The Hopeless Doodle Addict Trophy has arrived...

[Bonnie and Kona]

The HDA Trophy has arrived in Hawaii!

 

We hit HDA status a long time ago. The trophy was originally supposed to come to us a year ago August. Sadly, I declined the honor because my mother was in the hospital and I was in Wisconsin for her aftercare. So it came as a huge surprise when Pat contacted me about the award one year later.

 

Pat and Traveler generously prepared a wonderful gift pack for me, Kona, my Goldendoodle and Owen, my granddoodle. What an exciting time! The box arrived when my house was full of family visiting us after our recent move from California to Hawaii. I decided I would not open the box until I could devote time to documenting its arrival. On the day she was leaving, my 6 year-old granddaughter asked me if I was going to open my big box when they left. I assured her that I was. She said, “I thought so. You sure were excited when it came!” Her parents are not dog people (how is that possible???) and I decided explaining it would be too awkward and become “all about mom”.

 

Here are Kona and Owen (who also lives with us) posing with the loot.

 

I carefully unpacked each of the gifts, salmon dog treats, Uncle Larry’s Lamb Liver treats, a stuffie and rubber Frisbee for the doodles. There was albacore tuna, marion berry hazelnuts and amazing chocolate truffles for me. Yippee! Then I found a real treasure: a small leather notebook in which each previous HDA recipient wrote a note to the following one. It is such a legacy of doodle love and the friendships that have grown on this wonderful website! The last box I opened was ornately decorated. I lifted the cover and inside was a Styrofoam carved enclosure securing the legendary Doodlekisses Hopeless Doodle Addict Trophy. I carefully lifted the foam protection and found inside a broken trophy. Oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth could be heard across the ocean!

Doodles licking the trophy as I hold it carefully in two pieces. Note: DH planted banana and papaya plants when we moved in 3 months ago... They are thriving! 

 

I emailed Adina. I emailed Pat. I waited anxiously to find out what to do! At Adina’s suggestion I carefully inspected to see if the trophy could be repaired. I am crafty and a fixer, but to me there was no hope. I offered to send it back to Adina and awaited her reply. Eventually I saw a post Adina authored on DK asking members what should be done about the broken trophy. Of course, as with every discussion, there were some really great ideas. Eventually, Adina announced that she and Clarke will be having a medal engraved to commemorate HDA status in the future. A medal seems a really good choice, little chance of breaking in transit and fully as honoring as a trophy. I look forward to sending it on to the next Hopeless Doodle Addict for the fun to begin again.

 

Doodlekisses is a source of really helpful information about doodles, dog food, training, grooming, health and much more. It has become a place where I have made many virtual friends. I truly care about the other members and their doodles and I feel well-cared for here. I tear up reading about a sick doodle. I laugh at blog posts about their hilarious antics. I share the stories with my family.

My doodles are much better cared for because of this website. I now groom my own dogs, I feed them quality food, I find out when it is appropriate to go to the vet or wait until the next day. I’m addicted to looking at photos of doodles in the Photography Group even though I don’t even own a camera other than the one in my phone. I check out books to read in the reading group. I’ve even learned much about IBS to better understand this kind of disease in my DDIL. Yup. I am addicted and I expect I will stay that way indefinitely.

This is what the doodles and I love to do best. I throw a floating toy for Kona and Owen swims with my DD.

 

Until the medal arrives for me to send along, I remain your current HDA.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Michelle! The HDA status and reward is just one more fun part of the DK experience. You will be reaching that milestone in no time. Miss Ellie is adorable. I'm so glad you joined this website.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Aww...Bonnie, congrats on receiving the HDA trophy and making it "official".  I love the photo of your doodles with the"loot" LOL. They looked very unhappy that they were required to pose for a picture instead of being able to dive in!  And oh, what a beautiful photo of Jenny swimming with Owen.  Looks like life  is good for the most recent HDA!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Ricki. Kona hates to have his picture taken.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

A previous dog of mine was camera shy. I think it scared him to have the "strange thing" pointed at him.