DOGS ROUTINE

By Wednesday, July 19, 2017 21 No tags Permalink

A dogs routine is incredibly important. Dogs are creatures of habit, they love stability and crave consistency.

Yet, in a twinkling of a Doodles eye I messed mine up! #bigtime

Pre-occupied for weeks – I meticulously strategized, planned and coordinated an entire weekend celebration for my brother’s 75th birthday…

DOGS ROUTINE

“Spectacular” was the goal I strived for – so  every single detail took up ALL of my time.

I wrote about my brother and Jaxson not long ago. He’s a very special guy…

DOGS ROUTINE

…that’s why his birthday was extremely important to me.

NO DAILY ROUTINE –

As the birthday grew closer, I became more engaged. The week of – I would rise at dawn, and work well past midnight.

Not only did I task myself to the ceiling with errands, emails, gift bags, and birthday surprises, I’d resigned from my job – and was preparing for a mid-week exit. #alaterposttocome

All together my “routine” was sabotaged leaving no time for the attention they are accustomed to receiving.

Doodle Mom was never around…

DOGS ROUTINE

CORE STRUCTURE –

After two moves over the last three years, we’ve been able to keep our core structure of our routine tight!  This time I took them for granted and as a result – the foundation of our structure started to crumble becoming vividly apparent in our daily routines –

  • Feeding Routinebreakfast came much earlier and dinner was later than usual.  Jaxson loves breakfast, but by the weekend, breakfast symbolized a race around the block and then I’d be gone. So instead of happy Jaxson, I got this…

DOGS ROUTINE

  • Walking RoutineI’m not proud, I’m just honest – walks were short and quick as lightening. No park adventures, no hanging out on the corners smelling the tree trunks. It was taking care of business in a four block radius! One morning as I ran out of the house to run yet another series of errands – I thought I’d left my “to-do” list and as I twirled around on one heel, realizing the list was in my hand – I saw them in the window and it broke my heart…

DOGS ROUTINE

ROUTINE AND CONSISTENCY ARE IMPORTANT –

For the first time in their lives, my well-balanced dogs were becoming stressed, anxious, and depressed. I never thought it could happen to me, so quickly – but it can – it did!

The four day weekend is over, my brother, siblings and guests (his 1958 High School Track and Field teammates) had the time of their lives. Now I’m focused on restoring the routine with the Boys.

Never ever will I take them for granted again. As much as I believe they “understand” what I say, and know instinctively what’s going on, the truth of the matter is – they are calm, content, and comfortable when their routine doesn’t change.

The best apology is changed behavior ❤️

Contributing in the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.


21 Comments
  • Pat
    July 19, 2017

    Oh I am sure your brother appreciated the wonderful weekend you prepared for him but you are right that your “boys” missed their mom and routine. They love it when they know what every little gesture means such as putting on your walking shoes to grabbing a get away bag when getting ready to take a fun trip. I am sure you are making it up to them and they are enjoying every minute of it.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      I’m doing my doodle best Pat. Ironically – this week they have three days of photoshoots for our “special” project we’re working on with Jeanne Taylor the Photographer. So they’ve been on the go. I did treat them to a day of doggie camp before their bath which kept them out most of the day earlier this week. They loved it. I’m still trying to recover from playing party planner for my brother and friends. He did have a marvelous time which was the goal – so I’ll get some catch up rest soon.

  • Rachele Baker, DVM
    July 19, 2017

    I love this post, Cathy! Interestingly, just the other day I was thinking about how much my golden retriever Savanna loves her routines. But Savanna has learned to put up with variations in her routines because my schedule fluctuates so much from day to day. But that doesn’t stop her from sticking her nose under my arm while I am at my desk to remind me that it’s time for her breakfast!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      Thanks Rachel – I think we’re just about back to normal. I will forever remember this little exercise – I will remember to work harder at being a little more attentive when my world gets crazy – somethings can wait – but in the future the waiting won’t always be placed on the Boys. Take care!

  • Melody & Misha
    July 19, 2017

    I can appreciate what you’ve all gone through. I used to live with my dad. After he died, we moved. For 3 months life was upside down. I tried my best to keep Misha on her normal schedule, but there was just too much going on.

    We all paid for it. She was only 1 when he died. His passing and the move upset all her training. Like your dogs she became anxious and stressed. She stopped trusting people and she forgot she was house trained!

    After the move, she and I had to start over. It took many months to get back to where we were. We’re still working on a couple of things.

    Routine is so important to our dogs, but sometimes life does interfere. We all do our best.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      Melody, you hit the nail on the head. I was thinking because of their maturity it wouldn’t have the effect it actually did. I just assumed they would have adapted with all the movement. Apparently not. I’ve learned that as life cannot be predictable, I’ve got to do a little better understanding how it affects them. Thanks for stopping by.

  • Golden Daily Scoop
    July 19, 2017

    What a great post! The Goldens live on routines and when on the rare occasion we fall out of it, they are quick to remind me! lol

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      Yes in deed. I heard them loud a clear! LOL

  • Jackie Bouchard
    July 19, 2017

    I must admit… I love my routine too. 🙂 You are a great sister! And I’m sure the boys are oh-so-happy to be back to their normal routine!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      The Boys are thrilled to be my shadows again. And even with Doodle Dad around it didn’t help much. They need and want me – and I will try and take that into consideration next time my life becomes hectic again!

  • Emma
    July 20, 2017

    You resigned from your job? I guess that means more time with the boys…and time for a puppy 😉 We sure do love routine, but we also understand that sometimes things can be different and we deal with it. I’m sure the boys are the same way. You are wonderful for having such a great event for your brother!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      I resigned from my job, took a week off before I start my new gig! Better hours will allow me more time with the Boys. I am holding off on a puppy for a while. Still have some other things I need to get done first.

  • Monika & Sam
    July 20, 2017

    What a wonderful thing to make such a terrific birthday celebration for your brother. Good thing doodles are fur-giving.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2017

      My brother had the time of his life! It was worth every sleep deprived night! LOL I believe I am back in the Boys good graces…

  • Valentine
    July 20, 2017

    Hi Miss Cathy! Mom says she & Dad got a chance to meet you & Jackson in the lobby of the hotel at the BlogPaws confurr-ence! My flat pet self represented me at the conference. Your doggies sure a pretty! I am sure that they are so grateful that you are returning to the routine that you had established together and flourished under. Mew Mew!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2017

      We did meet Valentine! I just wish I’d had my camera at the time! Our routine is back in place – and all is right once again in the land of Doodleville.

  • Lindsay
    July 21, 2017

    Absolutely dogs love and thrive on schedules and routines. In fact, since Charlie had surgery, every night after dinner, Baxter comes to sit by my feet and he’ll look up at me as if to say, “I’m ready, Mom, let’s go see my brother!” and it’s the most adorable thing ever. 🙂
    You resigned?!!! Whatttttt?
    That’s so nice and thoughtful of you to go all out and plan something so special for your brother. You’re such a kind soul, my dear.

    Miss you. xox

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2017

      HA! Yes girlfriend – while you were out there being one with the land LOL – I resigned from my job to take another. This is going to be fun. Can’t wait to get started. More coming soon. My brother means the world to me – it was an honor and a pleasure to put it all together for him. I miss you too! I wish like the Doodle we lived closer to one another! XOXO

  • Jan K
    July 26, 2017

    Honestly, my crew seems pretty good about changes to their routine. I’m just as routine oriented as they are, and probably take it worse than they do when ours get disrupted.
    The important thing is that they seem to bounce back quickly when it is disrupted….I think dogs are a bit more adaptable than we give them credit for. And sometimes life just gets in the way, and we have to balance things the best we can.

  • Abhinav Shan
    July 28, 2017

    Dogs are very good pets and they are indeed man’s best friend. Beautiful post regarding these beautiful pets. They keep us happy and safeguard us. Find more discussion regarding this topic at our question and answer website.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 28, 2017

      Thanks for stopping by!