HEALTHY SEPARATION

By Wednesday, May 16, 2018 14 No tags Permalink

It’s time for a little healthy separation in our multi-doodle home…

HEALTHY SEPARATION

Harley and Jaxson do absoDOODLEtutely everything together! Which is not a bad thing, but the more I read the more I learn that it is “ok” for them to have independent time with me.

I’ve been plagued with this for a few months. All these years I thought keeping them together was a good thing. And I still think it is. However, I had to ask myself a difficult question –

is it because they want to or because they have to?

NEW ROUTINE –

After careful deliberation with my many personalities, I concluded that solo activities should be a part of our lifestyle.

To remain in the house w/o Harley is easy for Jaxson. His entire 3.5 year life he’s watched Harley leave for pet therapy work as well as outside events representing the hospital…

HEALTHY SEPARATION

Watching me now only grab his leash, gets his tail flying at warp speed because he understands it’s an adventure with just him #solo

HEALTHY SEPARATION

THE BENEFITS –

I enjoy having more than one dog in the house. I continue to day dream of a third Doodle in our world some day. Yet even after all these years, I’m still learning so much about these Doods. #fureverthestudent

I would never have guessed – time apart could make their hearts grow fonder.

From the very beginning doing everything together made sense because their personalities mesh so well together.

When Jax was a puppy, Harley’s positive influence helped with his development. Harley took pleasure in being the disciplinarian and teacher of all things fun…

HEALTHY SEPARATION

TIMING IS EVERYTHING –

The Boys are quite content having private time with Doodle Dad at home, and hanging out separately with me.

I  had no idea the significance of this decision to incorporate solo adventures would have – until today.

Today I accepted a new position at work. Yours truly is now the Pet Therapy Program Coordinator at the largest teaching hospital in the State of South Carolina #unbelieveable

I am “over the Doodle Moon” with this new chapter in my life. And the best part is #waitforit 

THE BOYS GET TO COME TO WORK WITH ME!

That’s right – they will rotate their days and accompany me to work whenever I need them. They will share my work space and be a part of my new job. #cantmakethisup #blessed

And this all came together AFTER my healthy separation training was over.

Who else has “solo” adventures with their dogs?

ONE MORE THING –

Please join me in congratulating Melody Finch as our Wacky Walk’r Urban Leash give-away winner…

HEALTHY SEPARATION

photo courtesy of Melody Finch’s FaceBook page

If you are still interested in a leash for yourself, you can still take advantage of the 10% discount found on our home page.

Follow your dreams – they know the way ❤

14 Comments
  • Jennifer Teston
    May 16, 2018

    I am beyond excited for you in this new venture!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 18, 2018

      Thanks so much Jennifer. I am over the Doodle Moon!

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    May 16, 2018

    Congrats on the new job!! I am truly impressed my friend! And very happy for you!!

    It’s a good thing you’re taking the Doodle boys on separate adventures. Callie and Shadow were inseparable until Callie’s first CCL surgery. Even then, I swear they were together in spirit. And I believe wholeheartedly that Callie’s spirit is always with Shadow now, one way or another. The few times I tried to take Callie somewhere without Shadow, she dug her heels in and refused to go out the door. She wouldn’t go without her sister. And when we said our final goodbyes, I promised Callie I would always make sure Shadow felt safe and loved.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 18, 2018

      So far – so good. Time will tell how well they are adjusting on a day when I need Harley with me at the office and Doodle Dad has a meeting or something. That will leave Jax home alone and so far in three years that has NEVER happened. I’m so crazy, I may just have to let Harley fill out a Vacation form and stay home – LOL

  • Emma
    May 17, 2018

    Around here it is a lot of rotation. I do most things on my own because my sisters are not really my thing, too wild. My sisters do a lot together, but Mom also makes sure they get separate time too. The one who stays home always runs out to the car to get the other when they return. Mom has always believed it is great to do most things together, but it is good to learn to do things with just one dog. Sounds like you boys have it down too.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 18, 2018

      To be quite honest Emma, your Mom is my SHERO in this regard. She’s been my inspiration when it comes to leaving one Dood behind. I’ve always admired how she’s out with either one or two. I love that. So far so good, I think the Boys will adjust well as time goes on.

  • Jan K
    May 17, 2018

    Congratulations on your new position! Getting to take your dogs to work with you – now that’s a dream job!
    When we had more than one, I often did solo walks. It was not only easier and more relaxing for me, but since each dog had their own way of walking (slow or fast), it gave them a chance to go at their own pace. When we had four, I often would pick and choose for some outings, since taking four altogether was not an easy prospect! Usually it was the oldest who got to go. 🙂

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 18, 2018

      I haven’t started walking them separately – probably because we have so much fun walking together. That and the fact that I would be too tired to turn around and walk the other one later. LOL

  • Pamela
    May 17, 2018

    Wow! Congratulations on the new job! You are going to be great. And so will the boys.

    I wish I had learned the importance of separating my two dogs when I was a newbie dog person. I think Agatha and Christie would have been much happier if I had done what you’re doing with Harley and Jaxson.

  • Cathy Bennett
    May 18, 2018

    Thanks Pam, I am so looking forward to the new position. I will admit, when I first started separating the Boys I was a bit nervous. Thought I was going to mess up a good thing. But so far, it’s been nothing different other than the huge reception when we are back together. You would think we’d been separated for years. The Doodle Romps can go on forever! Hugs to Honey for me.

  • Monika & Sam
    May 19, 2018

    Shared adventures are always nice, but solo is a good thing too.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 24, 2018

      We’re learning that each and everyday. Having them at work with me will be nice now and I don’t have to worry about the one that stays at home with Doodle Dad.

  • Alessandra and Pedro
    May 20, 2018

    Congratulations dear Cathy! Though I realize I don’t have anything to do with your achievement, allow me to say that I’m so proud of you, so proud to “know” you virtually and to have followed the journey that has taken you to this exciting and fun position-and will continue to do so! Big hugs and loving paws to you and the Boys!

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 22, 2018

      Hello Alessandra – I’ve loved our “virtual” relationship also! You’ve been with the Boys and I from the very beginning, through our ups and our terrible (losing Leo) worst. Thank you so very much for your friendship – it means the world to us!