The Many Adventures of Sadie and Coal

[Ashley, Sadie and Coal]

It has been quite a while since I have recorded the many adventures of Sadie and Coal.  Having a high school senior and a freshman, along with a third grader, two wild doodles and 29 fifth graders keeps me busy... and when I'm not busy, my brain/body is completely useless!

Sadie and Coal will be a year old on November 25th, and we have come a loooooong way since we brought them home on January 2nd.  We still have lots to learn, but life has settled down considerably in the last month or so.  

After months of keeping the puppies apart in an effort to avoid Littermate Syndrome, we are finally able to have both pups together at the same time. They still have a lot of puppy in them and can get pretty rambunctious when left to their own devices, but for the most part, they just follow us around and wait for us to feed them, rub them or play with them. We try to give them time together on the front porch to get their sillies out before we let them loose in the house, and that seems to help them settle...most of the time.  They have definitely developed their own preferences and personalities.  

Coal is a laid back, lover boy whose favorite place is on our bed with his long, skinny body stretched out up against his favorite humans (the ones who feed and walk him--aka mom and dad).  Sadie's favorite spot is half under the bed with her curly tail and back legs hanging out.  Sadie acts like she's Miss Independent, yet she won't eat her breakfast unless I'm in the room. Coal won't eat until he's had a sufficient amount of good morning loving, and both will pout and not eat at all if we leave them on the porch with their food. Typical doodle behavior.  Sadie stands still for brushing and grooming, while Coal is a wiggle worm who requires sweet talking and bribery.  Sadie takes lots of naps and Coal paces when he is bored. We really haven't decided who is in charge between them, because it looks different at different times.

Coal

 Sadie

We continue to train them and walk them both together and separately. I think we are probably a little behind on training since having two takes more time, but we are happy with their progress. They know a few cool tricks, and do well with their basic commands...for the most part. I wish I had a video of myself walking them together for the first time with my arms stretched out as far as they would go in both directions, and then untangling and unwinding myself from the leashes.  We've improved, and though we are far from perfect, the walks can be pleasant at times... unless they see a squirrel and then all bets are off, and I'm lucky if I can hold onto them.  Sadie is like a bloodhound, pointing and sniffing and going in circles with her fluffy self crouched down low to the ground, trying to catch those dirty, rotten rodents. 

On a side note, we were very fortunate to get to visit with Stephanie and Ragley in September. Our pups were excited and forgot their manners a few times, but they did better than I thought they might with a new friend. Ragley and her mom were as sweet and wonderful as we imagined.  Ragley even taught the pups how to play dead!  Our human kids thought she was the best visitor we've ever had. She is going to be an awesome therapy dog.  We did learn that Sadie has a jealous streak... she pouted when I gave Ragley a little attention. Such a momma's girl!  

So much has changed since we realized we had gotten in over our heads by bringing litter mates home without doing the necessary research. Though the challenges of these past months were ridiculous at times, we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel, subtle though it may be. All of the hard work has created an extra strong bond with our pups, and the love we feel for them is immense. These fur babies are a part of my soul, and I can't envision life without them.

However, I always feel compelled to state for the unexpected reader who is contemplating adopting litter mates, that this in no way means we would adopt two puppies at the same time if we had it to do over again. Our situation is now mostly positive, but it could have been a lot different. To get to this point, we have done an indescribable amount of walking, training, feeding, pee and poop cleaning, (cussing) and playing, all while keeping them separate with closed doors, gates and pens. Our lives have revolved around these puppies with little time for anything else.  Are they worth it? No doubt about it!  Was it easy? Heck no!  Do we still have challenges ahead of us with these pups? Everyday...  Are we happy to have them?  Absolutely!  Would we recommend getting litter mates to a friend? No. We would not.    

For now, we do feel like the hard part is behind us and "triple the work" has become immeasurable joy.  

 PS--Please forgive the poor quality iPhone photos. One day we will have a real photo shoot...

[Nancy and Georgia Brown]

Really beautiful dogs, and glad things have worked themselves out. So cute to see Ragley in the bunch.

[Shoney & Ruby]

These dogs are stunning beauties! My spouse and I decided very specifically not to adopt littermates, though you sound like you've done a great job with them.

[Linda, Webber and Seda]

OMG! You are a rock star!! Your blogs and adventures raising these two beautiful Doods are just awesome. I can't imagine how you managed this without loosing your mind. What an accomplishment. I am so impressed!!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Wow, these pups are gorgeous! Sounds like you've had a hard time, but am so impressed by your dedication to making sure everything turned out for the best.  

[F, Calla & Luca]

It sounds like you have done a marvelous job. Great pictures.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I almost missed this too.  Wow…and wow again!  What an incredible and a beautiful job you've done of raising two at once. Loved your blog!  I remember when you first got them and all the "advice" we sent your way -- but looks like you've earned your graduate degree in raising two gorgeous "litter mates."  Kudos!! And please post more about these sweetheart doodles more often.  Ragley, you're looking quite adorable too :)  How wonderful you guys got to meet.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I almost missed this blog, and I am so glad I didn't! Kudos to you and your family for all the hard work you have done with these two beauties! I agree with Joanne, you are a role model for all new puppy owners! And the photos are terrific! 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh wow.  I'm so proud of all your work and the responsibility it took to get this right! You are a  hero.  

So nice to see your blog. Please, post these beauties more often

[Ashley, Sadie and Coal]

Thanks friends!

Stephanie-- You are too kind... Love your photos! We hope we get to have another playdate with you girls!  We went to the vet for a check up yesterday, and they both weigh 51 lbs.

Linda-- I sure hope 2 is not terrible like it is for human babies! LOL They really are growing up and getting more settled by the day.

Stephanie, Linda, Lonnie, Nancy, Laurie, Marnie, Robin, Lori -- Thank you for the sweet words... We have a long way to go with training, but we are enjoying these two so very much.  We are blessed to have gotten such sweet puppies.  They really have easy temperaments, which has made a hard job a little easier.  Hope all of you and your Doodles are having a wonderful fall.  I'm loving the October photography!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

Ashley, as always- you are being far too humble. You have put so much work into these pups and it truly shows! There was not a single moment when I thought Sadie and Coal were ill-behaved. They were extremely accepting of Ragley joining in the fun, too. Your family is wonderful and it was a blessing being able to meet up with you guys! 

Sweet Sadie

King Coal

The gang