HDA Trophy Arrives in Texas

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Well-I have some exciting news and some not so exciting news. The exciting news is that I am the newest member of the illustrious Hopeless Doodle Addict Trophy Club! That’s right, the trophy went across the ocean from Doris, Knox and Flash in Texas, to Nicky, Riley & Boris in Ireland, and then sailed back again to America, to arrive on my doorstep in Texas! The other unique thing is that all three of us just recently added a second Doodle to our homes and hearts.

It is tradition that each Doodle place a nose kiss on the trophy and mine were no exception to that! However, the really sad and bad news is that the trophy was broken in transit from Ireland to the USA.

I don’t know how to fix it since I don’t think any glue will hold the plastic, especially since the little tines that hold up the star are so thin and fragile. So I will leave it up to all of you as to what to do. I could go and buy a new one if that's what you want, or we can move to something new, whatever that may be. You all let me know. It surprises me the trophy has held up since 2009 being shipped across the country every which way and back again. The first recorded entry in the book is from Adina dated 2-25-2009. So, I am sorry, but it arrived in three pieces.

Nicky packed us some very nice gifts including some wonderful natural bar soap for Hattie and Theo made of Citronella and Tea Tree Oil. The box smelled good from the soap! Also included was a wool scarf and two bandannas for Hattie and Theo. As you can see they look stunning in them!

 

 

But best of all was the book that travels with the trophy. All the Hopeless Doodle Addicts have written such warm and wonderful things! It made me cry to read the entries because we are all so very blessed to have each other, even if it is at a distance. Those of you who are lucky enough to live close to other Doodle owners should count your blessings doubly! I would give anything to live near enough to one of you for support and physical friendship.

DK has been so very wonderful to me in so many ways it’s hard to put into words. It took me many years to come to the point of opening my heart to adopt Hattie after losing my 23 year-old West Point graduate son in a helicopter training accident, and then my 12 year old Chocolate Lab named Bird three months later. And even though I have had dogs my entire life, for some reason, adopting Hattie was different and it felt like I was having my first child! I was a nervous wreck with questions and concerns. And at the same time, when I stumbled upon DK like so many others before and after me, I had no idea about nutritious foods, training philosophies, what a Therapy Dog was, or even did, or LOL…Photography! I learned not use plastic bowls or to buy treats made in China, and how to dehydrate fruits and vegetables for healthy “cookies”; and to add green beans and fresh fruits and meats to the food bowl, all thanks to Karen. I learned about what Therapy dogs did and decided if nothing else I wanted her to at least be able to pass the test. And now she has gone on to become a wonderful Therapy Dog!

I learned about the sheer joy of finding and buying cute dog collars and fun toys (notice Hattie's new collar and bow-so cute!), which trumps shoes and purses any day of the week. I learned a new kind of love (over the internet of all places!) for all my DK friends who are like family to me, especially in times of a crisis. Hattie is hands down the nurse in the family and when one of my Doodles is sick F. is always there to lend sound and practical advice, because I am generally a basket case.

Hattie was the impetus for all of this and so much more. She was a handful to raise, and many of you will surely remember my exhaustion at her energy level and her nickname at training classes of “Hurricane Hattie.” But today she is the calmest and sweetest Texas Girl you’d ever want to meet. She charms everyone with her happy smile and big brown eyes. She is also the very best big sister I could have asked for with Theo.

Baby Bear Theo, is like no other dog I have ever met. He is so calm and smart it actually intimidates me to a degree, and I have talked to a few other DK’ers about this, although I know that sounds silly. He makes long, direct, and penetrating, eye contact with me constantly with those bright green eyes. 

He nibbles my ear to give kisses. He leaves me speechless with love. He is a Velcro dog, extremely sensitive and yet forward and bold; and I think he comes from a circus family with his ability to jump and weave and dodge! Theo will be starting his Therapy Dog training this week and I expect great things from him.

A little over two years ago on a plane ride to pick up my new baby girl I would never have imagined where DK and my Heart Dogs would lead me. One of those places for sure is my love of photography. I just could not express in words my love for Hattie and I wanted everyone to see and feel that love! Today, I have invested in photography equipment to take me through my eventual retirement. It is a passion I probably would not have discovered without Hattie and Theo, and of course the photography group and the wonderful lessons from Camilla. And who knew I would become the official photographer for our local rescue group?

So now I will pack a new box for the next Hopeless Doodle Addict Club member with a little extra Texas flair added.

Thank you DK-each and every one of you, for your ongoing support of me, each other, and most importantly the Love and Protection for Doodles in Need!  

 

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Wonderful that it finally arrived and sad that the trophy is caput ! I was also thinking that the scarf I sent you won't get much wear in that heat lol The photo's are terrific and the bandanas which were a rescue charity fundraiser look gorgeous. We are all so blessed to have found each other and I personally feel that Hattie & Theo are like cousins to my boys. We know and love them so well.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Congratulations, Sandy, and welcome to the club! You are a wonderful addition to this incredible club! Wonderful blog and I enjoyed all the photos! I am sorry about the trophy. My DH can fix almost anything and would be happy to see what he could do.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Great idea Laurie. It would be nice to have the original trophy continue it's travels. Maybe it could be enclosed in a clear box after it's repair. After all it is a priceless objet d'art.

[Adina P]

I like this idea!  It should definitely NOT be scrapped but in some creative way, be preserved because it is the meaning and travels that make it special rather than it's physical beauty.  It was not a fancy, expensive trophy so replacement would be easy, but I'd rather keep it because it has traveled so far and has had so many doodle nose prints on it.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sandy, Charlie or John can take a crack at it. It really makes no difference who you pick. I think your idea is good...send the trophy to one of them and they can send it on to the next recipient.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Don't you love how I volunteer John? LOL He can super glue just about anything, but Lynda Kamrath's husband is more than welcome to the job, too. Just let me know.

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Congratulations Sandy.  Loved you blog and pictures.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Congratulation Sandy and welcome to the HDA Club

[Sally S Miles]

Wow - what awesome news!  Never mind the broken trophy - sure beats a broken heart!  Glad that your heart is so full.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Congratulations Sandy!  Oh I LOVE that picture of your Doodles in their Irish bandannas!!!!!!!

[Becka]

What a beautiful message, Sandy. I LOVE the pictures of Hattie with her therapy buddies!

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a wonderful review of your DK journey you have written and we are all glad to have been part of it. Your photos are a tribute to how far you have come, dog and photography wise. Congratulations on your HDA status.