Tag: puppies

family, TBH Doodle Gang

Honey Honey

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Her name is honey.

She has the prettiest eyes.

She loves naps and chew toys.

She has arrived at her new home.

She has acclimated with her sisters from other misters (aka Teddie and Bear). She now completes the trio known as the TBH Doodle Gang. There is nothing better than a girl gang, if I do say so myself.

Day one was a little shock for my existing two pups. Day two the newest addition learned to assert herself and make her place in the pack. We welcomed some sunshine to the week allowing lots of play in the yard which created a safe place to get to know each other in a less intimidating environment for the newcomer. 

The older two staked their spots at bedtime and watched closely to the attention the little one receives. Fair and consistent is the name of the game for this doodle trio. They are extremely observant and definitely let you know if they felt less catered to. I of course think all ladies should have that presence and self-awareness. Heck maybe they get it from me!

We have had car adventures. We visited friends at the pet store. We picked up mail at the post office. We met the vet. We sniffed the snout of a Great Dane whose head is bigger than Honey’s whole body. We went to the park and a barbecue. We spent Easter with Grandma. We even sleep pretty good at night. We can safely say we covered socializing.

We have listened to cars, trucks, birds, barks, and felt the wind in our face. Our initial environmental experiences have been received well. Grass, pavement, carpet, hardwoods, so many foot feelings. Now it’s time for some separation training, crate training, and mastering the name Honey and alerting of potty time.

Spent some time unsupervised or in open play and didn’t destroy again which is a major plus. Now it’s time to watch this baby doodle grow up.

Teddie Bear Adventures

Puppy Love

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It’s so close I can smell the puppy breath in the air. A new doodle is getting ready to join my pack. A doodle trio. 2 golden doodles and 1 labradoodle. I couldn’t be more excited.

Three different shades. Three different personalities. Three different sizes. All evenly separated in ages. I call it planned parenthood. Now it’s time to choose a name. This list is tricky and growing.

Honey

Rue

Daisy

Olive

Hope

Dolly

Sassy

Which name will I choose? Which name do you think fits this diva? How excited will the pack be to add another pal? Change is on the horizon. Oh how I’m going to enjoying some puppy snuggles. I have realized that I only have two hands and doodles love attention. How will I snuggle or pet all three at once? Will I ever have any time without a pet bestie by my side?

Pinch me! It’s a few more weeks until this beauty is officially mine to spoil. Blankets are on order. Collar is ready for that tiny stage but then of course I’ll need something more unique to her once she grows some. The anticipation. The smiles. The feels. All of it.

Dogs truly are great companions. Besties. Loyal to the core. Lovable. All of these traits keep me smiling on days that could be overwhelming. What do you think about pets? A fan or not? Do you see the therapeutic value? Do you think one dog is enough?

I actually researched and 1.6 is the average number of dogs per household. However doodles don’t like to be alone thus a pal or pals is a good idea if you can afford the care. The vet bills, grooming and treats can add up but it’s definitely a splurge I don’t mind given the warmth and joy I receive in return. My pups provide unconditional love. I think most do, especially if they sit by your feet when you spend time in the restroom. That might be a little to deep for some but it’s definitely a truth bomb.

Look at these baby blue eyes.

challenges, dare to be different, Teddie Bear Adventures

RV Life Episode 1

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The day finally came. Spring break 2022. The RV was loaded or hopefully loaded with all the essentials for a successful maiden voyage.

It started out shaky when the new driver (me) had about 1.5 hours of traffic due to road construction and accidents on the road. A lot of stop and go was good practice but I won’t lie when I say I was a bit claustrophobic at times trying to stay in my lane when tractor trailers were on each side of me. Nothing like trial by fire.

Although the start was rocky, the vehicle performed well on the road trip. About 7 hours total crossing one time zone and three states total. We did it. So many firsts. New experience for the pups. First time in an RV as a family. First time traveling to this particular state for a trip. The list could go on and on.

Electronics worked such as the wifi, the tv and radio. Although we didn’t use them all the time we had access which was good for many reasons. Weather was in our favor the first two days. Sunbathing and napping seemed be a good fit for me. Having all day to do nothing seemed okay with me for a few days off the grid.

We met some friends. We chatted with people from Wisconsin to California to Michigan and a few other states. We got to see how people traveled. Did they pull a trailer behind a truck or did they tow a tiny car behind an RV? So many options. We saw golf carts, bikes, trikes, motorcyles, jeeps and other side cars toted with each campsite.

Oh and how different each outside campsite was. From neon palm tree decorations to custom flags marking the spot. From simple to elaborate with everything in between. At night you could see the glow of green up high in the trees. The trees were adorned with internet boosters to enhance the WiFi coverage area. An interesting glow of sorts at night.

There were big grills, tabletop grills, and charcoal grills. Fire pits or solo stoves would light the night with the scent of toasted marshmallows. When one dog barked the others joined in. From near to far the barks varied in sound. From tiny schnauzer to the big Great Dane. The golden retrievers seemed to mostly listen but every other dog joined in the symphony of dogs. No cats in sight.

The RV resort was on the bay with beautiful views by day and night. Mid day there was a dolphin or two putting on a show poolside for those who wanted to watch them rise and dive again. Something I don’t see everyday thus I enjoyed it. Sunshine. Relaxation. No have tos. The perfect getaway. 

Meals outside on the picnic table. Movies under the stars. Music jamming at lunch outside. Time with friends and family. This reminded me of our lake days but this time on solid ground instead of by water. 

The first trip has come and gone. Many more states to visit. 900 miles on the odometer to break in the new house on wheels. Next up summer adventures near and far. Until then, I’ll leave you with some could have done without moments:

The water hose broke. Thank goodness for a friend saving the day with a loaner.

The grill connector didn’t fit. Good thing a neighbor let us grill with them.

The creepy gas attendant in Alabama who asked for a hug and kiss upon checkout. Random but I wonder how many takers he gets on a given day?

The winds that rolled in one day that gave me a hint of what it’s like to be rattled in a big storm if I lived full time on a trailer.

Teddie Bear Adventures

New Addition

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No fancy birth announcement or maybe this is it. June 3, 2021 a puppy was born. Her breeder named her Minnie. The one with the mint green cat collar. The one who needed a home. The one a friend shared online. The one I saw and knew needed to be in my life.

Fast forward through a meet and greet, online question sessions and more.  Plans were set in motion. Supplies purchased. Many discussions about the name debated. A fee was paid. The puppy was mine. As she enters her new life as a pet she will go by the name of Bear. 

We already have Teddie and now we have Bear. Together they will have countless Teddie Bear adventures. Such a cute name combo for the dynamic duo who doesn’t even know each other let alone like each other yet.

So much anticipation. Teddie is spoiled but could benefit from a companion. A bestie. A playmate. Will she understand the logic behind us getting a new addition? Teddie is well trained, happy and a great family pet.

Bear is a puppy. Untrained. Chew monster. Whiner. Tiny little thing weighing just 4 pounds. How will she adjust? Will she like Teddie? Bear is still in the little greenish collar with a bell. Why? She is so tiny she can only fit in a cat collar. It doesn’t even have a spot to connect a leash.  Not that’s she is even remotely close to a walk on a leash.

So many adorable moments to share but I will only list my favorite: watching Teddie walk on a leash and the curious little Bear follows along side or behind just trying to keep up and mirror her gait. One modeling. One learning and growing. Such a beautiful sight to see. When the puppy paws are wet from the grass, they leave the most adorable paw prints on the ground. Sights like this confirm why they needed each other. For Teddie it’s such a growing moment. Instead of pulling and running on the leash she is exercising patience while she waits for the little legs to stay in stride with her. Simply amazing to observe. Those little adorable paw prints.

Sleep or lack thereof. With a puppy comes sleep deprivation. They are just too tiny to make it through the night no matter how tired they are. She does well but again isn’t perfect. Life isn’t perfect. What a subtle reminder we get about life’s imperfections through our puppy. You adjust. You balance. You push through. Ah to see the passed out puppy at bedtime. Out cold under the chair she soon won’t fit under with the big sister keeping guard nearby. Just makes your heart flutter.

What a sight to see. Puppy 1 out for the count. Dog 2 keeping watch. Deflated stuffed animal 3 lying lifeless nearby. A casualty of the busy play day shenanigans however at quick glance it could look like Dog 3. Of course it’s not real. One puppy in training is enough for this household.
I’m sure I will share many more stories and glimpses of life with Teddie and Bear. For now I am off to get a cat nap after rising super early for potty duty. Enjoy the cuteness over load of my four- legged pals.

As I conclude this entry, my heart swells thinking of my puppy’s birth date. June 3rd was also the day of my dad’s birthday. I had no clue until I saw the birth papers that they shared the same birthday. What a great way to honor my dad on his birthday after he passed in 2020. My little buddy has new meaning to me. A guardian angel of sorts.

Teddie Aspen

Where is Teddie?

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Most of you have read about the adventures of Teddie in the past. The awesomely adorable and super snuggly Teddie. The cute little mini Golden Doodle who lives a spoiled companion life.

Well Teddie went for a long overdue grooming appointment. Teddie is still super soft but got all her baby hair cut or buzzed off. She has ears! I mean we knew she had ears but you can see them now. They were so cute before but now they are even cuter.

She loves having her ears massaged. It’s a calming tool for her crazy. Now the stroking of her ears feels different. In a good way of course. Look at those tiny little baby ears. All nice and freshly groomed.

From floppy moppy looking hair to bold buzzed cut. Is she looking fancy or homely? I happen to like the new do because her hair beard no longer gets caught in her water bowl but on the other hand I miss her curls.

So much change in such a short time. Do our dogs look at humans the same way when we come home from a haircut?

For now she is a little less heavy on the fur so hopefully she will stay cool on these hot summer days. Her coloring seems to have lightened up as well.

Her fur is still super soft and one of my favorite things about this breed. You can see her eyes. Her curious eyes. The groomer left some longer hairs by her nose. They are funny and crazy after a drive in the car. She gets the wind blown look that is similar to met head for humans. The wired, crazy look.

She had some ice cream to celebrate the day of her cut so I think she could care less about what she looks like. She was just happy to be spoiled with a treat. If every human just looked in the mirror and didn’t care about their image, we may live in a better society.

Today’s lesson from Teddie. Staying well groomed is good but overall appearance doesn’t indicate happiness. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. The observer in the distance. No matter the observer’s opinion. Teddie is happy just being Teddie.

Be happy with your image. No matter what your appearance is be content. But be a groomed content. Fresh and clean is always preferred. Don’t we all wish we lived a Teddie life?