The HDA is back in Walla Walla...what shall become of it?

[Adina P]

Since I've got the HDA medal in my possession, I thought this might be the best time to address its future.  (There will be a future, we just have to decide what that is)

For those new to Doodle Kisses, first, I want to share with you a little history about this prestigious title and award given only to the most dedicated Doodle Kisses members ;-)

It all started in the spring of 2009.  I thought it might be fun to award our most active participants and start a fun tradition so I had a trophy made with the title of "Hopeless Doodle Addict" to go along with our in site activity-based ranking system (see the leaderboard).  At the time I was the "top" HDA (recently usurped by 4 others!!!) and sent it to the person with the next highest participation points along with a couple of trinkets that said something about me along with a note in a small notebook. (Read the first post on this here.)

(Note the black beauty in this photo is not Boca, but the late great Thule.  She would be 11 by now)

The recipient was to take a photo with the trophy and their doodles, keep the gifts, and send on the trophy, notebook and gift to the next person in line...and so on ad infinitum.

We kept track of who got it next with our leaderboard, which worked well for a long time.  Along the way, the trophy broke, got repaired and broke again so we auctioned it off and replaced it with an HDA medal

This Thursday I was lucky enough to get the HDA medal and a box of goodies delivered to me at the Walla Walla Romp by Nancy on behalf of Maryann, Roo and Tigger (click on their name to see an example of what happens if you get the HDA medal!).  

In my goodie box were: a stuffed squeeky toy for Rosco and for Boca, a big box of poop bags, a collapsable water/food bowl for each, bandanas for each, two treat bags, and collar lights for each.  Thank you Maryann! 

So now we have to decide what we'll do next.  You may have heard we're changing website platforms in July.  With this change means we will no longer have the leaderboard and rankings will vanish.  While we can record who's who on the last day of the old platform, that won't do for the future.  So please have your input.  How shall we continue this tradition? 

One possibility is that we just make it go to whoever responds first (and wants it and hasn't had it yet) to each person's "I've got the HDA post."  And because sending big boxes is pricey, we can also consider limiting the size so nobody feels that they either have to one-up the last box of goodies or bow out.  It's all up for discussion.  Comment away!

 

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[Amy and Annabelle]

If it was turned into a popularity contest, like getting the most replies, then some of us would never get it. Maybe that is what is was before, and I didn't realize it. I never really noticed how it was done, since it was a long way off for me. I always thought that as soon as you hit the HDA rank you were in line for it, and it would be sent to you if you wanted it. I didn't know that someone had to choose you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

It was exactly what you thought it was. No choosing. Next in line got it, period, unless they opted out. 

[Renee]

I am a doodle addict and would love a medal to show off my proud love of all things doodle. Sadly, I have yet to post anything. I have been enjoying everyone elses photos and WONDERFUL tips and advice on raising these beautiful pups. I am a first time dog owner so I can use all the advice offered. We have made it to her first birthday and will continue to follow for advice. Your tradition sounds fun but does sound expensive. Barkpost or whatever that monthly shipping company is has a fee or by setting a dollar limit, you could get a gift certificate from Harry Barker or Two Bostons Pet Store who carry wonderful and unique pet gifts.

[Amy and Annabelle]

Barkbox is a monthly mystery box subscription that includes shipping in the monthly fee. Although I guess you can purchase merchandise separately from their online store, not sure the shipping is free for that. Barkpost is their blog. We did Barkbox for awhile. I did like it. We got some unique toys that you wouldn't find in a store. But we only did it a couple of months, it was a Christmas gift to Annabelle.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I don't think I posted from my phone.  I was one of the earlier recipients  of the HDA trophy.  The  fun was earning the privilege and trying to get a picture of your doods with it.  The REAL fun was the log that went with it.  I would love to have a copy of what was written.  (Hint.  I'd still love to read that log with all the entries now).When I passed it on, I might have spent a tiny bit more than the limit but the next person in line was a VERY SPECIAL friend so it was also personal. The point of the gift was to send something from your area or interests to make a more personal connection with the next person. 

When I won the HDA trophy:

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You did a great job, my friend!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

[Anna and Achilles]

It has been awhile for me since I  became a hopeless doodle addict. I still am but a crazy life took over. However it did not change my love of doodles. just the time I could spend on this wonderful site. I miss it so much. Hope to be more involved in the near future. 

[Adina P]

Super busy right now, but once I get into a new groove, I'll be looking to send on a package to the next HDA.  I may end up posting and asking for volunteer recipients, though ;-) (HDA status only, of course). 

Wading through that HDA list looks C R A Z Y intimidating.