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 so much, Jane. Our whole family loves the beach so this has been a wonderful adventure. Owen has taken to searching for turtles. We notice him sniffing the air and then swimming out. At first we worried but, of course, the turtles easily avoid the doggie paddle. He loves to swim and Kona loves to fetch. I'm developing a strong pitching arm. ;o)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Bonnie, I can't reply under my ' DK message in a bottle ' idea.
How about just the Star on the trophy. The Star that so many Doodles Kissed? That may work

[Bonnie and Kona]

Yes that would be light enough! Could I put it in a jar with a screw top lid? I'm so against littering but it seems that messages in bottles are well received everywhere. Then I think about the sea glass we have collected. I'll have to have DH paddle the kayak out past the coral reef. I love this idea, Joanne. ;o)

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

Congratulations Bonnie!  I love your pictures!!!  Kona and Owen look so serious in the first one hahaha! and i love the Banana trees...they are so beautiful!  The last picture is pretty awesome... it feels like I'm right there in front of Kona drifting in the waves.  Enjoy your HDA treats and medal of honor!  

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Joanna! The doidles found the whole process of opening the box confusing. I kept encouraging them to look inside when normally I would be shooing them away. Then I made them sit and stay next to the "good stuff" soo could take a picture. It was serious business this capturing the goodies and dogs for posterity. ;o) hugs to you, Zoe and Ben.

[Pam & Trixie]

Congratulations on the HDA! 

Loved your story & the pictures.  Especially the Paradise Beach photo!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, Pam! It's a great beach!

[BG and Gavin]

It couldn't happen to a nicer person!  My heartfelt congratulations. 

I feel sad about the trophy, but I have to smile at your picture.  When I had the trophy in my possession some time ago, I decided to place it in a tiger striped faux fur bag for extra protection when shipped.  I love that the bag is still circulating.  Maybe the medal can be contained in it :)

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you, BG! What a nice thing to say. I will definitely put the medal in the faux fur bag when I get to send it to the next recipient. There is so much fun history we need to preserve!

[Carol and Banjo]

Congratulations Bonnie!!!!  How exciting for you, Kona and Owen!    I'm so happy to hear you're feeling better and will continue to pray for your DD.    The photos are wonderful.....you look great!!!!    Hugs to you all!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so very much, Carol. Our DD has had a really rough week. She was able to be up for awhile yesterday. I am so grateful for every prayer. 

[Miss Ellie]

You truly deserve this very special honour Bonnie.  It is people like you that make DK such a special place!  Kona & Owen are just precious!  I love your pictures of your true paradise...the doodles must just be in their glory...enjoy your HDA status Bonnie...you've waited long enough to get it!