Laughing Dog Arts

Monday, February 20, 2012

Doggy Love

My dog Rocky has been with me for nearly 13 years now so far. We have been on a lot of walks together, shared plenty of hugs.


Charlie, Rocky, Sadie, Jan and Tonka 
Shared lots of muffins too. I have had about 20 dogs in my life, most of them here at this home where I have lived for 35 years.  Had a number of cats too and they always have had their own door to the outside.
I have opened this door maybe, oh lets see, 10 times a day to let dogs in or out. That is a very low guesstimate I'd say. 10 times a day for 365 days a year for 35 years. That is a lot of opening and closing and letting out and in, wouldn't you say? Well, we finally decided to put in a dog door. I guessed that Rocky would have a hard time adjusting after nearly 13 years of having the door opened for him. But I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

Rocky was the first of my 3 dogs to learn it. I thought it would be Tonka, the Border Collie. They are supposed to be known for being so smart. Tonka is rather dingy though, and can't seem to remember from day to day that he can let himself in and out now. Sadie is kinda arthritic so I still open the door for her a lot although she can get through the new door if she wants to. Not so much getting up in the middle of the night to open doors any more.

Sleep well.
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28 comments:

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Convenience for us or for them, that's the question. I have just one dog left. He drives me nuts sometimes. I think he wants out, but no, he takes me through the house to the back hall and sits down in front of the dryer. Why? Because I keep his Tasty Treats and Cookies there.
He's just plain spoiled...and I love it.
xx, Carol

Janet Ghio said...

I love your photos! the one of Rocky peeking through the doggy door is just adorable!

Anonymous said...

Nothing like fur-babies to love us!!
Love your pics!!
Marilyn

Nancy said...

Good job, Rocky! You'll have lots more time on your hands now.

artymess said...

Aw love that top pic of you and Rocky ...clever boy ......xx

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

The subject of doggy door in our house has always been a joke. But we were discussing such just last night. Most every "dog" we have had during our married life have been Saint Bernards and a doggy door for them is well.....the door. We tried one of those screen sheet doors for them for just a short time but the last pair of saints (Murphy and Willow)we had would play tug of war with it so uh....no.

These small dogs we have now could very easily go through and make use of a doggie door....hmmmmm maybe.

But then I would loose a source of exercise from the up and down every 20 minutes. tee hee

nacherluver said...

What a very special friend you have.

yoborobo said...

I love that picture of you getting a kiss from Rocky. :) I think if we had a doggy door here, my dogs would ignore it and the raccoons and the foxes would use it to come shopping inside. Just a guess. ;)) xox

Anonymous said...

LOL with this post. Who wouldn't want to kiss Rocky - awww. Door opening and closing, um at least 25 times a day here for 15 years, we go in and out a lot, I mean a lot. It's pretty staggering when you think about it, but it's also exercise.....xox Corrine

Lisa Graham said...

Just yesterday we were looking at new doors for our back door and my husband was saying we need an opening for our golden retriever and cats. Problem is the storm door. Such a handy thing to have though.

Your dogs look extra-special and so lovable! I also enjoyed looking at all your colorful journal pages in the last post. See you again soon!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

I love this post!!!
And I especially love the last photo~~what a crew you have there Jan. You're never without love! ♥

XXOO~~
Anne

Robbie said...

Those doors are great aren't they!!! So cool you're one of the mom's that have them for your 'little' ones!!!

Mary Helen-Art Saves Lives said...

This is true love...we cannot use these doors...the outdoors can them come in the cabin :0)!!! Peace, Mary Helen Fernandez Stewart

Maggi said...

That's a great photo of you with Rocky and I love the one of him peeking through the door. I have a ct flap and it has saved my sanity on many occasions as they seem determined to always want to be on the other side of the door if you don't have a flap.

maddyrose said...

Loved seeing the canine kids again. Rocky looks like he'd be a joy to have around. I don't have a dog in my life at the moment but my last two were Saint Bernards and like Linda said, the door for them is the door. My sister Marlene has one for her dog and got up one morning and found the neighbor's wolf in her kitchen.

Judy Ziegler said...

Love your blog, love your dogs and Love how much you love them.

audrey said...

Great photos, Jan. Rocky looks like a hugger and I can see how much you love all of them. I hope I will be fortunate to have Jake around for that many years ~ loving him more and more each day. I can see how the lock on my front door is going to wear out quickly from all the trips in and out. lol. I hope the "doggie" door works out well for you.
♥ audrey

sjmcdowell said...

Jan,

You have some very special dogs there! They all look very happy and love you so much!!

Mmmm muffins huh? Now you have me craving a muffin at almost 1:00AM in the morning!! Ahh well I think I have a muffin mix somewhere, so in the morning...well later this morning I will make some, and it will be all your fault!! Haha...maybe I will take a picture of them and post them later on!! Lol :)

Thanks for stopping by before and commenting on the new chalk paint post!!
I am have a great time with it!!

Love and Hugs,

Susan

april said...

Love them all...and oh, Rocky! They're so smart.

p.s. i need to know how you made those little books!

Anja said...

Dog are men best friends of course also women best friend. It was long since looking at your blog, I love the first foto of today you with your dog Rocky, I love the prayerpieces you got from other friends I love the many artistic "movements" in the recent posts I love how it looks like in wintertime at your place and I love to have you as friend!
alles Liebe big hug
Anja

Mary Fox of Fox On The Run said...

Such cute pics of you and your buddies. I think that's neat Rocky picked it right up to use the door after all these years. Give him an extra cookie today :>)) Enjoy your evening dear friend.

sjmcdowell said...

Hi Jan,

Thanks for your comment earlier. I am glad I am not alone in my feelings of being overwhelmed.
Nothing to forgive..I don't comment as much either and there is nothing wrong with that!!
There are better things in life, Like making bread!!

Hugs,

Susan

Linda Vincent said...

What a lovely photo of you and Rocky! Looks like you have a great bunch of friends there :-)
I couldn't manage without the cat flap in our back door; Peachy goes in and out dozens of times a day...I'd never have any peace without it!
XX

DVArtist said...

This is a beautiful post. Tugs at the heart.
Nicole/Beadwright

Laura said...

so great to see you four legged loves..and how nice that they can go out the door like that...I need to do that..do they have then for the tall boys..

Tanya said...

Love the picture of you surrounded by all your animal family! Lucky dogs to even have a place to go OUT to! If I opened a door for my dog... that would be the last I'd see of the dog!

Laura said...

How you doing? hope all is well
~v~

Flowermouse Design ❀ Lone said...

A clever idea!! Love the photos - you look happy!! My cat is more interested in getting me to open the door, only to point out that he is not going out. Just wanted some company - and underline that he is still king of the home... I love him to pieces.