New Doodle Mommy

[Jenny Williams]

Hi All! I'm new to Doodle Kisses and a soon-to-be new Doodle mommy :) Our Golden Doodle puppy is 7 weeks old, and she will be joining us on Mother's Day. We could not be more excited! Here is our story: I'm married and a stay-at-home mom to two kiddos, one with sensory processing disorder and general anxiety disorder. We have a lot of seasonal allergies, and my oldest is allergic to most dogs. In dealing with the challenges that come from SPD and GAD, we have been told for several years that my oldest would greatly benefit from having a pet. We are dog lovers, but knew it would be tricky with the dog allergy. One of our friends got a F1B GoldenDoodle at Christmas, and we were invited over to play. And guess what?! No allergic reaction!!!!!!! After doing a little research, we found they were often used for therapy dogs and were great with kids. We were in the process of moving, and I couldn't commit to a puppy then. But now that life has settled and in our new home, my oldest is finally able to get a Doodle :) We have been waiting for several weeks, and these last days are the longest days of our lives!!!!!! But we know it will be worth it. Her name will be Leia (after Princess Leia in Star Wars), and we will be training her to be a therapy dog, specifically helping other children with anxiety. I want my oldest to know others are going through the same thing, and that we can receive joy from Leia but also give joy to others. 

[Jenny Williams]

Here she is a week later :) She is growing like a weed, my goodness! And she is incredibly smart... almost too smart! She is already challenging me with a warning growl when she doesn't like something. Don't worry... I'm on my game... After two hounds and a Boxer, I can handle her sassy Doodle self - haha. I started having to leash her in the backyard to show her who is in control. She would dart all over the yard, not potting on command like she did at first. We are back on track with the short leash now, I think. I also started making her "sit" for everything... before I put on her leash, before I take her leash off, before I let her in the house, etc. We have really had to get strict very quickly to keep her under control. She definitely keeps us on our toes :) We had forgotten the woes of puppyhood for sure... today I just wanted to cry at one point. Haha! But she is a wonderful pup, and she will make, with a lot of training, an incredible dog.

[Emily, Bentley, & Maserati]

She is gorgeous! 

[Judi Kilpatrick]

She is adorable and yes, it's amazing how much they change in just a week!