A Dollop of Humor!

Equinophobia.  Has anyone ever heard of that before?  Translated from Latin it means "fear of horses," and our goldendoodle has it!  Jeff and I first discovered this fear when we visited the local White Rock Lake dog park, and we decided to take a walk on the trail encompassing the lake.  Everything was going as smoothly as can be expected, when walking the Milt, when all of a sudden a  black stallion trotted over the bridge.  The horse was massive and astride the horse was a very tall, thin man also decked out in all black complete with a cowboy hat.  The thundering of the horse's hooves scared Milton to death.  He immediately began raucously barking and cowering with his tail between his legs.  He was very, very frightened by this "Big Dog."  It was awfully difficult to coax him back into walking mode, so home we went. 

Reminiscent of the brand I wore in middle school

Well, I thought we would not see a horse again for a long, long time except I did not factor in that we live near the Highland Park neighborhood.  During the holidays, this lavish neighborhood is resplendent with horse and carriage rides to view the overabundance of fantastic, and pricey, Christmas lights.  Last week, nearing the end of the Katy Trail, Milton and I ran into a dilemma as he watched a horse and carriage traverse the cross walk up ahead.  After that Milton refused, absolutely refused to walk in that direction.  I actually pulled his collar off twice trying to get him to move.  So, we backtracked, and I tried to take him through a restaurant and shop parking lot area to take him to the car.  Once again, Milton dug in his heels, and this time he refused to move even an inch in spite of all my cajoling and begging.  At times I hugged him to calm his frayed nerves, and at other times I dragged him scolding all the while. 

How did we finally get home?  Milton parked himself, quite literally, next to a parked car and refused to move just as the owners, a very lovely couple, walked up.  I quite awkwardly asked them if they would hold his leash while I ran and got the car.  They agreed but first, very politely, asked what his name was!  I was off like a shot and back within minutes to collect my troublesome little boy.  The couple was extremely gracious and insisted that he was no trouble at all.  The Milt shook for a little bit in the car but soon settled down.  Thank goodness the holidays are now officially over, and the carriage rides will finally cease.  Milton might have been born out in rural Oklahoma, complete with "Big Dogs," but he is now a Dallas city boy through and through.

Officially Demoted from the Nice List

During the month of December, Milton was trying really, really hard to be on the "Nice" list for Santa.  Jeff and I thought he was giving it some valiant effort which is why we bundled up all his Christmas presents, along with his stocking, and sent him off to his grandparents' house.  We did not anticipate any problems.  Yesterday we received a report that Milton has been quite obstinate - tugging on his walks, refusing to walk, and insistently pestering people to play tug-of-war.  I just want to remind Milton of this little picture that we took a week prior to Christmas.

Santa and the Milt

Our goldendoodle might not realize this, but Santa Claus has already begun watching for Christmas 2013.  Milt needs to stay on his best behavior all year long and not just ramp it up after Thanksgiving.  Likewise, if you can tell from this photograph,  Santa and Milton are not the bestest of buddies.  After I hauled Milton up into Santa's lap, Milt tried to crawl off over Santa's shoulder, subsequently yanking down Santa's beard and glasses, which was traumatizing for all the other young puppies waiting to sit on the big man's lap.  That's why his Momma, in her sweatpants, is in the picture holding him and half of Santa's head is cut off. 

As we all know, a lot of a dog's "problems" stem from his owners.  Since we are approaching 2013 and leaving 2012 behind us, one big New Year's resolution looming over us is:  Train Milton!  Hopefully that resolution will be accomplished in 2013 and will not be shifted over into 2014 like a few others of mine will be...!  Our boy needs us, so we must rise to the occasion.

Merry, Merry Christmas!

Hi All!  I know this post is a day late, but I doubt many people were trolling my blog on Christmas day...!  Momeaux and Jeremy (Jeff's mom and brother) have been inundating us with shots of the Milt from Louisiana.  They know how important it is for us to stay current with his happenings.  Here's the happy Milt busy on Christmas morning.



Chewing away

What a big bone from Santa (Momma and Daddy!).  Milt couldn't even be bothered to look in the camera.  By day's end, half of that bone was eaten, and I doubt it will be traveling home with him to Texas.  Despite our little family's separation, I think we all, respectively, had quite the day.  I hope all of you had a beautiful holiday as well!

Puppy Photo of the Week

Milton's Louisiana vacation is off with a bang in a big way! 

Oh Milt dog...

Our doodle certainly has a penchant for eyeglasses.   Milt also ate a plate of sausage off his grandparents' kitchen table.  No one saw him do it, but suspicions are high.  Thank goodness we have family taking care of our boy.  Forgive and forget.  Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!

To Grandmother's House We Go!

Unfortunately, the Milt will not be spending Christmas with his Momma and Daddy.  Little does he know, but on Friday morning we are shipping him off to his Grandmother's house in Louisiana!  Although I am feeling the separation anxiety, I think little Milton will be absolutely thrilled!  Of course, I am sending along his Christmas presents.

Special presents for a special boy

He certainly needs his stocking for those presents.

A lovely gift from my sister-in-law, Corey

Since Milton will be joining Jeff's parents, Momeaux and Pop, for about a solid week, a big thanks is needed!

A dog themed present for Jeff's parents

Jeff's three-year-old niece will be helping in the dog sitting process, so a "Care Chart" was made by Uncle Jeff for her.

Stickers to keep track

Obviously, the little girl needed a thank you gift too!

Cute thank you cards (Shutterfly) gifted to me for Christmas by my friend, Emily

Although Christmas without our Milt is unimaginable, we will see him in the New Year, and he certainly made our 2012 the best year yet!

Christmas Cards Galore!

December has been full of anticipation as Milton and I eagerly await all of our doodle holiday cards arriving in the mail!  So far in our doodle card exchange, we have received 36 cards out of the 49 total we are due to expect.  Cards have arrived from across the United States - Alabama, California, New Jersey, South Carolina, and many more; we are creating a doodle network!  The cards are cute and interesting because oftentimes the proud owners will state their doodle's or doodles' type and age, just like any other member of the family.  Here is a quick glimpse of our collection:

A worthy use of our new wine rack

Granted not all of the above cards are solely doodle cards, but it does make for a rather nice display.  I feel like my circle of friends has greatly expanded...!  Initially I was quite happy with Milton's card that we developed at Costco, but the below cards are some of my favorite too!

A big fellow!

This dog reminds me SO much of Milton - size, curls, goofiness!

Two doods from New Orleans

Lindsay and Leo - our local friends!

That is certainly a beautiful collar/wreath that dood is wearing!

So far this year "Mr. Milton" has received more cards than Jeff and I combined!  All of these doodle cards make me feel less crazed for sending out a picture of our dog for Christmas.  Although, I still argue that he is the best sole representation of our family!

Puppy Photo of the Week

Our little doodle family is officially moved in!  It is hard to believe but after weeks of packing, painting, and about eight solid hours of moving on Saturday, we are here.  The house is beginning to come together, especially now that our furniture has arrived, but we still have a laundry list of items to tackle - paint three more rooms, fix the fence and gate, paint the trim outside (not in the too near future!), and so on and so forth.  Regardless, it feels very good to be "home" for the Christmas season.

All of the men who helped in the move - Leroy, Jeff, and of course the Milt

I know what you are all thinking...  Did Milton get to ride in the 17-ft. U-Haul?  Sadly, no.  We opted not to buy the insurance, and Milt can be a bit distracting on the road at times, so he only got to watch the hours of packing and unpacking.  That was not quite as much fun but still provided some amount of viewing pleasure!  Welcome home, Milt.