Tom & Kellie Hargens 

Name: Doobie (M)

Breed: Brittany Spaniel 

Age: Birthday: 2/25/2023

How did you find your pet? We purchased Doobie from Cross Creek Brittanys in Floyd's Knob, IN. I searched the internet for reputable breeders and kept coming up with Cross Creek. The owner is a Veterinarian and breeding for 30+ years. She has AKC champion dogs. 

Why did you decide to get your pet? We lost our Aussie (Murray) a couple of years ago. He was 17 and was an amazing pet - so smart, kind, and loyal. We were just ready to have a dog again to keep us active. We must of had a lapse in sense - we were kneedeep in building our house and we've never had a puppy! I've always liked dogs that serve a purpose. Brittanys are known for bird hunting and are very kind pets. I plan on hunting with him in the future. 

Is there a story behind your pet's name? We started coming up with names on the drive down to pick him up. We had a list of 20 names or so. Once we met the breeder, she encouraged us not to use a name that sounded similar to other commands (sit, stay, etc), so no "S" names for sure. I remembered a name of a childhood friend's dog that I really liked...Doobie. As I recall, the story behind my friend's dog didn't come from the band Doobie Brothers:) 

Does your pet have any special talents? Yes! He will find slippers, socks, and any other forbidden interesting clothing items to chew. Doobie innately stalks and points at birds on our walks. It is fun to watch. We are planning on sending him away for two months to be trained for upland game bird hunting. I'm very excited to get him trained, but will be very sad to have him gone for a couple of months. 

Is there anything unusual or unique about your pet? I'm not sure if he is unique to the breed. He is currently like a 2 year old and you just have to keep a close watch. We have taught him to ring a bell with his nose, when he wants to go outside. It is so nice having your dog housebroken! 

What do you like best about owning your pet? He is a joy and keeps us very active. Since we brought him home, we have averaged walking about 6-8 miles a day. This helps Kellie & I with our training, since we participate in running half marathons throughout the year. 

Do you have any funny, heartwarming or memorable stories about your pet? I enjoyed watching him swim for the first time a couple of weeks ago. As I was cleaning my boat on the lift this fall, Doobie managed to fall off the dock and swim around, until I pulled him out. The look on his panicked face was precious. It was also funny to watch him bark when he saw his shadow for the first time.

How spoiled is your pet? We are not people compelled to have our dog on furniture, in bed, or anything "human-like". He knows his boundaries (most of the time). He enjoys having his space and being with us. 

How has having your pet enriched your lives? It is such a joy watching Doobie grow up. Kellie and I enjoy his unconditional love and playfulness. He is a pleasure to have and be around. We are lucky to have him. Doobie is very friendly and wanting to play with any other dog he meets. We love not worrying about him being confrontational with other dogs in the neighborhood.