We've all commented on how well our doodles behave with little children and babies, other dogs and animals, and most adults. And we've had our chuckles re: AARP and Senior Moments. Yesterday, Ebbe and I visited my Aunt Marcy and Uncle Dick (my late Mom's sister and her husband) who are now in nursing care. They are 84 and 86 respectively, and my Aunt has advanced Alzheimer's and health problems … my Uncle severe cardiac problems, though his mind is still good.
Much to my chagrin it had been a while since I'd seen them - never at this home. In fact for this visit I called my cousin, their daughter, to ask if I might accompany her! I had spent too much time at the nursing home with my own folks, the memories still too vivid and knew I would crumble if I had to go in by myself.
Ebbe was allowed to go because Nancy, my cousin, always takes her 3 yr old corgi/beagle mix, Sophie with her on visits. Sophie knows exactly where to go to find Aunt Marcy and Uncle Dick! (Unfortunately, now separate rooms.)
My Aunt proceeded to inform me that Ebbe wasn't a cute dog at all. Was too big. Was frightening. Her waggely tail was going to hit her in the face! That she didn't like dogs. Aunt Marcy always did tell it like it is and that horrible disease has only exacerbated this personality trait. She also accused me of lying about NOT coloring my hair, which at age 50 has very little gray in it! :? And thanked God that I finally got married … didn't think it would ever happen! :wink: Uncle Dick liked Ebbe a lot, shared Sophie's treats with her and accepted a big kiss.
I think Aunt Marcy associates Sophie with Nancy and doesn't consider her a dog!
The point of this long winded story … my Ebbe was the best girl! To the elderly and aides alike she didn't jump, or bark, or poke her head into anything she shouldn't. She let everyone pet her and stood still next to walkers and wheelchairs. We all took a walk around the grounds and she was so good on the leash … I never had to raise my voice! It was a long car ride to and fro and she just sat and watched the world go by.
Then once home, she stood still as I put my arms around her and sobbed. It is so terribly sad to see these wonderful people and what time and disease has done to them. As my uncle said, "It is what it is, but it's like being in jail and you didn't do anything wrong." But Ebbe and her silly face made him smile, and my sweet (yes … she really was/is) Aunt Marcy had some moments of clarity and told me I could come back, but leave the dog at home!
I'm still pretty weepy, but know I would be much worse if it weren't for my darling doodle. I was so proud of her. A comfort to the elderly (most of them), a special comfort to me. Thank you for letting me share my pride, my sadness and my love for two particular people and one particular dog!
Much to my chagrin it had been a while since I'd seen them - never at this home. In fact for this visit I called my cousin, their daughter, to ask if I might accompany her! I had spent too much time at the nursing home with my own folks, the memories still too vivid and knew I would crumble if I had to go in by myself.
Ebbe was allowed to go because Nancy, my cousin, always takes her 3 yr old corgi/beagle mix, Sophie with her on visits. Sophie knows exactly where to go to find Aunt Marcy and Uncle Dick! (Unfortunately, now separate rooms.)
My Aunt proceeded to inform me that Ebbe wasn't a cute dog at all. Was too big. Was frightening. Her waggely tail was going to hit her in the face! That she didn't like dogs. Aunt Marcy always did tell it like it is and that horrible disease has only exacerbated this personality trait. She also accused me of lying about NOT coloring my hair, which at age 50 has very little gray in it! :? And thanked God that I finally got married … didn't think it would ever happen! :wink: Uncle Dick liked Ebbe a lot, shared Sophie's treats with her and accepted a big kiss.
I think Aunt Marcy associates Sophie with Nancy and doesn't consider her a dog!
The point of this long winded story … my Ebbe was the best girl! To the elderly and aides alike she didn't jump, or bark, or poke her head into anything she shouldn't. She let everyone pet her and stood still next to walkers and wheelchairs. We all took a walk around the grounds and she was so good on the leash … I never had to raise my voice! It was a long car ride to and fro and she just sat and watched the world go by.
Then once home, she stood still as I put my arms around her and sobbed. It is so terribly sad to see these wonderful people and what time and disease has done to them. As my uncle said, "It is what it is, but it's like being in jail and you didn't do anything wrong." But Ebbe and her silly face made him smile, and my sweet (yes … she really was/is) Aunt Marcy had some moments of clarity and told me I could come back, but leave the dog at home!
I'm still pretty weepy, but know I would be much worse if it weren't for my darling doodle. I was so proud of her. A comfort to the elderly (most of them), a special comfort to me. Thank you for letting me share my pride, my sadness and my love for two particular people and one particular dog!
