Buddy in a Hobbes-like pose. As in Calvin and Hobbes.
I told myself the puppy was for the men in my family. My son had always wanted a dog, but as a single mom and minister knew I couldn't care for one. Besides, I had always considered myself a cat person, not a dog person. I couldn't have a cat because of my son's allergies.
In 2014 I married a dog person who had to give up his crazy cat when we moved in together. He didn't lobby for a dog but kept speaking fondly of ones he'd had in the past. Then 2015 came along. It was a tough year. Both of our mothers became very ill and died within two months of one another.
We needed a lift. So I used some of the early inheritance money to buy the guys a puppy. Looking into breeds that didn't shed we settled on a Golden Doodle. We soon found a puppy from a family that bred one litter a year, timed so the puppies could go to new homes around Christmas time. Their kids played with the puppies until they left and the money helped fund the holiday.
We met the puppy early in December. The first thing he did was scamper between my legs. Endearing. My husband picked him up and the puppy started licking Rich's face. It was a done deal. The puppy came home a couple days after my mother in law died, and few days before Christmas. We named him Buddy after Buddy the Elf from the movie, and a favorite dog my uncle had also named Buddy. It fits.
In 2014 I married a dog person who had to give up his crazy cat when we moved in together. He didn't lobby for a dog but kept speaking fondly of ones he'd had in the past. Then 2015 came along. It was a tough year. Both of our mothers became very ill and died within two months of one another.
We needed a lift. So I used some of the early inheritance money to buy the guys a puppy. Looking into breeds that didn't shed we settled on a Golden Doodle. We soon found a puppy from a family that bred one litter a year, timed so the puppies could go to new homes around Christmas time. Their kids played with the puppies until they left and the money helped fund the holiday.
We met the puppy early in December. The first thing he did was scamper between my legs. Endearing. My husband picked him up and the puppy started licking Rich's face. It was a done deal. The puppy came home a couple days after my mother in law died, and few days before Christmas. We named him Buddy after Buddy the Elf from the movie, and a favorite dog my uncle had also named Buddy. It fits.
We had dogs growing up on the farm but they were outdoor, working dogs. Prince Harold (Harry for short) was only allowed to come inside during bad storms, where he'd shelter with us in the basement. Having a puppy in the house was a (sometimes annoying) revelation. But who can resist a puppy, especially a goofy one who loves to romp in the snow like I do? How can you resist a dog who is a "leaner?" This is a thing, for you un-dog-savvy people. It describes a dog who will lean into you if you sit or stand next to it. If Buddy was a person we'd say he is very affectionate and likes to cuddle. Sweet.
So it turns out I am a dog person. Buddy turned me into one. Here are some things I have learned along the way.
So it turns out I am a dog person. Buddy turned me into one. Here are some things I have learned along the way.
- Pay attention to squirrels. I have enjoyed watching them in the past but never so much as now. They are joyful little beings.
- Spend time outdoors. Love it.
- Meet your neighbors. It's a good thing to do.
- Play, every day, as much as possible. Remember that you have to share the toy in order to play the game.
- Do things that make people laugh.
- Watch out for your people. Bring them together as much as possible. It's better that way.
- Greet people you love with joy. When you get bigger don't run between their legs, though. It can upset them.
- Cuddle as much as possible. Be affectionate. Love.
RSS Feed