I met 20 dogs over the past seven weeks. Every single time, while I loved the dog (I love them all!), I’d come home and have a terrible breakdown because that dog, wasn’t Jake. The house was empty, but I wanted Jake. I wanted my boy back.
I kept trying. I kept having breakdowns. Why was I torturing myself? I finally decided to take a break. The moment I decided to do that, a weight was lifted. I knew I would find a dog when I found a dog and it would just have to be ok that there were no dogs here.
That decision, lightened me. My smile started coming back. I found my laughter. I cried when I missed Jake but there were no torturous breakdowns. I needed time to realize that there is no situation that could present itself, even the next dog, where I wouldn’t still want to have Jake back. I accepted that another dog would come and that there could be sadness over the loss and joy over the gain. It didn’t have to be one or the other.
I could breathe again.
A little over a week ago, I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw this:
I froze, in the warmest way. I saw Melvin in this dog. I saw Jake in this dog. This dog was their love child. My boys sent me this dog, I knew this to be certain. I applied for him immediately. I emailed them to say I must meet him. He was meant to be mine.
There were no breakdowns.
I had a home visit, didn’t cry once.
I bought him stuff (before meeting him), still calm.
Then last Thursday, my friend Virginia and I drove to meet him.
He came rounding the corner in his foster mom’s house and I felt Melvin and Jake. I felt them in his exuberance, in his clumsiness, in his joy. I also, just saw him, as his own being. This new, beautiful change my life was about to take.
The moment I saw his face in the first photo, I saw a Doug. Face-to-face, he was still Doug to me. He’d found a new name. A new home.
Doug was found as a stray in rural South Carolina. He quickly became a shelter favorite. The shelter called Pet Connect Rescue and asked if they could take him out or SC and give him a new life in the DC area. The rescue said yes, and Hooty/Doug made his way up North, into foster and now to me.
Here is what I know so far…
- A lot of things in the house are new to him. Like garage doors opening. And refrigerator ice maker noises. And mirrors.
- He was neutered mid-August and the vet estimated him to be 1-2 years old. I worried a lot about 1-2 years old because that was by far the youngest dog I have ever considered. But he was already mine so 1-2 would have to be ok. Imagine my surprise when I took him to my vet and she said… he is not a day over eight months. My eyes were crazier than Jake’s at that moment!
- Doug is a puppy. He mouths EVERYTHING. When I try to walk, he tries to put my feet in his mouth. We go on 7,489 walks a day and somehow he still has energy.
- He has not had a single accident in the house.
- He puts himself to bed at 7:30pm, and I go get him to keep him up for fear that he will want to wake up at 4am.
- He has yet to meet a person or dog he does not like.
- At any moment, he could explode from joy.
- He is not the dog I thought I wanted. As it turns out, he is everything that I need.
Especially if what I needed was exhaustion! No seriously, how long are they puppies?
We start obedience training on Wednesday! Amen to training!
As for what breed he is, he’s listed as an English Bulldog mix. I ordered a DNA kit so we’ll def do a contest at some point for guesses.
I can only confirm he’s happy.
As am I.
Don’t be fooled by these photos, he only rests about 14 min a day.
Omg I’m so happy for you!!! Bullies? Well um…at 2 or 3 they hit their teen years so you have lots of fun ahead of you 😀
He’s just so darn cute and that face is definitely a Doug <3
Thank you! I’m exhausted just reading this! I guess I better get used to it!
It’s funny how we make our plans, life reads the plan, laughs and crumples that sh@t up and hands you just what you need.
Congrats to you and Doug for rescuing each other. ❤️
We crack life up with our wish lists! Thanks love, def going to be a ride!
Ugh. Legit doing the happy snoopy dance over here!!! Doug has hit the jackpot. And you…have a puppy. Jake and Melvin knew what you needed to stay busy. 🙂
Thank you! I can actually see Jake ok with this, laughing his ass off that a puppy is here!
So happy for you both! Doug seems amazing and so glad he can make your heart sing 🙂
Yes! Joy has returned to this home!
Oh my goodness…congratulations! Doug is perfect.
Thank you!
Congrats! I can’t believe you got a puppy lol! I think it’s a really good thing for you though. Puppies keep you busy – they demand you be present. This is exactly what you need. <3
You know that every other dog I met was 8 years old or older! But you are so right, he is very ‘here and now’ and that is exactly where I need to be!
The last picture of him curled up in your legs literally melted my heart in so many ways!! He sure is one handsome fella. I’m happy for you, but even more happy for Doug. I can imagine he has no idea how much love he is about to receive. (and how famous he will be from those of us crazy internet friends of Melvin & Jake’s)
Thank you, so much! He is def capable of hard core snuggling once he tires momma out!
I’m so happy that you and Doug found one another with the guidance of Jake and Melvin! He is so adorable 🙂
Thank you, Wendy!
He just looks like one big hunk-o-lovin’! Welcome home, Doug! I can’t wait to read more about him and your adventures together. 🙂
Thank you, so much!
Congratulations and Welcome Doug. He is so adorable as well as handsome (with a lot of devilish delights to come) I can already hear in your blog happiness and wish you lots more.
Thank you! He def returned the joy to my life!
Congrats, I’m so very happy for both of you! And, Doug being a puppy means you’ll have no choice but to live in the moment and with joy! I can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures together. ❤️
Yes! This puppy thing is totally unexpected and very much, in the now!
OMG, OMG, OMG! I cannot handle how cute he is! And Doug – perfect name!!
If he’s anything like Edi, he may be a puppy forever. We had new people in our Agility group and after one particularly entertaining class they said “oh, how cute, how old is he?”
I responded, “5.”
“Oh, so still a puppy?”
“No, 5 YEARS.”
“Oh…”
But everytime I start to wish he’d just “grow up already” I think about how much I’ll miss it if/when he starts to slow down. So, just keep thinking about how cute he is – that’s our go to.
Thank you! As exuberant as Doug is, and he is SOOOOO much, he is still not as energetic as Melvin was when he came to me at three. Doug is just in need of some training, once we start getting that underway, I think (read hope) I can keep up with him!
Love your perpetual puppy, Edi! We should all be that way!
Puppy love! So very joyful for both of you – Doug is just adorable. Some things are just meant to be!!
Yes! Meant to be indeed! I am now the owner of Jolly balls and chew toys and I had to up my steps goal!
Love love this post! Congratulations to you and Doug. The pictures are adorable!
Thank you so much!
OH.MY.GOSH! I am SOOOOO happy for you and for Doug! I don’t have a Facebook page but I do have some pages bookmarked that I check on daily and when I saw the post Saturday I couldn’t wait for the blog post so I could comment!!
He is absolutely adorable!! I cannot wait to follow along on your journey together and look forward to many wonderful adventure stories!
I love that we are bookmarked! That makes my heart happy! Thank you!
OMG that face! All the feelz…
Right!?? He’s so…Doug!
Oh my lord I’m in love! Doug, you have got.to be the most adorable puppy ever. Just look at that sweet little face! I’m so excited to get to know you and become friends . You no.longer need to worry your new momma is a great lady and will take very good care of you. I send my love and lots of kisses and belly rubz. Here’s to a new friend!!
Sorry its not saying but its me Jody Pitz…..
Thank you, Jody! We can’t take this next adventure without your love and support! Thank you for you!
My heart is melting…..
Ditto!
My heart is SO HAPPY for you! For you both!
Thank you so much, Jenna!
Oh, this makes me happy! Doug is certainly a Doug and he is adorable. I’m so glad you are finding joy again. You both seem to have landed exactly where you should be! Enjoy puppydom – it’s been a long time since we’ve had a true puppy, too!
Thank you! I have been reading up on all things puppy! And the UPS guy cannot get our Amazon shipment of Jolly Balls and chew toys here fast enough!
He is a DOLL! I’m so happy that you found him and he has you in his life. I actually think Jake might have like him. Doug would have worn him down eventually 🙂 Enjoy the puppy-ness. I’m way too old for that, but I can admire and enjoy it from afar.
Thank you! Jake is either ok or laughing about this puppy! I am also convinced everyone but the puppy is too young for this!
He is so stinking cute! I work in animal welfare and it’s always comforting to know that a bully went to a great home. Enjoy him he looks like a lot of fun.
He will be loved!
Congratulations! I understand your stress over finding yourself with a puppy. I had to find a new service dog candidate last year and the one I ended up with was everything I’d sworn I wouldn’t have. He’s a black lab mix, double coat, long tail, floppy ears, and he was 10 months old when I got him. He is just wonderful! I think Doug has Shar Pei ears. It will be fun to see what the DNA test says.
I mean had you asked me two weeks ago, my answer would have been a very FIRM NO to puppies as it has been for some time now! I guess I should be glad he’s an older puppy! Others have said the same about his ears, I’m excited to see what the test says.
Congratulations! I am so happy for you and Doug. He has such an expressive little face. I can’t wait to read about your adventures together. I have also started my search for a new housemate for Bailey. She isn’t happy being an “only” dog so the search is on to find her the perfect pal.
I’m excited to see who rescues you and Bailey! I have already thought about how Doug needs a sibling!
It never ends!
I am so happy for you!!! I look forward to Tales of Doug
Thank you, Trish!
Oh my! He is just a puppy…he’s gorgeous and im so glad you found each other
Oh my, indeed!
Ohmygosh. I am just… almost speechless over here! So many joy tears! Welcome, Doug! He is so stinking cute. I can’t even imagine the shenanigans he’s getting into with those mischievous, soulful eyes. So, at 8 months he’s got a lotta growing to do, but it’s hard to tell from those pics? Is he a short/solid little guy? Or bigger than he appears? Either way, doesn’t matter. He’s darling and perfect, and I am SO excited to follow along on his journey!
I need a nap! He’s about 45 pounds, a little underweight for now. They think he’ll grow wider more than taller. He’s solid. I know this because he puts his whole body into me every moment he can! If you handed me the leash of an old dog, I would know exactly what that dog needed. Doug is a mystery! He’s teaching me every minute of every day!
Doug is beautiful and even though puppies are hard work, the joy and the delight that results from their puppy antics is well and truly worth it. Congratulations on finding Doug and your joy 🙂 I’m sure Melvin and Jake will be having a great time, making bets on what Doug will get up to next and they’ll be happy that the person who loved them is happy again.
I have visions of Melvin and most definitely Jake laughing hysterically watching me and Doug!
Hey Doug! You’ve clearly made yourself at home (too cute), as you should! I can hardly wait to read about all your shenanigans (aaah….puppies!).
Ahhhhh, puppies! Exactly!
“I saw Melvin in this dog. I saw Jake in this dog. This dog was their love child.” I snorted when I read this–it’s like you photo-shopped Melvin and Jake into one goofy pooch! Your boys certainly had their paws in the magic that brought Doug home. Welcome Doug, you have a sweet and mischievous look and I can’t wait to read about your adventures. Congratulations to you both! xoxo Rebecca, Sir Humphs & Princess Audrey P.S. So true, sometimes life doesn’t give us what we want but what we need. Thank you for that reminder 🙂
I think the only way I will get through the puppy moments is because Melvin and Jake show themselves in him and I know that he is meant to be mine! That and vodka.
Love! Love! Love! so happy for you…and him…a match made in heaven. He is definitely a Doug! Enjoy the puppy years — our dog Duke is 2 and still a puppy! keeps you young!
Hahahaha, you are not giving me hope that rest is coming anytime soon! Thanks for following along, Cathy!
Oh my gosh, that face. I cannot handle the cuteness! Our pup Marvin was supposedly 3-5 years when we adopted him. Then we took him to the vet and they said he was 2 years old, then A YEAR LATER we took him to the vet and they said he was 2 years old. As in, we essentially adopted a puppy. And boy did we feel it! We’re still doing big, long, never-ending daily walks 🙂 But they’re so worth it. Enjoy Doug!! I can’t wait to follow your updates.
Hahahaha, i’m glad there is an unofficial club of ‘your dog is younger than you thought’! Endless walks, yes!
OMG, that face! So awesome, he’s definitely a Melvin/Jake hybrid. 🙂 Congratulations! <3
Right there with you on the puppy factor – Relic is a 2 year old border collie – so much activity!
If you don't already have a tennis ball Chuck-it, we definitely recommend one. The Chuck -it orange zip flight disc is a favorite with the boys, we had one each.
meant to say, had to get one each.
Ordering it! Just got the Jolly ball and it’s already looks like we’ve had it for ten years! Young dogs are SO different than older dogs, except when they are ready for bed!
Just showed the Mr. your post, he was tearing up and said he really likes you & is so happy for you! Also said that Doug is handsome. <3
Now we're going out to play tennis ball & crazy frisbee – we use 2 or 3 & toss one as soon as Relic brings back the first one. 🙂
OMG!!!! I couldn’t be happier for YOU! I have the biggest smile on my face right now! I so relate to this ~ after the passing of my boys, when I was ready, I looked at hundreds of dogs online….then, I saw Judd!!! I knew the moment I saw his pic that Auggie and Murphie were responsible for sending him to me. He too is the perfect combination of my boys but all his own as well. Judd EXHAUSTED me in the beginning, he was puppy, health issues, etc…..EXACTLY WHAT I NEEDED!!! Truly so happy, You, Melvin and Jake found DOUG! XO
You are so sweet! Thank you! I love that our stories align, it makes my heart happy!
LOVE this story. My last in is an American bulldog and he, too, is afraid of lots of things, but has gotten so much better in 7 months. Best wishes.
I also met a dog named Doug in my neighborhood ….
Congratulations to you and Doug for finding each other. I am so happy for you both.
I forgot to tell you he is so adorable. His eyes are so beautiful and the ears love them.
You sure are going to have your hands full!! Hooray for doing training! I hope you find a good way to wear him out. 🙂
Yep, Melvin and Jake must be up there with great big grins watching you and the Doug in the get-acquainted dance. A pup! Oh my saints and stars! Have fun!!! Hope you both sleep the sleep of the well-tuckered-out at night, as each day is a new adventure!
Love Lives On, indeed!