So, even though both Skip and I love dogs and have spoken for years about the time that we would have our own dog, it was largely philosophical, and wistful conversation. Then, about two years ago, we made friends with Chase Ward, the handsome, winning Golden Doodle who moved in two doors down from us in Oxford.  We have had the privilege of having Chase stay with us on several occasions when his family was out of town. Knowing Chase encouraged us to add a dog to our family. Everyone always says that Chase is a very special dog – even-tempered, smart, friendly, good-natured, obedient. We were inspired to have a Chase of our own.

So you can imagine how interested we have been to introduce Pete to Chase.  The rest of the Ward family, Laura, Richard, Colin and Lilly have also been anticipating Pete’s arrival.  Here are some photos of the two precious guys meeting for the first time.

Pete is infatuated with Chase – as the younger looks up to the more mature. Chase is perfectly wonderful – patient, kind, and brotherly. Already, Chase is teaching Pete some guy things. It is so fun to see them together outside – especially when Chase demonstrates his figure eight runs, while Pete watches in amazement.

Chase is still a little curious about this little guy that now lives in the house that he loved to visit (and I dare say, considered “his” on a certain level). Now there are puppy toys, and puppy smells. And, he is no longer “our exclusive” canine friend. It’s an adjustment. I am seeing that Chase is gracious and I’m taking a lesson from him. Things change and being gracious is such a wonderful gift. Chase is an amazing dog!

We have the privilege of knowing that Pete’s sire, Ripley lives nearby. So, we were thrilled to schedule with Ripley’s owner, Judy Gordon, to introduce father and son.  It was so great for us to see the handsome adult version of Pete – even though they have different coat colors, they share the same eyes!

You may see Ripley’s sister of different parents in the background; Mia is a fine labradoodle also.

As for Pete and Ripley, I didn’t get any sense that they realize they are related. They were definitely interested in each other and exchanged a few barks and nips – as guys will do. Hopefully, they will become friends as Pete grows and matures.

Already, I’m benefitting from meeting a wonderful woman that I may never have met without our blood connection through our labradoodles. Play dates and a growing circle of friends are in our future.

Already, I have had some wonderful connections with others sparked by anticipation of Pete’s arrival. I interviewed friends and acquaintances about how they have trained and socialized their dogs.

Two weeks ago when visiting cousins Jessie and Julia in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on Sunday morning, Julia generously taught me how to walk a dog. The lessons were all mine to learn:

• Be the leader in your mind before you step out on the walk
• Don’t look down at the dog, walk with confidence on your path with your gaze ahead
• Calm your mind and all the muscles from your head to your fingers
• Think ahead and anticipate what you need to do to maintain your walk

Julia first demonstrated with Buster and Maisie, then handed one leash at a time to me so I could “experience” how to walk two different types of dogs. She walked Buster behind me and called out coaching so I could adjust as I walked with Maisie (front and center). Through supervised training, I reached the kinetic/mental ah-ha of walking my walk. Sounds simple and intuitive AND I have to say that it was a big revelation to me. I realized that I never walk my own walk unless I am walking alone. I always adjust. I can think back to my days in marching band when I learned the rhythm of moving to the pace of the music in perfect step with my colleagues. I was constantly listening and adjusting to external cues. How different it is to take off at a pace and a rhythm that feels great for me and expect that the dog will match my steps! I am so appreciative for this insight and encouragement. As I will be doing a lot of walking with Pete, I am looking forward to leading the walk, instead of following his lead. Julia says that Pete will look forward to my lead also.

Skip and I are beginning a new chapter of our lives together as we grow our family to include Pete Case, Labradoodle.  He joined us on Saturday, August 8 at nine weeks and nine pounds.

Here is our first photo together, taken by Michelle at Waltzing Matilda Labradoodles, the wonderful breeder who matched us with Pete.