Ragley is ONE- and we had a Pawty!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

It's hard for me to believe that last Thursday, September 18 marked a whole year since I anxiously opened the very first picture of Ragley and her newborn litter mates all snuggled up to her mom. I spent endless hours staring at that single picture, wondering which one would be mine and hoping ardently that my breeder would post more pictures. Oh, how far I have come!

There are no words that can adequately describe just how much she has touched my life. I am a total crazy dog lady and I wear it proudly, but I swear if you met Ragley you wouldn't blame me for a single minute! She is my best friend and I know many of you will know exactly how I feel.

I have been really wanting to get involved with helping DRC, but having just started my first "real" job, I do not have the means to provide shelter or money myself quite yet. SO- Ragley and I decided that her birthday would be the perfect opportunity to have a pawesome birthday party to help doodles in need and thus Ragley's Birthday Benefit Pawty was born!

We had about 16 doodles (and others) out to a wonderful pasture this past Saturday to celebrate, play, and raise some money for DRC! Many of our favorite companies graciously donated a plethora of amazing products to use for goodie bags for each of the dogs in attendance, three stellar raffle baskets, and enough leftover for a great donation to the next DRC auction!

It was so much fun to see all the fluffy doodles chasing each other about and playing until they all collapsed! Some of the owners were a little skeptical at first, I think, but everyone was ready to plan another romp for the following year by the end! All in all, we were able to raise $366 dollars to donate to DRC and, although that may not go far, Ragley and I hope that it can make a difference for at least one doodle who is not as fortunate as all of our our own! Even if not to benefit DRC, I encourage everyone to try to attend or plan a doodle romp in your area- it was a wonderful experience that I am excited to hopefully recreate in the future!

Here are some of the highlights!

[Julie, Eloise & Beasley]

Happy belated birthday, sweet Ragley!  What a wonderful and generous way to celebrate her birthday!  Yay for helping other doodles.

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

Happy Belated Birthday to Ragley.  His birthday celebration looks like so much fun.  This was a terrific idea. 

[Donna K & Quincy]

What a special way to celebrate your birthday and help other doodles. Happy Belated Birthday Ragley, you and your mom rock.

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Looks like great fun! Happy Birthday Ragley :-)

[DJ & Chance]

That's one lucky doodle.  Love the group photos.  Happy birthday!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Great idea, and lovely photos!

[Miss Ellie]

Wishing a very Happy 1st Birthday to sweet Ragley...hope it was a fabulous "Pawty"!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Stephanie, you and Ragley ROCK!!!!!!  Best birthday wishes to you, Ragley, from your California surfer dood friends!

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Ragley! :)

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

What a great way to celebrate and looks like tons of fun! Happy Birthday to you Ragley!!