HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

By Monday, May 28, 2018 7 No tags Permalink

I’m calling Harley’s first “official day at work” our healthy separation success.

Why?

Because I was able to leave the house with only one Dood – while the other didn’t make a scene…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

A few months ago I decided it was “ok” for them to have a little independent time with me.

They literally did everything together – three amigos, musketeers, stooges, etc…

With the exception of Harley’s pet therapy commitment, never were they apart.

PRETEND BECOMES REALITY –

I devised a plan (which I named “Healthy Separation”) – designed to allow individual outings. With several weeks of “mini excursions  just for two” under our belt, I land the job of my dreams – Pet Therapy Program Coordinator.

This promotion allows me to bring Harley and/or Jaxson to work with me! #Iamstillgrinning

In my new role – they’ll accompany me to work and visit patients and hospital staff. Harley & Jaxson will provide “back-up” when there are no pet therapy pups in the building. One of them can fill that void as they alternate work days.

Harley went with me today and I was curious about Jaxson’s reaction.

They both wear “special” collars and leashes when they volunteer. Whenever Jaxson sees Harley’s therapy badge swinging from the collar that’s in my hands he immediately starts to act foolish. He’ll run and body block the front door or try to entice Harley with an impromptu Doodle Romp.

Jaxson will do just about anything to keep Harley from crossing that doorsill.

Notorious Doodle Dad loves to send a text (sometimes with a pathetic photo attached) describing Jaxson’s depressed behavior. He’ll use words like – whining, pouting, upstairs in his bed, etc…

Happy to report – today was not the case. I received one photo – with no words attached.

There were no words needed, Jaxson was doing fine…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

FIRST DAY AT THE OFFICE –

Harley’s no stranger to the Volunteer Services office, but he’s never been there for an entire day.

I’ve ordered an elevated cot for him, so until it arrives I brought his puppy blanket (yes, I still have it!)…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

Mid morning we made a few patient rounds and afterwards he decided to take a nap…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

Three therapy dogs worked the Memorial Day holiday, so I was able to observe Harley’s attitude with other pups coming in and out of the department. He did better than expected – probably because he’s familiar with the dogs.

I think he’s going to like hanging out with me at the office…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

FAMILY REUNION –

Jaxson was elated to have us home again. Doodle Dad said he was fine, but once we walked inside the house it was pawty time #doodlestyle

He’s been extra cuddly this evening…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

Which is to be expected. Truth be told, I missed my other extension also…

HEALTHY SEPARATION SUCCESS

I’m observing other therapy pups Tuesday and Wednesday so Harley won’t return until Thursday.

Jaxson must wait for his registration card and therapy collar tag to arrive before he starts. Should be a week or so, since we’re waiting on the mailman.

It will be interesting to see how Harley reacts when he’s on the inside of the screen door watching Jaxson and I leave for the day.

Fingers and paws crossed it won’t be hard #for me

Share your smile with the world today – it’s a symbol of friendship and peace❤

7 Comments
  • Dashlilly
    May 28, 2018

    This is all so awesome! I’m so excited, happy, proud, thrilled for you all!!! What a great moment this is!!!

  • Shadow and Ducky's Mom
    May 29, 2018

    I am so happy for all of you! The regular, temporary separation IS healthy. And I’m glad the Doodleboys are handling it so well! You are, too, Doodle Mom!

    I truly wish I had had the good sense to give Callie and Shadow one-on-one time with me and/or hubby when they were young. They were truly inseparable most of their first 11 years. The only times they were separated was when they had to be, literally. Callie was always Shadow’s everything. When she got her angel wings, poor Shadow was lost without her for a long time. She’s found her way since; but I can tell my poor girl still misses her older sister very much. It breaks my heart at times.

    • Cathy Bennett
      May 29, 2018

      Thank you so much! I wasn’t really thinking much about Harley’s age at first but once we started these lil independent outings I realized that there’s a 6 year difference in age, and at some point, Jaxson will be without Harley. I shudder at the mere thought – but it is a reality. So that pushed me harder to stick to my plan and give them some independence. Now with the job, I think we will have enough individual time Monday through Friday, so during the weekends we can be the three amigos again LOL

  • Emma
    May 29, 2018

    It’s hard for my mom to not take all of us, but she makes a point of doing things with us each alone, or as a two pack. We are used to it and handle it well. Have fun working, boys!

  • Monika & Sam
    May 29, 2018

    Way to go!

  • Joyce Corns
    June 13, 2018

    Hi Cathy! I found you while investigating golden doodle rescues on the internet. My husband and I live in Mt Pleasant, SC and I am under the assumption that you live in the Charleston area as well. We have been dogless for about 7 years now. We had two Havanese , one for 13 1/2 years and another who only lived to age 6 as he had Wilsons diseaese and there was nothing left that could be done for him. We lost all four of our parents about the same time.

    We have since retired and moved to the Lowcountry and have been thinking about getting a goldendoodle puppy for the past couple of years. The more I think about it I am not sure I could handle a little puppy jumping on me as my skin is so thin now I get those horrid black bruises on me! My husband and I are both active, in good physical shape, can afford a dog and have two grandsons in our neighborhood. I am considering a goldendoodle who needs a good home. We are looking for one on the smaller side and in good health that is good with kids. My one gandson needs to be around hypoallergenic dogs. Is that really difficult to find? Would I be better off just getting on a waiting list for a puppy with a breeder? Thought you could tell me how difficult or easy it is to rescue. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.

    • Cathy Bennett
      June 21, 2018

      Hello Joyce, so nice to read your comment. I apologize for my tardy response, but the truth is, since I’ve read your message, I’ve been trying to find a way to help you. I’ve lost my contact with the International Doodle Owners Group and that’s sent me on a quest to find another foster/adoption organization that will help you. so I wanted to reach out and let you know I am still looking for you (and many other pet loving people who want to be Doodle parents.) Please feel free to keep in touch with me, and I hope to be able to connect you with someone soon. Thanks so much for stopping by, please come back again soon.