Doogie

Doogie is a 2 year old Saint Bernard. His proud parents are Steve and Jill Altman. The Altman's had another much loved Saint Bernard that had to be put down. They realized that it left a big hole in their hearts and a big empty space in their home. So Jill and their son, Shawn, got on seperate computers and started looking for another Saint Bernard that needed a good home. They both spotted Doogie and it was love at first sight. Doogie's story has a sad beginning. Doogie was at the St. Elsewhere animal rescue in Toledo, Ohio where his previous owners had surrendered him because they no longer wanted him as he wasn't show quality.



Doogie's given name was Pilot because he had originally been flown from Washington to Ohio. Then sadly, the animal rescue named him Dufus because they said he didn't listen and was a slow learner. Doogie's luck was about to change though. The Altman's drove to Toledo on a Thursday night to pick him up. They changed his name from Dufus to a much better name, Doogie. So, Doogie may have had a sad start but he has a happy finish with his forever family that obviously has as big a heart as Doogie in size.

Doogie became a guest at day care and part of OUR family on August 6, 2006. He usually spends two or three days a week with us. Doogie has a special place in all our hearts, at this time he is our only Saint Bernard. We hope someday there will be a Ms. Doogie to join OUR family, wouldn't Doogie love that. What can you say about "The Doog" ... he's just a BIG loveable sweet guy. Doogie always makes a "big" entrance. We always try to walk him outside when he first comes on to the floor. Mostly WE go where Doogie wants to go. We love giving Doogie hugs. We hope he loves getting them as much as we love giving them.



For the most part, Doogie just mosey's around mingling with all his furry friends. You might find Doogie lounging in front of the fan or with his head in the water pan taking a BIG long drink. In the summer, Doogie loves to get in the pool. When Doogie is in the pool, it is HIS pool because there's not much room for anybody else. Sometimes for whatever reason, Doogie will get a little spurt of energy and take off running through the tunnel or up on the couch. Sometimes when Doogie starts walking towards you, if you say "Hey Doog", he gets all happy with what appears to be a smile on his face and starts galloping towards you and you're thinking I hope he's gonna stop. Which he always does and then you give him a BIG hug.

We always ask for funny habits, quirks, and stories about our furry friends. In Doogie's case, it has been reported that there is just too many to tell, so here are just a few about Doog. Doogie loves butter and white bread - NO whole wheat bread please! He does the "Doogie Dance" at the door when getting ready to head off to day care. His best friends are kittens at home and they sleep with him. Doogie's BIG demon is being left alone. HE HATES IT. He's good for about three hours then he finds things to get into and ways to entertain himself. If any food is left out - forget it! It's history. Last week it was two pounds of dog biscuits. Missing hot dog buns or a cake - talk to Doog!



Since this month we celebrate Thanksgiving and what we all have to be thankful for, we here at day care definitely feel blessed and thankful that we have OUR gentle giant Doogie. We love you friend. You have left your BIG paw prints on our hearts forever and that is why "The Doog" is our "dog of the month" for November.