Category: Richie Doodle

Hello, Peeps!

I’m sorry that it’s been so long since I’ve posted a blog.  Much has happened to me in the journey of life since I last posted a blog!!

On February 18th I had “my wings clipped,” if you know what I mean.  I trotted into Mountain Empire Animal Hospital just as happy as a little lark at 8:15 a.m.  However, when Laura came to pick me up late in the afternoon, my demeanor was much different.  You will see the difference in the photo posted.

Then I developed gastrointestinal issues which escalated as the days went by.  I returned to Mountain Empire for two days where they ran a complete blood panel, took x-rays to see if I had a blockage, and had several barium enemas.  The surgeon looked at my x-rays and gave me a complete workup too.  It was determined that I had inflamed intestines.  They said that when a dog is hyper like me that sometimes their system over stresses from surgery or anesthesia and that’s what happened to me.  I went home with  two prescriptions to help my issue and to calm my stomach and a case of prescriptive canned dog food.  Thank goodness, when I finished my medicines, I was back to normal and happy to be normal again.

When Laura came to pick me up and take me home, she had my car door opened and was leaning up against the car.  She was parked in the parking space next to the front door.  When the technician and I stepped onto the parking lot and I saw the car door open; I literally leaped up and projected myself through the air for a couple of feet and landed in my seat.  Everyone just stood there with their mouths open saying, “how in the world did he do that?”  I would have been a good candidate for World’s Funniest Videos.  I was just so happy to be going home that I guess my Superman abilities kicked in.  It was a sight to see!!!

I will be going to boarding school soon to learn the fine tuning behavior of “no bark,” “no jump,” being quiet when wheels are around, etc. When I finish, I will be certified as a true therapy dog and will be ready to visit people in the hospitals and nursing homes when we are allowed to return.  I’ll be writing about that adventure too.

Until then, take care and happy trails!

Richie

Hello, World!

Now that I’ve had all of my shots, I can explore the world a little more.  Laura and I are going to some place called Lowe’s tonight so I’m excited to see what it is.  When we got there she told me that I would have to ride in the buggy but it had plenty of room so I didn’t mind.

We had such a good time!  As we walked in, the lady in the garden department wanted to take my picture and we got to know each other a little before we moved into the store.

Everywhere we went, people came up to us and wanted to either pet me or have their picture made with me.  They told us their dog stories too and showed us pictures of their fur babies.  One man who works at Lowe’s has a labradoodle and I think his dog must get into things like I do.  Whatever we can get into our mouths is a delicious thing — especially peanut butter. That’s the best treat ever.

The only thing that hurt my feelings would be if someone just walked on by and didn’t even acknowledge my presence.  If I could speak, I would want to say, “don’t you think I’m cute and don’t you want to pet me?”   There were even a few who asked if I am the puppy on the billboards.  They aren’t sure because I have grown so much since that photo was made.  I was two months old and weighed about 7 pounds then and now I’m 5 months old and weigh a little over 20 pounds.

On our way to the car, a young man stopped us and wanted to know where I came from because he thought I was the most beautiful golden doodle he had ever seen.  It’s my Paddington Bear face that wins them over.  Laura told him about Pigeon Forge Doodles and told him they have a website and are on Facebook with contact information.

As we are now reflecting on Thanksgiving, I want to tell each of you how thankful I am to be living in the greatest country ever and that people are so nice to me.  I am a friendly puppy and love to be around people.  God made me that way and He has already blessed me so much.  For that I am very grateful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOURS!

Being a patriotic puppy who loves the United States of America; Laura and I went to Jonesborough to vote when early voting began.

 The waiting line was very long and knowing that I couldn’t stay in the car but a few minutes, Laura asked permission to bring me in with her.  Remember, I am a therapy dog in training so I know I would have to use my “party manners” if I was allowed entry.

Before the poll judge could render a verdict on my entry, I was in her arms and giving her kisses.  You can see us in the picture that is posted.  She was very nice and gave me a qualified entry – behavior and being house broken.

 Everyone in line loved me!  There were several who even came up to Laura and asked if I was the puppy whose picture is on the billboards in Johnson City.  YES I AM!  I guess I have become a well known puppy.   We were walking down from Everlan Senior Living the other day and someone at the corner of Sharon Drive and Peoples Street put her passenger widow down and said to Laura, “is he the dog?  If so, he’s grown so much!  Laura laughed and said, “yes, he is the one.”  The lady waved at us and turned the corner and went on her away.  It just amazes us that I get attention wherever we go.

 Back to the voting – I helped everyone pass away the waiting time.  People would stop and pet me and some would rub my belly.  They didn’t care who I would have voted for.  They just liked me and I made the waiting time more fun for them.

 After voting, Laura was given the little sticker that said, “I Voted.”  She stuck it on my collar so I would feel like I had voted for my candidate of choice.

 If you haven’t early voted, please BE SURE TO VOTE NEXT TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3^rd.  We are so fortunate to live in a country where we have the privilege and responsibility to make our vote count. 

If you see me around town; stop and say hello.  I love to meet new friends!

It’s been several weeks since I blogged because Laura has been gone on vacation and I got to stay with my godmother,  Renee Lockhart.  I had so much fun at her house!  She spoiled me and didn’t make me do anything I didn’t want to do.  The first walk we took in the park close to her house; everyone who saw me wanted to pet me so it took twice as long as usual to complete the walk.  IT WAS FUN BECAUSE I AM A LITTLE HAM WHO LOVES ATTENTION!  I met Renee’s twenty year old cat and we tolerated each other that week.  Other than the cat, it was like I was on vacation too.

Renee took time from her very busy work schedule and came to my training class with Laurie Johnston.  Laurie oversees the kennels at Mountain Empire Animal Clinic and she is a superb trainer.  Laurie gets me and knows how to get the best from me.  You can see us together in the photo of us at the end of the training session.

Laurie Johnston & Richie

Last Friday, October 9^th, I had an appointment with Dr. Ron Scott, for the last of my puppy vaccinations and rabies shot and Laurie came in to see me.  I got so excited and she had me show Dr. Scott how I could do some tricks.  He thinks I’m very smart too.  We were all astounded that I had gained 6 pounds and 3 ounces since last month.  I weigh 17 pounds 3 ounces!

I’ve been playing with my new friend Cash Ming Doodle aka Cash.  Cash is a micro doodle and lives up the hill in the apartments.  Kaley, Cash’s human Mom, dates Laura’s grandson Jack and Kaley told Laura about Pigeon Forge Golden Doodles.  We played and played twice this past weekend and had so much fun.  We just ran and rolled on each other and barked and chased.  I hope to see him again soon.

One more very exciting adventure this weekend was my first trip to Pet Smart.  Goodness!  It was like nothing I’ve ever seen.  Dogs and people were everywhere – even a blood hound who you could hear all over the store.  I was better behaved and everyone who saw me oohed and aahed over me and I received a lot of pets and compliments.

At the end of the month I’ve got some work things lined up in going out into the community with Laura

So I will tell you about them as they happen.

Have a good week everyone.  Type to you soon.