Marley
Marley awaits her new forever home
Sherry carefully placed the soft dog carrier on the floor in front of her. Luckily, they were the first to board the plane. And they were the first to sit in First Class. Sherry gently lifted the 8 week - old puppy and held her tenderly. The stewards and other passengers smiled brightly as they stopped to say hello and pet baby Marley as they passed.
Sherry couldn’t believe it was really happening. After researching and waiting and talking and waiting, she was actually, finally bringing home her Mini-GoldenDoodle from Bella Doodles - home of the tuxedo doodles. There was careful planning. She had participated in Zoom calls - including a video tour of her house and yard so the breeders would be confident that Marley was going to a good home.
Will you be my Mom?
Then, during the interview process in 2019, the little puppy looked directly into the camera. Sherry was smitten. She knew immediately that this was her puppy. Her tiny being donned the classic tuxedo fur: tan with white paws, chest, and nose.
The special carrier was perfect for the little girl - she fit well with room to move. Their first night together, they stayed in a hotel where, much to Sherry’s delight, Marley remained quiet in her small kennel. (Of course it was on the bed with Sherry.) Between short food and potty breaks, Sherry would gently place her hand inside the carrier so Marley would know that Mom was there and she was safe.
Marley would soon doze off in sweet slumber.
Beautiful Marley with tuxedo markings
After a careful and successful transfer to her forever Mom, Marley could really enjoy being a fabulous puppy. Home.
Yes, she was named after the book and movie Marley and Me. Lucky for Sherry, her Marley is a very good girl and avoids trouble. She has everything she needs: a large yard to frolic in, lots of good food, and more loves than she could imagine.
As she grew, Marley became enchanted with visits to Cambridge, MN where her social engagement expanded. Blame it on the golf carts which make it easy to explore on the paved trails throughout 140 acres of nature. Marley isn’t yet old enough to drive the cart, but she happily jumps in and rides shotgun next to Mom. Neighbors are likely to stop them to say hi. Of course they are.
Marley strikes a pose
Sherry took her foot off the pedal as they slowly approached Marley’s favorite human friend - Phyllis. She’s Marley’s designated Grandma and helps take care of her if needed. Phyllis stretched out her arms to Marley whose entire bottom was wriggling with joy.
“Hello my precious girl.” Phyllis gave Marley a hello kiss on her head. Marley volleyed back with a quick smooch of her own on Phyllis’s cheek. “Hi Sherry.”
“Okay, you two. Do I need to get you a room?” Sherry kidded as Phyllis slipped onto the cart’s seat, moving Marley on to her lap.
“I sure missed you,” cooed Phylis as Sherry slowly pulled forward. The day was set: sun, fun, and Grandma. From the first day they met, they have been great friends.
But Phyllis is a human. Human friends are fine.
But Liebe! Now there’s a true canine friend! A German Shepard! A beautiful German Shepard. Sherry knew from the beginning that Liebe and Marley were soulmates. It was clear from the first moment they sniffed and ran and played. It means that Marley is a very good girl on long car rides because in her heart and mind, she hopes they will end up in Cambridge.
Sure. Throw the ball again. And again.
At home, Marley hangs with Mom a lot. She knows Marley’s secret language. For instance, Marley will sit quietly staring at Mom with her soulful eyes. She sits. She watches Mom. Then, a sudden, stifled “Whoo” stumbles out of her mouth. It’s not quite a bark. Not quite a whine. It’s her signal that she would like to please go outside for a bathroom break, if you don’t mind, Mom. Sherry smiles, rubs her ears and heads for the back door. Mar-Mar (as she is also known as) flies out the door, eager to live her best life. And relieve herself.
It’s hard work being so wonderful
At five years old, Marley enjoys great health care from her friends at Northbrook Animal Hospital, including Dr. Blum. She eats top notch dog food (Science Diet) and Mom will toss a blop of pumpkin on her kibble as a treat. The pumpkin also helps with his digestion. Keeping everything moving well makes Marley a happy girl. And Sherry a happy mom.
Sherry did try to teach her how to fetch. Several tennis balls were involved. Alas, Marley wasn’t interested. Sure, you can throw the ball and she will happily dash after it. Bring it back to you?
Naw. She’s good.
Marley thought it fine, however, if Sherry would come and get the ball - and throw it again - that would be great. Not so much up for the the “fetch” thing. Thanks anyway.
Hi Mom, I’m coming!!
However! When play involves a big ball, say a volleyball, for instance, she’s happy to get her jowls around it and proudly strut around with it busting out of her mouth. No more throwing and chasing needed. She’s got the ball. She’s good. See, Mom?
Inside the house, she has a plethora of toys from which to choose. A wiggly snake. A soft bunny. A pull toy. They are all fine toys, thought Marley. But the crinkle toy is her favorite. It’s soft on the outside but makes a fun cracking/crinkling sound when she bites it or falls on it. She will roll and toss her favorite toy to her hearts delight.
Marley loves ducky, too.
Suddenly she drops it and runs to the window. She barks a bit - it’s her job to protect, after all. Sherry has been challenged controlling her barking but has her trained a bit better with a barking collar. She’s better all the time.
At the off leash dog park, Marley gallops to find her friends. Sherry is happy to have her run off some of that lovin’ energy.
Back at home, she curls up in her large, round calming bed. There she can dream of playing with Liebe or perhaps on a walk with Grandma Phyllis.
Marley rejoices in the snow
As a breed, this beautiful Mini Golden Doodle is very attached to her human. Marley needs and loves her mom. Frankly, Mom kinda needs her fur baby Marley. Who is luckier?
As the night marches on, Sherry crawls into her own bed. Marley, in one smooth leap, lands in her own favorite place, aka: “their” bed. She turns twice and curls on the soft blanket. Sherry reaches over and gives her fluffy head a quick rub.
“Thank you for being such a wonderful girl. I love you.”
The next morning, Marley quietly crawls over to Sherry’s pillow. She gently paws at her mom. Sherry opens her eyes to the brightest, most loving face she could ever imagine.
“Good morning Mar Mar. Let’s go have another great day.”
A happy girl in a happy home. Her forever home.
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