Tara's 2nd Birthday!!! Woo Hoo!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Four years ago DH and I felt as if our hearts shattered when we lost our 18 year old cat and 15 year old dog on the same day. We still had our current cat Amber at the time but I think we both silently vowed never to let another dog into our hearts again. It was too painful to lose them. But as the years past I found that I was stuck somewhere in the grieving process. In a 2 year span we had lost 3 of our parents, 3 of our animal companions and a favorite Uncle. We didn't have time to grieve one before we lost another. I found myself in tears whenever we went to the dog's favorite hiking trail or park. I missed them so much but still stubbornly refused to commit to another canine relationship.

One day a dear friend sat me down and said " You need a dog". Something stirred inside of me and I knew he was speaking truth. And I was ready. So began the very long search for Tara, her arrival and the healing of two broken hearts.

Today Tara turns two years old and I cannot begin to tell you of the, joy, fun and unconditional love she has given us. I think all of you already know what I am talking about anyhow!!! It's what doodles do!! LOL!!

We are completely and ridiculously in love with this girl!! So we had a little family pawti to celebrate her life and our appreciation of her presence in ours!!

Thank you all for your part in this Fantastic Doodle Experience that we are having!! Tara sends Doodle Kisses to all of her DK family too!!

Her new Sweater bling and Hide-A-Squirrel:

Got one of those wascally squirrels!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thank you both for your kind words and Birthday wishes for Tara!

[Carol and Banjo]

Sigh..... So Sweet and So wonderful that Tara helped heal your hearts! Happy Birthday little girl!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

What a beautiful post :) I certainly can relate. Happy Birthday Tara.

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks everyone for the Birthday wishes for Tara. She doesn't mind that they arrived today because she thinks it means another day to pawti!!! With more treats and toys!!

Ann, it's true DK seems to be evolving!! Be careful your doodles might find themselves smitten one of these days too!! It would have been fun to get all the December birthday doodles together for a romp! A Christmas day birthday, wow! That is special!!

[Ann Kendig]

Happy Belated Birthday Beautiful Tara! Hope you had a great day!
Boy, I'm missing out on all the news on DK....cougar doodles, matchdoodle.com, promise collars etc. I'm really out of the loop!! Tara and my Sheba are only a few weeks apart in age. Sheba will be 2 on Christmas Day. It would have been fun to celebrate together!

[Frannie & Callie]

Happy (slightly belated) Birthday Sweet Tara Girl!!!! You are ridiculously adorable and I know you bring sunshine into your parents' lives every day!!

[Clifford, Cloud, Jake..and Kim]

Tara - Clifford and Little Dood were off the computer yesterday and missed your birthday. They are both very sorry but hope you had a great day!!! It looks like you got some really cool toys. As part of the naked doodle club they aren't too sure about the sweater but it looks nice on you.

They are both interested in matchdoodle.com and are begging me to let them sign up - what's a doodle mom to do with these boys?!?!?

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks everyone! Tara is soooo tired from her big day today! She has been wandering around looking somewhat dazed and now she is flat!!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks for the Birthday Wishes Gracie Doodle!! I'm not sure how Guiness and Murphy missed out but you know how boys are!! Hee Hee!! Bandy's mommy is right -no bling cause Bandy is too young and we are still gettin to know each other. Plus that frog that poops out eggs is WAY better than a ring!! I've been kissing on it all afternoon hopin it will turn into my Prince Bandit but so far nothin...:(

And you're right we doodles are the menders of broken hearts!! I'm glad that you helped your momma out in that way too! Wuvu!! Tara Bear!!

[Kyoko]

Happy Birthday Tara!!