Recuperating With A Capricious Cavoodle Puppy
Recuperating with a capricious Cavoodle puppy just doesn’t make sense!
Why?
Many of you will remember Millie, our beloved black, miniature Schnoodle (Schnauzer/Poodle cross)? Sadly, a dog owners worst nightmare came to pass. Despite being on tick prevention Millie succumbed to a tick and we lost her, aged three years. We were, and still are, devastated. Millie had travelled in Priscilla, or caravan, for months throughout Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Tasmania. She was always with us.
This tragedy happened the night before I was to have major surgery. Not ideal.
It was then, Jazz, our capricious, crazy, eight-week-old Cavoodle puppy entered our lives. Rick & I had not contemplated another dog, but our son and his two children had other ideas! With a great deal of researching, Ben was able to find a puppy and this little wriggling black and white ball of fluff was handed to Rick for his eightieth birthday gift. It was love at first sight.
I had envisaged a quiet and peaceful recovery post-surgery with a gentle companion for company. But Jazz was something else. With youthful exuberance, she would set about attacking me with her sharp little teeth, whilst barking with the joy of the conflict. I was soon to be inflicted with puncture marks up my arms, all in the name of a game! I spent my time holding a pillow against my chest to ward off the next attack. She loved the element of surprise. Her adorable little face and eyes allowed her the freedom to do as she wished. I could forgive her anything, well almost.
With the best of intentions, Rick booked in for Puppy Pre-School. Thankfully I was relieved of this duty as it was not part of my recovery plan. This will help with training this wild minx, we thought.
Rick arrived home from the first class.
‘How did she go?’ I asked anxiously.
‘She’s a disaster, it was so embarrassing,’ was his abrupt response.
The following four classes were no better. Jazz decided it was playtime, befriending another puppy and roaring around the room with a pig’s ear in her mouth ignoring everything and everyone. Rick was not happy. Needless to say, Jazz missed the graduation class, her frustrated owner gave up, declaring it was a very expensive play date.
Treats have always worked for us, training a dog, (and children), but not this time. Jazz didn’t like any of the many treats purchased, apart from a small bag of chicken pieces from the vet at a cost of $28. She was not going to ‘come’ ‘stay’ ‘sit’ for somethings not to her taste. Not only did she turn her nose up at the treats, but also the food presented to her.
We are country people. Fussy dogs (or people!) have not entered our radar. Let her go hungry was the solution.
My recovery has been interesting with the activities and entertainment provided by our little ‘Princess.’ I cannot say it has been restful. Jazz has won our hearts and gives us great joy. She is now a partly obedient but very loving girl. Rick dehydrated slivers of chicken breast for very acceptable treats and I find myself cooking a whole chicken with rice and vegetables which agree with this dog that believes she is human!
I have fully recovered despite the demands of this capricious Cavoodle. However, I have the last laugh as Jazz was speyed yesterday. She is sore and very cross as she gazes miserably at us with her huge and expressive eyes, through the cone around her head (to prevent her licking her wound). She is begging me to remove it. I’m tempted.
Losing Millie was heartbreaking. We can never replace her, but this little girl has come into our lives and gives us great joy. She will challenge us with her stubborn, headstrong personality, but life will never be dull.
Who would have thought that any recovery from surgery would be possible with a capricious Cavoodle puppy but we made it through.
Would I recommend it?
NO!!!
Jenny Old AUTHOR
‘Innocent Nurses Abroad’
‘Back of Beyond’
