My Road to Becoming a Hopeless Doodle Addict!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Well, I have finally achieved my goal of becoming a Hopeless Doodle Addict on DoodleKisses. Maybe I should say I have been recognized publicly as a HDA, because my family has known this to be true for quite some time. When I told my family I was going after the title of HDA, they wanted to know what happens when I get there. I told them I might get a really cool trophy that has been kissed by lots of dogs and a box of stuff picked out by the previous HDA. When they asked where I would put the trophy, I said, "silly, I don't keep the trophy, but I get to take my picture with it, pass it to the next HDA after my dogs have kissed it, and send a box of stuff to that person and their dogs." They weren't that impressed, and it got me thinking maybe if I had a really big box I could put one of them in there with the trophy for the next person on the list. 

Anyway, it all started at the dog park when I met Robin and Dalai and she asked if I had heard of DoodleKisses. I had no idea such a place existed,  but went right home and joined. It took me a while to learn the ropes of DK. Being a newbie, I did not know when I blogged that Fudge ate Science Diet that I was one step away from being whipped with the Herman Sprenger prong collar by a member dispatched from the Food Group. Another time I blogged about a homeopathic remedy using Apple Cider Vinegar and that time feared I might be smacked on the head at the dog park with a Les Pooch brush by another DK'er. I finally discovered the search engine and that helped me appear smarter on DK.

My husband was thrilled with my new obsession because he said it was one of the few things I did to extreme that did not cost him money. I did not tell him that when Sharon and Francis talked about the super powers of the Eureka Floor Cleaner I quickly bought it on Amazon.com. Because of DoodleKisses, I have also purchased a Nedi Pot, a white noise machine, various brushes, Fromm Dog food, canned pumpkin, probiotic yogurt, some recommended books, two cooling vests, EPO, a DRC bandanna, and I think you see where I am going. I just smiled at him and thought to myself, "you poor misguided soul."

At times, I have neglected my family to run to the computer and get an update on this dog or that dog. My husband swears the dogs eat better than he does and I have offered to pour him a bowl of Fromm in any variety. I have even had one instance where Vern was sitting on my daughter's lap and I told her to hold on while I get a picture for DK, despite the fact that she said she could no longer feel her legs. Both dogs are used to me clicking away as they nap nearby with thoughts of a walk in their head.

 

Vern says, "How Much Longer are you going to be on DK??"

Fudge says, "Someone get me outta here. She is on the computer again."

My husband tried to scare me one night into turning off the computer and said he might try and find a girlfriend, since I was so busy in the evenings. I told him that I had been on Craigslist recently looking at Men Seeking Women and used it to help me write Vern's personal ad on DK and I could give him some pointers. He just shook his head. My DH has put up with my blogs about him and a Groundhog, peanut butter pants and a goose, and one where I tried to rehome him with no luck. These DK'ers are pretty smart and asked too many questions about why I was trying to find him a new home.

My kids think I have gone to the dark side and one daughter calls DK a cult. She always says she has a real life with real friends, but I know I have met some awesome people on this website. I have become a better pet owner and learned so much about nutrition, training, breeding, behavior, and well..dogs. My dogs have benefited from all the support I get on DK. So, thank you to Adina for creating such a wonderful, positive site.

I am going to rest now. I am worn out from blogging, posting, welcoming, and going to take a moment to bask in my HDA glory.

[Carol and Banjo]

Laurie - It appears that your daughter has not honored the code...what happens on DK stays on DK....posting your state of sanity (or insanity) on FB...well....it's just not right girl!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Lisa, I welcomed her and she wrote back that she was your daughter. Uh oh, now she can read everything you write. I know my non-member daughter checks in from time to time, because she knows an awful lot about what I do on DK.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Laurie, this sounds like something my daughter would say/do, especially now that she got curious enough to join...she wrote me - apparently now I am a DoodleKisses member....ridiculous! ha ha

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Kim. I agree...way better than all those awards. My daughter has her PhD and I even told her that I have some initials after my name now too (HDA) and she posted on FB that I was insane.

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Congratulations Laurie.  Sorry for missing this post a few days ago, I've been so out of touch lately and miss DK when I can't read everything.  Fudge and Vern - you are the best and deserve lots of treats for helping your mommy earn this very prestigious award (way better than an Oscar, Emmy or Grammy).  Someday Clifford and Little Dood will have the honor of joining you in kissing the trophy.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Nancy. So glad you had a getaway. My DH and I are planning an antiquing trip to CT in May. Tell your kids Ned is not a mop :)

Becky and Christine, Thank you for the lovely comments. You will love DK!

[Christine & Shelby]

Congratulations on your HDA title... I someday hope to achieve HDA status as well!  Enjoy it but don't stop blogging or anything crazy like that.... I love your blogs!   :o)

[Becky & Sheeba]

Laurie~ I love your style of story telling. It's so wonderfully spun and with a whimsical and humorous side to it. I'm faily new to this site and love how friendly and helpful everyone is on DK. I'll look forward to more stories from you and your doodles.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I just loved this Laurie.

What DH doesn't know that I have bought.... 

Doodles were a good excuse!  My DH and I got away for a fun weekend visit with relatives without my mom by telling her we were going to a doodle 'thing' and might just stop by the relatives (with Ned of course).

My kids feel the same way as yours and have accused me of having new favorite children - and those children do not have two legs. Well, too bad for them..... As far as they are concerned, their mom is nuts and Ned makes a better mop than a brother.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Lisa! You will be a HDA before you know what hit you. A romp sounds like fun!!