My teacher....

[Lanell in Colorado]

Zoe joined my life almost a year ago, and its been an incredible journey.  I was not a 'dog person' before she arrived.  I chose a labradoodle because I hated the smell, the hair, and 'doggie' mindset and certainly did not intend to be one of 'those' obnoxious people who constantly talked about their dog.   Now I've moved to the other side.

She is my constant companion.  She usually sleeps on the floor beside me.  Occasionally she interrupts for 'love breaks' and sometimes she sends out alarms when there is something going on outside that I need to know about.  .

I wish everyone could bask in unconditional love and acceptance like Zoe gives me.  I know people would be happier and the world would be a less hostile place.  

I wish everyone could truly live in the moment -- forgetting about yesterday and not worrying about tomorrow.  Just celebrating the moment and rejoicing in tiny instances of pure joy.  Watching her wiggle and wag and get so excited about a cookie crumb is such a joy -- I definitely need to learn how to celebrate good things, no matter how small they are.

Zoe knows its OK to ask for attention, for love, and for a gentle stroke.  She recognizes when she needs attention and knows that sometimes I forget, but its OK to ask for what she needs.  I need to learn to do that.

Everyone Zoe meets is a friend (and a potential cookie).  She never starts out in fear or dread and gives each person the benefit of the doubt.  She assumes everyone is 'good' until they prove otherwise.   She is usually cautious...but has a basic premise that everything is going to be OK.    I need to learn how to do that.  I worry too much sometimes.

Zoe forgive me when I hurt her.  She knows how much I love her and that, if I caused her pain, it was a mistake and it was not my intention.  If I pull a hair ball to hard, or cut her toe nail too short she yelps...but immediately give me a kiss so I can forgive myself.

And, she is soft and snuggly and very compassionate.  A true love bug.  Sometime, thats all I need to make the day go better.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Good memory. Thank goodness we had Murphy first or there wouldn't have been a second doodle here! But she, like Zoe, has taught me a lot, and made me a much better dog owner.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Sue, I only remember because Owen was giving us fits. :o)

[DJ & Chance]

You are so right!

[Hailey and Oliver]

  I take it that she likes cookies???  And what you said about the doodle,,,  so true i think we could all learn something from our doodles

[Pat and Traveler]

Beautifully said! 

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

You are truly a "dog person" and how could you not with a Doodle.  I feel exactly the same way you do and the love we have learned from Libby is incredible. Your blog is outstanding and should be put out for the world to read.  Having a Doodle in our live is the most wonderful and loving experience ever!  

[cheryl & oliver]

So well said, ty and yes we are so blessed with our doods..

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

This is lovely Lanell.Tara is 4 now and I am still learning from her. Today she kissed me awake and the moment she saw my eyes open she was SO excited and happy!  Maybe it's my age?? LOL Anyhow she reminded me of the joy of being alive and welcoming a new day.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Your blog made me smile. Welcome to the other side.

[BG and Gavin]

Like  LOVE!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Awww.... I loved reading about Zoe. I feel the same way about my dogs and I went to the "dog side" long ago. LOL

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

If everyone acted like our dogs, this world would be a better place!  (We may all be walking around with holes in our underwear though...)