Last night we celebrated the first birthday of Michelangelo Booboo Vogel (aka “Mickey”). My regular readers know that he is my COVID puppy, a mini goldendoodle, ours since he was eight weeks old. He is loving, bright, active, and joyful. I have credited him with saving my sanity during the pandemic when he brought love and purpose into my life.
Dog owners know that the first 18 months of puppyhood can be challenging. Between the teething, the frequent bathroom walks, training, and the general need for activity and attention, puppies consume a lot of patience and energy. Mickey was no exception. What makes it all doable is that the puppy is so very cute. Those little balls of fur with a big belly just melt your heart. It is always love at first sight. However, to form a successful human−dog relationship, life after cuteness needs to be defined and built.
Mickey and I were lucky. He was willing to try us out and I certainly wanted him to be happy. So we worked out the pee runs in the middle of the night, the early-morning face lickings, the chewed shoes, and his picky eating. I look back and laugh as we have moved beyond all of those things except for the early-morning wake-up calls. What I have gotten in return is unconditional love and friendship. He cries when I leave, he is waiting at the door with kisses when I return, and when we have a tiff he can’t wait to make up.
Mickey has opened my world to many new experiences. I have met all the local dogs and their owners. During the pandemic, we have congregated outside and provided the caring that we all need to face another day working at home while the kids are on the computer for school. Mickey has also reminded me that people and dogs are made for each other. He is cuddly, protective, and a great walking companion. We walk about seven miles a day together and watch flowers grow, birds fly, and ducks swim. Together we love our beautiful Parkland neighborhood.
I have become a proud mom all over again, showing his picture, introducing him to all my friends and neighbors, and believing he is simply the best dog in the world. In return, I give up the freedom to do what I want, when I want, and instead, I compromise on timing that is better for him. Mickey is a good listener and enjoys talking back, as anyone who knows him will affirm. He has trained me to cook for him and lets me know when he is unhappy with the menu. He swims, and he smiles every time I ask if he wants to go into the pool. He puts up with my need to have him groomed and to comb him daily. He has learned to be patient when I am on the phone or computer. In other words, we accommodate each other mostly with good humor
As Mickey turns one, he looks like a fully grown dog. I am not sure where the time went. He is everything I could hope for in a companion and worth the time, effort, and angst that goes along with any relationship. I have been blessed, and I hope if you have ever contemplated adopting a dog that you do so knowing that the time and effort spent are rewarded many, many times over.
Happy, happy birthday, Mickey. The presents you give me daily far exceed anything I could ever imagine.