It's Flash's First Birthday!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Although Knox introduced his new brother Flash in his own birthday blog a few days ago, I thought Flash deserved a little more than that.  Despite what Knox wrote, we are absolutely thrilled to have our new doodle boy.  As many of you know, I have fostered two doodles (Leah and Shiner) and one doodle-wanna-be (who could forget darling Carter?) for the DRC over the past year and volunteered in early December to foster Flash, a beautiful F1 goldendoodle who was being re-homed from Austin.  For the first time in all of my fostering experiences, I involved my DH in the process from the very beginning, and he traveled 75 miles with me to Bastrop, where we met Flash and his owner for the dreaded "pass-off."  He walked Flash around a park while his owner and I visited and completed the re-home paperwork and then he began to encourage the two of us to "wrap it up" so that we could get on the road and return home.  Honestly, if he had not been with me, I think Flash's first mommy and I would still be in the parking lot crying as this was a very heart-breaking decision that she was making.  Never did she think she'd be "one-of-those-people" to re-home a pet and never will I judge her for doing what she thought was in the best interest of her family.  Little did she realize that my DH had been smitten by Flash on their "walk in the park" and within 2 hours of having him in our home, he suggested that WE KEEP HIM!  What?? Be a FOSTER FAIL???  All I can say is that when you know it, you know it, and we knew that Flash needed us and we WANTED him! 

Flash was born on Christmas Day 2011 and today we celebrate his first birthday!  He is actually my DH's and  my Christmas present to each other and this is what we found under the tree this morning:

 

It thrills us greatly to say two things to this beautiful boy:  "Happy 1st Birthday! We're giving you your forever home!"  and "Thanks for being the best Christmas present ever!"

Flash Light -- we love you! WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That is so lovely and I agree the very best Christmas present ever for all of you. Happy Birthday Flash LIght, may this be the first of very many in your 'forever home'.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

What a wonderful package to find under your tree!!  WTG DH!!  Happy Birthday Flash Light and welcome to the DK family!!!

[Donna K & Quincy]

Doris, Flash is gorgeous and he looks so stinkin cute under that tree. I think you are all winners in this saga and I think I love your DH. Happy Birthday Flash and I wish you a long and happy life as a Flash Light. You all have reason to celebrate.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh goodness Doris......I'm all choked up!!!    I just love that your DH knew in such short order that Flash should be part of your family!   Love at first sight is so sweet!    He really is one of the cutest Doodles I've ever seen ..... just so darned "doodley" cute!    Merry Christmas to all of you!  xoxo

[Bonnie and Kona]

Thank you so much for telling us the story of Flash from your perspective. I was sure it was a wonderful story and I am not disappointed. Thank you and best of luck with the doodles. Flash has such a beautiful smile I can see why you were so smitten. Please give Knox an extra hug and doodle kiss from me and Kona but slip in some ear scratching for Flash from us, too. It's good to be ambidextrous with two doodles. ;o)

[Christine & Shelby]

Love this post.... I think Shelby and Flash need some one on one time to bond.... :).

[Ginny Nightingale]

So heartwarming and I bet the woman who had to give him up feels so much better knowing that he is with you--it was meant to be....

[Pat and Traveler]

What a happy bunch of holidays for this little family!  Happy birthday, sweet Flash--and hugs to all of you for finding each other.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Awe, he is just adorable. what a wonderful Christmas present. Happy Birthday Flash, and welcome to the DK family!

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Oh and Flash, Happy Happy Birthday!