicklow countryside and found ourselves driving up a long driveway to a large house.  I was told to get out and knock at the door and tell them that I was Louis Woolfsons Daughter.  I remember walking with Jet at my side to that large door in trepidation.  A lady answered the door and I related who I was.  A big smile came over her face and within minutes Dad was out of the door.  She was the daughter of the house, still operating as a guest house.  One look at my Jet and she remarked that he was just like Dadddy's dog from all those years ago (I'm talking about 40 years!).  We had a big tea of scones, sandwiches, copious pots of tea around a big family table where  I listened to lots of stories of my fathers childhood holidays. Jet lay at my feet the whole time and was given a bowl of water and some biscuits.

Before we left the lady suddenly called Daddy and said 'Louis, there is something you left behind from all those years ago and we have been waiting to give it back to you'.  She led us to the front door where standing behind the door was my Dad's fishing rod which had stood there for over 40 years.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

That's a wonderful story. Thanks! Your doodle day will come soon!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

You are such a wonderful writer. Love our stories!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Love the sweet ending. Thank you for sharing.

[Carol and Banjo]

I look forward to your musings Nicky....and what a wonderful ending....so touching!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

What a wonderful story and memory.  It is nice to have those to think back on.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Love the stories! I agree with F, keep them coming

[Gail+Kathleen,(Sydney+Olivia:)]

Nicky, what a sweet story.  You are going to be such a great Doodle Mom.  In addition to all of the toys and miscellaneous supplies, reading books to prepare can help prepare you for your new puppy.  doodlecountry.com has some great books.  We read "The Art of Raising a Puppy by The Monks of New Skete" and we learned so much from the book before we got our first Doodle.  We cannot wait to see all the pictures of your Doodle Pup!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Grand story! Yes, keep them coming.

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Great story.  I'm loving your "musings" - keep them coming...