The Power of Puppy Love! And I'm not talking about the transitory affection of an adolescent!

The Power of Puppy Love!! Roma (aka Scooby-Doodle)!!

I haven't posted in a couple months because mostly I've been away - South Dakota camping excursion and sisterly/great niece birthday love in Maine - but also because my little mournful handheld machine has been busy 24/7 reminding me that the world as we know it has been desecrated and plundered by the swamp. Taking doom-scrolling to a whole new level!

That first paragraph of happy, sad and mad - contain 3 future blogs!

This blog is about hope, rejuvenation and puppy love. Her name is Roma - aka Scooby-Doodle! The power of puppy love is incomparable!

I've written a couple blogs about our pets - past and present. We have no kids and our furballs are essential to our home, harmony and sanity. They imbue our family unit with lots of love and humor and licks. In my opinion, irritating whining is no worse than dicksplaining. Something most of us have to endure daily while surreptitiously retraining them to eliminate these bad habits. FYI dogs are easier to train than men. Homeschooling is haaarrd!

Ed and I have been talking about getting Tatertot a partner since Milo (it still hurts) passed, not long after we got puppy Tater. Covid was in full swing and we decided to wait until Tater was a year old and (hopefully) calmer and more mature. A debate surfaced on whether to get a puppy from a Border Collie (BC) breeder versus rescuing an orphaned puppy. I was adamant that we rescue versus paying ridiculous amounts of money for a puppy. There are thousands of dogs in need of a home. I often think that breeders are part of this horrible problem. The conversation lasted about 3.5 years as Tater got older, lonlier and in need of a mate. Tate is now almost 5 and we needed to make a decision soon. Ed was still leaning towards getting a purebred BC. I wanted us to persue a rescue dog that connects with all of us and saves a life. We compromised and reached out to the Maryland Border Collie Rescue - but quickly realized they made it difficult to adopt. I understand their reasons for in-depth consideration on who is selected as parents - but they could have been a bit nicer about it. Not the best experience. I applaud their organization - but their obvious distrust of humans made us feel like they thought we were part of a Dog-fighting-Ring Cartel!

First night in her new home! They are a perfect match!

The picture that inspired Scooby-Doodle! And when I fell in love!

Just as we were feeling hopeless, I got a group text (my ladies group) from my neighbor-friend Laura. She texted that her friend, Gina, had to find a home for her Australian Cattle/Border Collie dog (called a Border Heeler) - named Roma! Female, 11 months-old, potty trained, sweet disposition, crate trained, cuddly, energetic, smart, leash trained, etc. As I stared at the text and Roma's sweet funny face - with my heart thumping with potential joy - I debated telling Ed. I didn't want to be shot down. But I wanted to be Roma's new mommy! What are the odds that I would get this text and with built-in references from a woman I trust. It felt like kismet! We were watching TV and I waited for a break and casually mentioned Laura's text. As I held my breath - Ed read it and said, "Tell Laura to give us her info and we'll contact Gina." I speed texted Laura before Ed changed his mind or any other neighbor-friend could react - that we were definitely interested. They all knew we were looking for a new puppy and I'm so glad we got first dibs. We immediately reached out to Gina. I was leaving for a week in Maine and let Ed take the lead on this fortuitous adventure. Things moved along quickly and while I was in Maine celebrating my sisters and great nieces birthdays - Ed set up a meet and greet with the pups. Luckily Gina only lived an hour away and they frolicked on an empty soccer field in the woods at her kids high school (the dogs did - not Gina and Ed - I think??). Tate has not been socialized with many other dogs for a variety of reasons. Covid and his over-protective nature of what he considers his territory. Actually, I'm also part of that scented territory. But he does much better when he's not on our street or in our yard (or with me). They got along pretty well. We were both hopeful.

Great picture of personalities! Happy and Goofy! I needed to wash the scuba suit so I put Tater in one of my tees! He's so handsome!

I was very excited and shared pix with the Fam! The night I returned we met up with Gina and Roma at the same soccer field for round 2. Tate has a hard time letting loose (OCD) and kept running, stopping to check where we were, running, running up to us to sniff, running - you catch my drift. Roma ran circles around him without a care in the world. Puppy energy is like a drug - uninhibited joy! We were even more hopeful!

Roma loves sticks!

The next (and last) meet & greet was at our house - to test how Tate reacted to Roma invading his territory. We all went in the backyard and watched the dogs get their zoomies on!! She's faster than Tate - which was shocking because he's incredibly fast. She even flipped him on a reverse turn - that surprised the sh*t out of him. Once he recovered, he looked at us in crushed ego shock! I said, "He actually looks embarrassed." Male dogs (and men) need a little humbling every now and then. I was impressed with Roma! Tate was fine and they continued to play until we all went inside to see how they handled the living space. Once again, all went great. Roma was curious and Tate was on her heels making sure she didn't mess anything up (he's a good OCD boy!). The only missing piece was introducing Rey, our 9-year-old cat, to Roma. Tater and Rey have reached a detente. Rey is in charge and Tate is not. They abide each other's existence - but Rey rules. End of topic!

Just like the movie - "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" - it's a showdown! Rey won! (no contact - but her death-stare makes everyone blink first)

The adults all agreed that this was going to work and a good fit. Gina was sad, but knew it was the best decision for her family. We set up the drop off and started prepping for a new member of our furry family and household.

A puppy-lini tradition - picture of the dogs at the door!

Things never go quite as planned. The day before the puppy exchange - Ed stuck his finger in a bite wound on Tate's shoulder. It was a clean wound because he couldn't reach it via his tongue (which means he couldn't infect it). Tate has thick fur, he never complained and it's not an area I normally scratch. We rushed him to the vet and left him for surgery. Ed remembered a brief fight between Roma and Tate that got a little out of hand and was broken up. They did a cursory check for wounds and never found it. Tate had no other dog contact between their visits - so Roma won that skirmish. We lost on the expense recovery.

Posing to show off his new blue scuba outfit! Strategic holes to do his business!

We had to put off getting Roma for a couple days for him to acclimate from the surgery. Clad in his new "bright blue scuba suit" - he bounced back quickly because he looked so dapper! Genius invention! The alternative would have been the antiquated and dangerous to furniture and shins "Cone of Shame!!!" Everyone thought it was a new fall outfit! Win..Win!

Tater refused to participate. Too many distractions for a family selfie!

Roma was delivered on Sunday 10/19/25. Luckily we got some of her personal effects to help her transition. Very helpful. We all visited and said our hellos and goodbyes. I felt so sad for Gina and her partner. But we all knew if felt right. Tater and Roma began their future together as siblings/friends/companions. The only noticable hesitation in Roma was her first nightly meal. She eventually ate most of her bowl - but otherwise was cooperative and affectionate.

Roma's first night in her bedtime crate. She loves to cuddle her LamaLama for nighty-night!

We have had her for exactly one week. Below is a quick recap of her new life and things we've learned:

1. She prefers a big dog bowl like Taters. Standard Woof Bowl! Her puppy bowl - constructed to slow down her enthusiastic appetite (like a puzzle) was no longer needed. She put on her big-girl panties and graduated to a wide mouthed bowl.

2. It only took 2 days for both Tater and Roma to understand who eats in what room. For obvious reasons - we separate our dogs during meals. We have a dutch door - so they can hear but not see each other. But they switch places and lick each other's bowl afterward at the same time - like they've been together forever. The ritual is firmly set.

3. Day 1 walking two dogs together - was initially chaotic - but has since balanced out to the occassional tangling of leashes. Both pairs - dogs and parental units - have learned the dance of the dog walk tango!

4. We still need to work on throwing a ball, handing out chew toys and giving treats - in other words - work on what sharing means! Unlike Tater, she LOVES sticks and we have plenty!

5. Training is going both good and bad. Roma is stubborn - not stupid. She sits and lays down and comes for treats - but not outside when we are walking her. Work in progress!

6. Ed had a job on day 2 and I needed to venture out for groceries and pet food. I crated Roma with a treat and put a dog bed down for Tater next to the crate - while cordoning them off from running amok while I was gone. I was pleased to see them content and happy to see me upon returning.

7. Day 2 was another banner day when our neighbors dog, Samson, was introduced to Roma (thru the fence). It was love at first sight! There was a visible change in his puppy face and stance. He never reacted like this for Tater. He was engaged and ran back and forth matching Roma's enthusiasm. Tater was confused and a tad insulted - but enjoyed the run! Nicky said that Samson now waits at their kitchen door to be let out when he hears Roma bark. She's shocked at his newfound energy and adoratioin!

8. We went for a nice long hike at Gunpowder Falls and the dogs loved it! Tater was chomping at the bit to go in the water - but his stitches prevented that. He assumed since he was wearing a blue scuba suit - it was the natural intent. Apparently Roma has shown no interest (thus far) in frolicking in the water - but her inquisitive nature was game if Tate was! Next time!

9. Nightly TV time is cute. Tate has always laid at my feet (preferably on my feet). Now Roma is vying for that coveted spot. So far - she wins!

10. Both dogs are cuddly - but we set a rule with Tater - no dogs on the couch. Primarily because Rey gets parental time in the evening. She loves laying on me or between Ed and I. Roma was allowed to couch hop in Gina's home - so that's been confusing for her. But she does the half body in my lap as a concession. Once she's done with cuddly time - Tater gets a turn. Tater is a tad jealous, but very patient.

11. Both dogs lay at my feet while I write this blog. My world just got better!

12. Roma's obsession with Rey has not dwindled. She searches for this curiosity of nature when in the house. Once she discovers which room Rey is in - it becomes a stare-down. Roma doesn't exhibit animosity or the desire to rip her apart limb-to-limb - just the opposite. I believe she considers Rey a potential stuffed animated toy for her cuddling needs. She has quickly learned to keep some distance. Rey will give her the death-Rey stare until she encroaches into her self-imposed personal space - and then the eerie cat-erwauling begins. This doesn't deter Roma from remaining firmly in place - until Rey lunges with her cobraesque teeth and tiger-claw paws extended. So far, no contact has been made. Like I said, Roma isn't stupid. She's a curious and playful puppy who just desires that chubby grumpy chewy toy!

13. Of course, I'm back to double pooper scooping duty - but I'm not complaining!

14. Roma (and Tater) are very forgiving of my constant baby-talk when I'm around them. Even I'm embarrassed by me!

    
    

First hiking trip with the pups! Fun times!

I almost took a face-plant seconds before Ed took this pix! Bright shiny objects!!

Aren't we cute!!!

SQUIRRLE!!!!!

At 67 (Ed is 62) we also need to consider how aging ties into the conversation of welcoming new furballs into our lives. Cats tend to live to a riper old age. Our last cat, Bastet, lived to almost 22. Rey is now 9. Our last Border Collie, Milo (who is still mourned), lived to 16. So, if every furry loved one lives to a similar old age - I'll be 82 (if Roma - being the youngest - lives to 16). Eeeeeeek! That's hard pill to swallow. I'm going to update my last will and testament!!

Another consideration at 67 - is being Happy-tacked by an incredibly muscular and enthusiastic puppy every time I enter a room! I don't want to break a hip (or other body parts) while entertaining or greeting our pups! Tater has already taken me down twice - face-plant - in front of neighbors! My bones and ego can't handle it!!

The showdown continues at the O.K. corral homestead!

The power of puppy love makes all the boogey men less scary. In these insanely horrendous times - we need the love of our furry family to remind us that there is good in this world. Their unconditional love is magical elixir to the soul.

Halloween is coming up soon! Doorbell ringing and costumed little people will be a challenge. Both dogs consider the door to be the portal that prevents the "monsters" from breaking in. Adorable ghosts and princesses beware!!

By the way - if her name could have been changed easily - I wanted to call her Scooby Doodle! But 11 months of Roma would be too confusing for her. I'll just have to get inventive with her name to satisfy my funny name quirk.

Roma Tomato

Roma-loma-ding-dong

Roma-nesquey

Roma-noodle

Roma-ni

Roma-licious

etc.

Or just throw in Scooby-Doodle every now and then as her moniker!

Your daily dose of sweetness!

If anyone would like to share their foible(s) or furball stories or aging mishaps - we could commiserate on our peculiarities , pet humor and frustrations - with an open forum of like-minded challenged adults. No shameing on this blog!!

If you want even more info on life, menopause, aging and other fun observations – not only check out my book but I have 43 more blogs that go into all sorts of funny and informative crap about being a woman of many years, experiences and observations . My doctor appointment and middle child blogs are a hoot!! It’s better to educate with honesty, horror, humility and humor than remain silent. 

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