Hello!

Hello!!!

My name is Dunkin. I’m a ten-year-old labradoodle who has a lot to say, so I figured I better start a blog.

My life started out in the Chicagoland area being trained as a service dog. Unfortunately, I didn’t grow up to be big enough for the job, so I got relocated to an eating disorder residential where I was a live- in therapy dog for years. Now, don’t get me wrong- I met a lot of great people through those years, but it was pretty hard on me. I would attach to residents, they would be discharged, and I would be crushed. I started doing some very non- therapy-dog things like barking at everyone in the house, peeing on luggage when people were discharging, and pooping on people’s beds. The people who ran the residential recognized I was struggling so set out to find me a new home.

At the same time this was happening, my (now) Mom had just said goodbye to her best friend beagle. From what I hear, Mom was a MESS. My friend, who was her boss and in charge of the residential I was living at, thought maybe I could help heal her heart and she could maybe give me the love and consistency I needed. So, Mom brought me home. Man, was I nervous at first! I didn’t know her! And my new brother , Cohen (Labradoodle), was super fun, but I was still really scared. I had a hard time ever settling down, I would pant from anxiety constantly. On my first walk with Mom, Dad, and my new brother, I stood paralyzed in fear after a few feet. Mom finally figured out what was wrong- there was a street light casting my shadow on the ground and that darn shadow was really scary!!!! So, now ya know. I struggle with anxiety. Fast forward five years (I came to live with Mom & Dad January 2013) and I’m happy as a clam! Well, maybe not a clam because clams are weird. Anyway… happy! That’s what I am. I follow my mom everywhere, run in the yard, sniff things, bark at random things, and have settled down into country life in rural Illinois.

Some days are still hard, but I get through them with all the love from my brother, human parents, and extended family. Oh, I guess I should also mention my mom is a licensed therapist. Sometimes she’s a little “much,” but I love her! I hope you enjoy reading my thoughts about life!

#labradoodle #dog #mentalhealth