When an avid reader sent me a text regarding a toy tester contest sponsored by PetSmart – I jumped on it… Based on the criteria, I felt it was my civic duty to ALL pet parents across the country to have the “original dog toy destroyer” show these merchants what doesn’t work in certain households. #likeours I’ve loved three doodles in my lifetime, two of them absodoodletutely appreciated everything they received. They cared for it, respected it, and allowed it to live long, stuffed, squeaky lives.  But there’s always one who wants to defy the rules and his name is Jax – the dog toy d ..read more

Laser treatment for dogs has become a more common practice lately. Used for various ailments (on Friday), I witnessed it applied on Jaxson and two days later – I’m a believer in its purpose.    The Boys have several veterinarians. You might ask why – and to be honest –  I dunno It just worked out that way, and I am happy to say – I like it! One practices holistic, alternative homeopathic, Chinese and of course conventional treatment methods. While the other is a very contemporary science-based conventional vet. The latter is the one I want to tell you about. MEET DR. SUZANNE C ..read more

This is the week I actually plan to make some homemade dog treats. For me, this is a stress generating task, because baking is not my strongest talent by a long shot… When my children were growing up, I was THAT school mom who brought “store bought” cookies to the classroom because I cannot bake worth a #doodle. I’m telling you, I can’t even decorate a doggie cookie correctly… Even Harley was sadden with the final project Some of you may remember on one of our December podcasts … Kimberly and I talked about our wish list of Christmas gifts centered around dogs #ofcourse  I was super mot ..read more

A dog bed in need – is a Big Barker Bed indeed! The story I am about to tell you is one of furry friendships, a dog’s courage to survive and a company I can lay down with! #punintended Meet one of Jaxson’s Canine Therapist friends, Wilbur – Photo courtesy of Catherine Rodriguez I first met Wilbur last fall when he and his human companion Catherine attended an event held for therapy dogs in the Charleston area. Catherine reached out a few weeks prior to tell me that she and her certified therapy pup wanted the two of them to be a part of our program. A retired racing Greyhound, Wilbur was esp ..read more

Hey lady grab your dog please! That sentence had to be repeated before she snapped out of her trance and moved towards her dog… Let me tell you what happened – Last week, the weather was unusually warm for January. At around 5:00pm it was still 70 degrees. #beautifulsunsetforming Our stroll was slow, but Harley felt like prancing so we covered much concrete. As we turned the corner a block from our humble abode, I noticed three women chatting in a circle mid gutter/street with a small dog (approx. 35 lbs.) The human who belonged to the dog had her back towards me, but as we got closer the o ..read more

I am adjusting to the fact that I am now pivoting through life with a senior pup. My plan is to – adapt when necessary swivel when required and share what’s proven beneficial while living in Harley’s aging world  #hisminiseries … As our journey called aging continues – so will my occasional posts. This time I shall shed my fur and be Doodle-ly honest about what’s happening to me, as Harley and I pivot through this thing together. PAWhaps it might help someone understand they are not alone, selfish, or crazy. Harley is really the first dog I ever had, and I was in my 50’s when we first ..read more

‘Twas the night before Christmas has become a Goldendoodles Holiday tale around here for a few years now. Considered a classic, If you ask me, it’s one of the most famous holiday stories ever written. It happens to be one of my favorites, and since Groovy Goldendoodles was born, I’ve enjoyed changing it up each year. As a child my older (and only) sister would recite this story to me on Christmas Eve… I dressed for bed willingly, anxious to hear the story. She would read with such animation, it was magical. As an adult, I tried to imitate her when our kids were little, and after that, I just ..read more

Last week therapy dogs, Santa Paws & the Charleston Police catapulted me into this holiday season for all the right reasons… Let us remember that the Christmas heart is a loving heart, a wide open heart that thinks of others first. George Matthews Adams IT ALL BEGAN –  earlier this year when the Chief of Charleston’s Police Department and I agreed working together would be #Pawsome! Therapy dogs are changing hearts and minds with Police Therapy Dogs.  Article Our partnered focus will be on three initiatives –  community events – sponsored activities engaging the communit ..read more

Have you created a pet parent’s Christmas list for your furry family member? #tellthetruth Is it something you’ve written down, or just carry around like a mental post-it note? This is mine –  I wouldn’t say that I’ve ALWAYS created a list, nor have I wrapped their gifts in several years.  I used to wrap toys and then capture it on video to annoy friends and family. #Imthattype But the year they showed more interest in the paper and boxes then its contents was the year I stopped… #Imslowbutnobodysfool PRACTICAL NEEDS VS. RANDOM WANTS –  is how I approach howliday gift givi ..read more

Harley is 14 and retired from his Therapy Dog duties!… November 25th the Friday after Thanksgiving – Harley celebrated his 14th year with us.  As the human equivalent of a 78 year old, he turned in his canine therapist badge, hung up his hospital embroidered leash and I removed him from the active duty roster. Surprisingly to me, when I changed his status from “active” to “inactive” in the system that morning, I wasn’t sad at all. I found myself full of pride for all that he’d done for so many both here in Charleston as well as back in Virginia. NEVER – in my wildest dreams did I have an ..read more