“Thank You!” to a very special DK member

[Adina P]

There is a very special Hopeless Doodle Addict that deserves recognition for her significant contribution of time, effort, and love of dogs to Doodle Kisses.  She leads a popular interest group on DK and always does her best to help knowledge-seeking members navigate the confusing information on the web in order to feed their doodles appropriately.  If she doesn’t know the answer, she digs and digs until she finds it.  She doesn’t give recommendations without ensuring that her advice has strong supporting evidence from reputable sources. She does all of this is because she has a huge heart for dogs and a mind for science and wants to be sure that DK doodles get the best care and feeding.  :-)

Karen (Karen & Jackdoodle) has been a fearless leader of The Food Group and a thought leader throughout the Doodle Kisses community.  For this reason, we present Karen with official recognition.  Today, Karen, your postal worker will be dropping off a token of our appreciation.  I will post photos of it below once I know Karen has received it.

A few people who I let in on this surprise ahead of time had some praise of their own to add:

From Allyson (Allyson Peri & Taquito):

“Karen has given countless hours of her time to educate members of DK, especially those members of the Food Group, on the dos and donts of feeding our doodles (and non-doodle dogs!). Whenever a member has a question about a specific food that might not be on the Recommended List, Karen takes the time (on a volunteer basis I should add) to research that food to determine whether it is of high enough quality for our wonderful doodles.  Sometimes this involves reaching out to manufacturers to determine ingredient sources and more.

On a more personal note, when Taquito was diagnosed with kidney disease 4 years ago, Karen spent so much time researching alternative commercial kibbles that had comparable, but much better ingredients, than the Rx food recommended by the vet.  I cannot explain how much her guidance helped me navigate through a very difficult time.  I can assure you there are countless other members who would chime in and say the exact same thing about her.  Whenever someone posts a question about their doodles digestive problems, concerns, etc...Karen is there!”

From Laurie (Laurie, Fudge & Vern):

“When I first joined DK, I wrote that my dog, Fudge, was eating a terrific food called Life's Abundance. I may have also mentioned that I knew of another great food called Science Diet. Well, the next thing I knew I had my ass handed to me on a platter by none other than our Karen. WTD! Here, I was sure I was an expert on any topic and I quickly found out I don't know nothing about birthing no babies or feeding dogs either.  I think a plate is perfect for Karen and represents all of us who she has counseled in her no nonsense way, educated about truly good dog food, and handed our sometimes smug posteriors to us on a less cool plate. I think it should be engraved, "This represents all the butts everywhere you have helped!" I really would trust Karen with anything in regards to my dogs and that is saying a lot, because I love those two dogs like nobody's business. Thank you, Karen! Fudge and Vern have benefited in so many ways from all of your knowledge!!”

From Jane (Jane, Guinness & Murphy)

“When my older Doodle, Guinness, was first diagnosed with IBS my Vet suggested that I begin to feed him RX food.  Because of Karen’s research and all of the great information in the food group, I knew that this would not be the best thing for Guinness.  So with Karen’s guidance I began  to do some research on home cooked diets.  I consulted with a nutritional veterinary specialist and was able to develop a recipe that was balanced and would help to control what had become daily episodes of diarrhea.   Later when my second Doodle received the same diagnosis, I knew exactly what I had to do.  I really think that if it were not for Karen and the [DK Food Group], my guys would be eating that RX food which is clearly not the wholesome diet that they deserve.”

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Karen, thank you for all you have done and continue to do for doodles and doodle owners!

[Dee & Chloe]

Congratulations Karen! I can't think of anyone more dedicated to the health and well being of all of our  doodles. You are a wealth of information and you are always right on top of anyone's problems. You helped me make the switch from New Balance for Chloe and educated me about what ingredients were important  for her. Thank you so much. You deserve all the honors, prizes and more!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Dee!

[Kyoko]

Yes, Karen was very resourceful and informational when I was looking for my doodle.... Charlie is now 5 years old today.

Thank you so much for everything for past 5 plus years.... I have learned so much from you.....

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Kyoko!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Karen, You are amazing and your love for dogs shines through in everything you do :) Keep on keeping on. We need you here on DK :) You deserve this honor!! Maybe the big hand can hold your award in a place of honor :)

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Laurie. I'll have to see how The Hand looks on my dresser, lol!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Congratulations Karen for a well deserved honor. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Anne!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Aw thanks, Sandy! Those doodlebears look gorgeous!

[Pat and Traveler]

Such adorable Doodle Bears!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Congratulation, Karen! I truly can't think of anyone else more deserving the honors. You are so knowledgeable and I know that we can always rely on your advice. I was a first time dog owner with Monty and I cannot even tell you how much you helped me with all food and poop related questions. I know you must be tired of answering the same questions all the time, but believe me, your advice is priceless to so many people out here. Thanks to you I realized I'm the main cause of having a picky eater. Glad to report now that both of the boys are on the same food, and even better, Monty is enjoying is Acana without any fancy toppings other than green beans in the evening...no more shredded cheese, braunschweiger, or tuna... He's not being fussy over his food anymore and while he cleans his bowl every day, he lost almost 5 lbs in the last year.

Thanks again for all your help!!! Hugs to you and JD! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Jarka! Bet you never thought you would end up "featured" in The Food Group, lol!