Pawsome Pet of the Week - Harley the Groovy Goldendoodle

Ready for your weekly dose of Pawsome Pets? This week's Pawsome Pet of the Week is Harley the Goldendoodle. He's groovy, he's fluffy, he's handsome, and he's got charm. Harley is a 6 year old F1 Goldendoodle named after his mom's fave hobby - Harley Davidson Bennett (His full name). I had no idea what an F1 Goldendoodle was, so Harley filled me in.

"The F1 means I am a first generation Goldendoodle. I’m 50% purebred Golden Retriever and 50% purebred Poodle. While I have the hypoallergenic qualities, it’s important to note that most F1 Goldendoodles can still shed lightly."

Here's a little more about Harley's background, which I was happy to learn because I did not know this about him.

"I was born in Emmaus, PA. My story is similar to so many, but I was blessed with a happy ending. You see, I am a rescued yet purchased Puppy Mill survivor. At the time, Doodle Mom had no idea it was puppy mill - she just didn’t know. I was a very sick puppy and it took almost a year, with Doodle Doc’s help, to get me healthy again. If she hadn’t “bought me” I’m sure I’d have crossed over the Rainbow Bridge before I was three months old. I live in VA with my pet parents now. We’ve been together since I was 9 weeks old. The Puppy Mill I came from was shut down shortly after I left and the owner(s) were brought to trial, sentenced, fined and imprisoned for all that they did to my furrends."

And what makes Harley so special? What makes him a "Pawsome Pet"? Well, there are lots of things that are pawsome about Harley, but here is what he had to bark about.

"Well now, that all depends on who you’re asking! Most will say I am a “very intelligent family dog” full of charisma and character. I would agree with them but I’d like to add that I am also fun, playful, goofy at times, very easy to train, and extremely loyal. I personally love people, big or small, doesn’t matter. There are humans who call themselves “a people person” well I’m “a people doodle.” Love, love, love human companionship. I also have fun with other pets. I can’t say I’ve met an animal I didn’t like. I’m a pretty easy going “Dood”."

Speaking of making people smile, that's what makes Harley perfect as a therapy dog. Yep - Harley is a therapy dog that likes to bring smiles to the people in his community. It's one of his special abilities.

"I would like to think everything about me is special. But if I had to narrow it down - I would say making people smile. There is something about my face that makes people want to touch, pet and hug me. This is why I’m a therapy dog. People love to spend time with me and I’m so grateful Doodle Mom understands this and makes it happen. Even though my Grandma is gone (she’s with Leo now), I still visit her friends at the Assisted Facility where she used to live. I’ve made friends there and they look for me. Tail Waggin Tutors (a therapy dog reading program) is another job I enjoy, although for the safety and privacy of the children I don’t talk about it much on my blog. I’m currently searching for a facility to work with veteran’s and wounded warriors this year. Even service men and women need to feel some doodle love too."

I've made friends with Harley and his Doodle Mom over the course of the past year, and have learned so much about them during this interview. I wanted to know what Harley's favorite thing was about himself. Here was his reply -

"Right now it’s got to be my new project. I’ve started working with 1st graders from a local elementary school. I want to help motivate and encourage a love for reading in all children. I write short stories to foster a child’s love for reading while connecting them to technology at the same time. We use the schools curriculum and the teacher(s) incorporate my stories into their lesson plans at their discretion.  They log onto my website using the computer generated smart boards in the classroom. The program is called the “Doodlers”and can easily be found on my website. I have a few schools from other states joining us in the spring. Doodle Mom says I will get to meet the local classes before the end of the school year and take photos with them. Even parents of 1st & 2nd graders who read my blog can share the Doodler’s page with their children."

I'm going to have to check out Harley's Doodlers program for my own little girl after learning about this project. She's really starting to get into books, and she loves animals.

When Harley isn't so busy doing his therapy work or blogging with his Doodle Mom, he enjoys cuddling - "the tighter and closer the space - the better". He also enjoys going to Day Camp and even has his own lunch box.

Like many dogs, Harley has a taste for fine dining. And also like many dogs, he'd like to up the daily amount of food he eats...

"My favorite food changes like the seasons. I am currently salivating over hard boiled eggs and blueberries (not necessarily together). When I see either one of those in my breakfast bowl with my kibble, fresh chicken, and melted coconut oil, my tail wags like crazy. Any and all types of peanut butter or beef flavored treats are yummy to me. I don’t get to consume anywhere near the daily amount I believe I should - do you think you could talk to her about that?"

So, what's next for Harley the Groovy Goldendoodle? Rumor has it that he has plans to write and publish a children's book soon.

"I had a meeting not too long ago with Doodle Mom and shared my desire to write a book. It’s going to be a children’s book. She said she would help so that’s what we’re doing right now."

Special thanks to Harley for taking the time to be interviewed! Harley and his Doodle Mom blog at Groovy Goldendoodles - you should stop by and check it out. Harley is also a "very social doodle" and you can find him on social media.

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Google+

Stay tuned and keep your eyes open for a new Pawsome Pet of the Week next Friday!