“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.” - Dean Koontz, author. There have been few times in my life when I didn't have a canine companion by my side... the longest gap being since the passing of my Border Collie, Libby, in 2009. She was a rescue pet and had been with me since my children were little. Such a faithful and gentle gal, she was 15 or so when she had a stroke and died. Peter and I bought a house not long afterwards, and decided that it was too soon to replace her. Besides, unlike the home we had rented when we first moved in together, our home has a large enclosed courtyard garden with a paved surface rather than grass. We are both "dog people" and have often talked about welcoming a puppy into the family, but knew that it would only happen when the time was right. Until recently, we had been fortunate enough to form close friendships with neighbours, each of whom had dogs. One of them lost their elderly Jack Russell, Kurt, and then moved interstate last year with their miniature Dachshund-cross, Poppy. Another has just sold up and transferred north to Brisbane with her Blue Heeler, Hound. I feel the absence of my friends, but must admit that I also miss visiting, playing with (and patting/petting) their pooches. Studies have shown the physical and mental health benefits of being around animals, particularly dogs. Hence why there are therapy dogs that regularly visit adults and children in health care facilities across Australia and elsewhere in the world. A trip across town a couple of months ago took us to the vicinity of the RSPCA shelter and also the local dog pound. "Let's pop in and see if there are any puppies," I suggested out of the blue. "Yes, lets," Peter responded with a big smile. To our disappointment, both were closed. ☹ For the next several days, we trawled through the web sites of animal shelters and foster homes, near and far. Nothing but Rottweilers, Pitt Bulls, Huskies, Staffys, Mastiffs, Kelpies and Shih Tzus... no matter where we looked. After much consideration, we agreed that a sociable, small to medium-sized dog would best suit our home and our lifestyle. I suggested we search for a Terrier of some kind (like my dear friend, CC's dog, Bilbo). But Peter noted our allergies to dog fur. Oh yes. I had forgotten. Libby's fur made me break out in hives, and dogs in general give Peter itchy eyes and the sniffles. Perhaps a miniature Schnauzer, then? My daughter had a pair of them once upon a time (Bel and Bruce). "No. Although they're very sweet, I don't want a Schnauzer," said the man of the house. A Magyar Puli, I suggested? "No way. The coat on a Puli is too profuse, too fussy," he jumped in. A corgi? "Too small," he said. Okay. What about a Groodle then? A Poodle crossed with a Golden Retriever. Come and see what the internet says about them. "Aha! Yes, I like the look and sound of those," he responded after perusing a few different Web sites with me. 'The Groodle/Goldendoodle is an intelligent and very friendly companion. Groodle/Goldendoodles enjoy being part of the family unit. They enjoy socialising with other dogs, and can adapt to living in a small home as long as they receive adequate daily exercise. Daily walks and physical and mental exercise are a must. Regular trips to the dog park and swimming will keep help keep them entertained.' Perfect! As luck would have it, one of my daughter's friends had just advertised a nine-week-old miniature Groodle. The good-natured pup was the last of the litter and, although the woman had originally planned to keep her, she'd had a change of heart, realising that, with a toddler of her own to care for, she didn't really have the time to give to a fur baby. We drove out to the breeder's property in Binalong and spent some time with both the Groodle mother and her puppy. In one sense, it broke my heart to think that we would be taking the little one away from it's mum. But then, I knew that, with us, she would be going (coming) to a caring and loving home. And that's how Molly the miniature Groodle came to be part of our family. Life in retirement, as we know it, has changed. We've been busy puppy-parenting: feeding, bathing, training, playing with and exercising Molly; as well as puppy-proofing the house and courtyard garden. It's quite like having a baby all over again. Exciting, exhausting (at times), and euphoric. All in all, thoroughly enjoyable. Over to you, dear readers. Are you a "dog person" or do you dislike them? Do please tell me all about your own canine companion or fur baby. 🐾
6/12/2017 11:20:21 am
What a cutie! Congrats -- always fun to welcome a new furry friend to the family, isn't it?
Maggie
6/12/2017 12:01:10 pm
I have a miniature dachshund called Nicola and life would be so empty and boring without her. Initially when she came to temporarily stay - I thought oh, Lordy, do I really need want a small dog to annoy me etc - Now - can't imagine how I could ever have thought anything like that. She makes me smile and laugh every day and has quite a fan club with the local kiddoes and grown-ups too. Glad you have a woofer in your life again - they do so enrich our lives. Small dog but big personality.
Jenni shum
6/12/2017 04:00:22 pm
Hi Liz! Molly is a beautiful looking little dog! John and I are certainly dog-lovers. Our Pablo has to be reminded every now and again that he’s a dog. He’s very much loved and part of the family. Jenni
Peter
6/12/2017 04:14:38 pm
She's certainly brought joy and the pitter patter of little paws to our lives.
Simone Mason
6/12/2017 04:15:24 pm
Hi Lizzie, I've been seeing the photos of your pup on Instagram. Molly reminds me of a little polar bear. She's so fluffy. What a sweetie!!!!
She's so sweet!
Miriam
6/12/2017 04:16:50 pm
Ohhhhhhh. Cute, cute, cute! I'm definitely a dog person. My golden retriever had to be put to sleep a few years back and I'm missing her so much. Thank you for sharing photos of your Molly.
Maureen
6/12/2017 05:36:41 pm
Molly is gorgeous and I'm so glad you and Peter have a new fur baby to spoil.
Eha
6/12/2017 06:25:39 pm
Oh Lordie, Molly is cute!! And I am a dog-person all the way . . . . we have a grownup one of Molly's mob in the Village here and it is gorgeous of build and temperament. Congratulations Mom and Dad: but you DO realize that every time you post now we want a 'progress' photo of the young lady!! Well, if all the other dog-owning bloggers can, so can you!!!! Mind you, my last dog was a Pembroke corgi and, tho' small in size, Sir Charles Slurp [well, Charlie!] sure made up for it with incredible personality, dare one say 'attitude'! Thanks for a huge smile . . .
Eha
6/12/2017 09:49:12 pm
Will you accept a 'naughty' story? Charlie had a pal Toby, a long-haired dachshund - both had comfy baskets at the end of our bedroom but we were aware they had a habit of making 'cosy' atop our dressing gowns on the bench alongside our bed. OK!! Well, came the night we came home, the normal twixt a man a woman was happening, in this case, as it happened, in the so-called 'missionary style' when suddenly a little happily curious head appeared twixt my supine bod and . . . . I believe our two forever hence could not believe that the beginning of 'physical loving' twixt a man and a woman could begin with two dogs being ejected onto a verandah . . . oft the first indication oft for me also . . . :) :) :) . . .
Lizzy
7/12/2017 04:27:23 am
Dearest Eha, blushing, but ba ha ha ha ha!!!! 6/12/2017 06:27:30 pm
hi liz
We’re absolute dog people, or as our Springer Spaniel Chloe thinks, “her pack”. She is my finest companion when my dear wife is away at work. And, as for Eha’s naughty story, I can truly relate. Yes, our 26 kg 6-year-old Chloe sleeps right between me and my wife. I know, some out there would say “no way”, but how can a guy turn down those wanting Springer eyes? 7/12/2017 06:05:07 pm
What a cutie, I adore her already!! My fur baby is Latte, a 3-year-old ragdoll cat. She is currently sitting next to my computer, waiting patiently (or impatiently!) for dinner. :) 8/12/2017 07:47:39 am
She’s GORGEOUS. 31/12/2017 08:55:16 am
She is adorable! We would live to get a pet but I fear we travel too much and I would hate to leave them. I wish you a most joyous new year! 3/1/2018 01:58:31 am
Oh what a little cutie! I'm a crazy cat lady but love all cute critters really x
Kelly Dermer
1/5/2020 08:04:54 pm
Hi Liz, your puppy is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She is exactly what I need in my life. We lost our miniature labradoodle 6 years ago now and still haven't introduced a new fur baby. Can I ask where you got Molly? Would you be willing to share contact details of the breeder? Many thanks
Lizzy
8/5/2020 07:29:58 pm
Thanks so much, Kelly! Molly is a beautiful companion and probably the best dog I've ever had the pleasure of having in my life. I won't share the name of the breeder, simply because there have been several complaints about the breeder on a FB group that I am a member of. Lots of inconsistencies re actual birth dates, specifics re the breed (i.e. we were told Molly is an F2 miniature, but this is not the case), parenting of the dogs etc. If you join the Groodle Appreciation Society on FB you will be able to find a reputable, reliable breeder. Sorry to hear about your Labradoodle. It's terribly sad when we losed a beloved pet. Comments are closed.
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Cooking and writing have been a lifelong passion. Join me as I share with you my favourite recipes; postcards and morsels from my travels; conversations with cookery writers and chefs; and news on food, cookbooks and cooking. - Liz Posmyk
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