The absolute JOY of owning a DOODLE!

[lindamarie]

Most of you already know that I suffer from PTSD which has lead me to other ailments. Although I live a fairly normal life and am very active, things were not always this way.
PTSD can leave a person with great anxieties and fears. As a result of car accidents & previous domestic violence, I have been hit pretty hard. I now have Fibromyalgia which leaves me in pain 24/7 and other related illnesses.

I have so many limitations as to what I would/will do! Driving on expressways, flying, crowded places have been very tough on me.
I am an adminsitrator at a forum for health conditions that I suffer from. Over the years at this forum, we have all shared our grief and help each other out. We know each other well.
My biggest mental issue has been anxiety. Trying to heal a body loaded with worries and fears is impossible.

So....why am I writing this?
Because of BOGART!
Somewhere around November 28th of last year, we brought this fluffy little 9 week old pupple home. My Springer Spaniel had just died the day before Thanksgiving last year. I was a disaster! Within 6 days, I had Bogart.
Things were looking good and then my father became very ill. I was at the hospital every day and night for months.
My husband was left to raise Bogart while I was gone.
When I would get home from the hospital, I would snuggle with this little ball of JOY and much of the hardships of that day and worries were dissolved.
During my dad's final months, we managed to start taking Bogart to obedience classes. He was learning quickly and potty trained within a few days.

As time went on, he just got better and better. By the time dad passed away in April, Bogart was well on his way to being a very obedient doodle. The love and compassion he bestowed on me with the passing of my dad is beyond words.

Over the Spring & summer, I had a whole lot of time to be with him, train him, walk him etc. The bond grew deeperon a daily basis.

Lately, I have been wondering why my mood has been so elated. I laugh more, go more places and DO THINGS!!
The other day,I wrote about this at the healt forum. I said I didn't understand why I felt so UP!
One of the guys asked a question........"Could it be Bogart?"
Then, when getting my hair highlighted last week, my stylist said the same thing.

Bogart is totally doing his job as my Service Dog!! He is completely therapeutic for me!!
I even rode in the car on a busy expressway to my brother's for Thanksgiving!! I was in the back seat and just stroked his back the entire 45 minute ride. Yes! I was nervous, but I did it!!
Crowded malls are fine now.......Bogart is there!
I'm sleeping better.........Bogart is there!

IMO, I don't see any other type of dog that could've been better for me.
I feel so blessed to have Bogart! This will be a Merry Christmas with him too!
He is such a JOY! So delightful!
I have a lot to work on yet with my anxieties especially with driving and flying. But, this little doodle is helping me heal. My days are happier now that he is around. I'm surprised that 2 other people had to help me see this. I should've guessed it on my own!!

Just wanted to share. I was sitting here just now thinking about this as I watched from my window, Bogart running through the yard with the snow blowing and the cold! It didn't bother him. It really got me thinking of just how precious this little furball is to me.

[Raleighsmom]

Oh Linda....thanks you so much for sharing your story! It's amazing how these little guys help to heal us!
Whether they're trained as therapy dogs or not, they are very theraputic when they make us laugh..
They say that laughter is good for the soul, but I also beleive it's good for 'what ails you' physically too! And there certainly are no shortcomings in the laugh department when it comes to these Doodles!!!

[MaxandMe]

(((((((((((LINDA)))))))))))))) thank you so much for writing this as you really touched my heart deeply.
it is so heartwarming, honest, loving and also touches me in a way that makes me almost cry in a good way though.

Doodles whether trained or not are a great loving yet so theraputic uplifting us when we're not up to par some days.
AT the same time they just seem to touch us in special ways at any given moment as well.

Just last night while taking the doodles out at midnight for a really late doodle run in the snow
I was thinking how much max/peanut have brought my family closer together and how depressed i'd be
the past few months i've been out of work as they've kept me going, motivated and give such loving companionship too.

LINDA i am sooooooooo happy you have Bogart in your heart and home and how we all experience a uniqe gift
dogs give to us: unconditional love intermixed with happiness, comedy and make us realize how precious they really are.

[blueteal]

I live with eleven furry critters...........
Would not change it for nothing.........
They make me laugh and cry but always bring joy when they sense I need it the most............

[gene]

Thanks so much for sharing Linda. Even on my worst days at work, if i talk about my doodles or if someone asks about them....I get an inner warmth! 4 legged miracles, they are!

[anny51]

Linda - I'm so glad Bogart has been able to bring such joy and healing into your life. These little fellas go about things totally unaware of how much they're giving to their human families (and animal too...I know my other dogs have gained from being with Charlie too), and yet they never ask for anything beyond the basics...no wonder we love them to death Thank you for your post...particularly well-timed at Christmas when the emphasis should be about unselfiishness and love A very happy christmas and successful 2009 to you and Bogart...may you both go on from strength to strength

[tuffystar]

Thank you Linda for sharing that. I know that what you say is true. I know some of the problems you shared too. This forum and my dogs have made a huge difference to me as well. I am glad you shared.

[Jac]

This is beautiful, Linda. Thank you for sharing.
My husband says that he feels the same way...these dogs "take the demons away."