TODDLER DOODLE REUNION CONCLUSION

By Monday, August 30, 2021 10 No tags Permalink

As promised I am back to share our Toddler Doodle Reunion Conclusion – it was a doozy.

If you haven’t read the first episode, I highly recommend you click here and get caught up.

First – let me put out my disclaimer: this adorable 19 month old bundle of energy was exhausted upon arrival. He endured an entire day of pre-school, then an evening launch for a lengthy car ride…

NINE HOURS LATER – 

He entered the house, took one look at two well rested, happy and excited Doodles and let out a scream that probably woke the neighbors and THAT’S how “vacation at the grandparents” started.

No matter how much I tried to convince him these were friendly furry creatures, he held on to my daughter tight and gave me the most unforgiving glare of disdain…

That was the beginning of the longest day of my life 🙁

PUPPY STEPS – 

As much as I had hoped for a different reunion, I accepted and quickly adjusted to plan-B.  We would take it slow and easy. Re-introducing them would require puppy steps. I conceded to him being hoisted on Tiffany’s hip the rest of the day and prayed he’d eventually realize Jaxson did not want to eat him!

Both Harley and Jax seemed unfazed by the screams and the tears.

By sundown – Jameson was okay for a few minutes if the Boys acted like lawn ornaments and stayed completely still.

Doing nothing was easy for Harley…

Jaxson (on the other hand) could stand still – but he couldn’t control his tail…

SAME FEAR / DIFFERENT DAY – 

The next morning, he seemed more acclimated to his surroundings, yet still a little “watchful” with them around…

If they moved, he’d scream and my daughter would pick him up. This was their dance but by mid afternoon of his second day, it was time to change partners.

I may not know it all, but the one thing I am sure of is this:

My Grandson was completely safe with Harley & Jax

To me, holding him all day long only confirmed there was a problem if he was eye level to the big white moving fluffy thing.

CHANGE OF PLANS – 

After his nap (day two) – I asked my daughter to put him down. At first he did his rain dance interpretation with an occasional vocal accompaniment but it didn’t last long. The dogs resumed their lawn furnishing positions and I walked around the first floor enticing Jameson to follow. I could see in his face he was catching on fast –

they won’t eat me…

Day three was so much fun, I ALMOST (notice I said “almost”) forgot about days one and two. The house was once again filled with giggles and laughter as Jameson re-learned how much fun dogs can be…

Day four was the best…

…but it was also the worst. It was the day of their departure.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING –

Long distance grandparenting is challenging. Expecting little humans to remember everything (like family pets) is irrational – at least when they are this little and 400+ miles away. The family has moved to a single family home – so now the Doods can travel with me when I go visit.

Jameson will soon be a big brother (October). Having him as the teacher, I have no doubt this second grandson will find the Boys a lot of fun quickly.

My advice? Should you find yourself in a similar situation – timing truly is everything. With a little patience and a good Pinot Noir LOL – you will reach that PAWfect moment when you can sit back and say –

Aaahhhhhhh 🙂

Thanks so much for reading – stay safe and continue to be kind to one another ❤️

10 Comments
  • Pat Broccoli
    August 30, 2021

    Hi Cathy, had the same experiences with my grandson and Baxter. Had to start slowly until he felt comfortable. It got better when we were able to bring Baxter more often with us so he could remember the last visit and how there wasn’t anything to be fearful of. Congratulations on your second grandchild on the way.

  • Pam
    August 30, 2021

    I am so glad the reunion went well! You were right! Jamison just needed time to adjust!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 1, 2021

      Girlfriend, I was sweating big time. Couldn’t even fathom my Boys and Jameson not hanging out together – getting dirty, sharing food LOL So happy it turned out well.

  • Rob Lesch
    August 30, 2021

    Was the Pinot Noir for you or your grandson? He is one handsome little boy, congratulations. Now that Jameson is a dog lover does he want to meet a pittie All I know is that Jameson has one cool grandmother

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 1, 2021

      I want Jameson to meet Sydney. He needs to meet many pups, so don’t be surprised when I give you a call. The Pinot was for me, and I’ve found a great place for you and I to try some really smooth ones too!

  • Cheryl
    August 31, 2021

    I’m so glad everything went well, eventually!
    The video was absolutely adorable!
    Enjoy your little ones, they grow so quickly!

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 1, 2021

      Thanks Cheryl – I was delighted with the happy ending.

  • Tails Around the Ranch
    August 31, 2021

    That last photo is just adorably priceless! Here’s to lots of visits in the near future.

    • Cathy Bennett
      September 1, 2021

      I feel so blessed that our weekend had a happy ending, it could have been different and then I don’t know what I would have done. Thankfully, he’s going to see more of the Boys with many visits already planned, I’ll keep everyone posted.

  • Caren
    September 7, 2021

    Awww you did great!!!!!! Next time should be much, much better!