Crazy Dog Lady

As I crawled out of bed this morning, I had to yank, pull, yell and kick my feet to get Bear to move. When did Bear start sleeping with us??!  I can't really remember but its been recently. Coach has her spot by Eric's feet at the bottom of the bed and doesn't move all night unless its to my side of the bed to sleep on my feet, but really no movement. Then there is Bear, Bear moves all night long.  He hops on the bed, hops off the bed, sleeps between our pillows, lays on my stomach, stretches out the whole length of the bed, you name it Bear is doing it during the night.  I don't lose sleep though, I'm used to it.  I'm used to that little bit of Chaos in my room at night.  I especially love it when Eric is gone.  I like that they are there.  I feel safer when they are there.

I was never a dog person.  NEVER.  Ask my parents, ask my sisters and brothers.  Ask Natalie Visger. Her dog bit me in the butt.  In 4th grade.  I will never forget that moment in my life.  How embarassing.  I also remember trying to walk home from Daisy's house in Elementary school and some ankle biting dog running after me the whole way.  I hated dogs.  I am allergic to dogs.  I didn't want anything to do with dogs, I thought they were evil.   I can even remember going for runs in Steamboat and Eric antagonizing dogs in their yards so they would jump out and bark at me.  I didn't think it was funny.  I thought.. why the he$$ do people get dogs??!!!  Then we met Chip.  Chip belonged to our neighbors and good friends in the Boat.  He was the sweetest.  He'd sit for hours with Eric in the evening while he read his books.  Something about having Chip around was calm.  He shed and I still freaked out when he ran in the apartment, but I got used to him.  I even let him stay at our house one time for a whole weekend  (shedding hair and all).  I knew I needed to get a dog for Eric.  That's when the search began, how would I find a dog that didn't shed that Eric could train to hunt?!?  Then we discovered Goldendoodles.  The search was on... we had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! Then came Coach!

I don't know what I would do with out our two pooches.  My house would sure be cleaner and quieter with out them, but much more boring. These two put a smile on my face every time I walk in the door. Whether its a bad day at work or a sad day in general or even a good day, these two make everything better.  My most favorite thing to do is watch them with Eric. They love Eric so much and that smile on Eric's face is priceless.  I can't wait to see that look on his face with kids of his own someday.

They make me more active.  They make me laugh more.  They make me smile more. They make me get up earlier than normal.  They make me a better person.  They make me a bit more sane. They have taught me a bit of patience.  They have taught me that my house doesn't have to be clean every second of every day.  They make sure that I have a tennis ball and treats in my purse every time we leave the house.  They know how to make me  feel better when I'm sick, they lick my tears away and they eat my left over pizza.

Coach has been with me for the past five years. She is my running buddy. She has been with me during 2 moves. She has been my driving buddy. She probably knows more about me than anyone.  I talk her ear off... she just listens and never has an opinion.  I can sing at the top of my lungs and she just tilts her head and wags her tail in excitement.  I wish everyone did that when I belted out the lyrics to "Gangsters Paradise"!  She has been with me through two miscarriages.  She has seen many many many tears.  When Eric has had to go back to work, Coach has been right by my side.  And when I say right by my side... she doesn't leave. She doesn't leave to eat or drink or play. She follows me to the bathroom, to the shower, to the kitchen, to my car, and to the couch.  She never ever ever leaves my side.  She is also the best gal ever with babies.  Every time I see a new born or baby with a doodle, I just squeal!  I can't wait for that to be my doods and our baby. (2 doods and a baby.. I'm on to something!!!)  Some people say Coach is so human, its creepy.  I agree 100%.  She is my most favorite human!

Bear is still a pup, but he's the sweetest.  He might be sweeter than Coach.  He is calm and collected most of the time.  He wants to be with you all the time.  My most favorite thing.... When I sit in the hot tub, he crawls up the stairs lays his head on the side of the tub and sits and waits for me. He makes sure that I'm not alone.

So to confirm... I am the crazy dog lady.  There is no questioning that, but at least I'm not a crazy CAT lady!  (hahaha, Just kidding to my cat loving friends)

I just wanted to shout out to all our friends and family.... for those of you that put up with our dog craziness.  THANK YOU! Thank you for being patient.  Thanks for loving them like they are a part of your family.  You know they are a part of our family and you just accept it.  You allow them in your cabins, your homes, nursing homes, cars, etc.  Also to work, thanks for letting them sit in our office waiting for a grooming appointment or a vet appointment. Thanks for being patient when they get loose! For that, we will forever be grateful!  And whomever wants to come visit us, we've got a place for your kids and pooches!

The only downside... Picking up poop.