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!!

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Happy Second Birthday Tara!

[Martha & Cooper]

Happy Birthday beautiful Tara!

[Rose]

Happy Birthday, Tara! Love your bling! :-)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Happy Birthday beautiful little Tara, hope you had lots of fun.

[Debbie and Toby]

Happy Birthday, Tara! Looks like you had a fun day!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Happy Birthday, Tara! You deserve a very special birthday gift for all the happiness you've brought your mom & dad! Hugs to you from JD & me!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Thanks everyone for your Birthday Wishes for TaraBear!! I really can't believe she is 2 already!!

For some reason the quote "Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about little puppies" comes to mind today!! But I would change it from "little puppies" to "dogs"!!

Whopper and Simba we'll start working on your mom!! These squirrels are the best AND they have squeakers too!!

[Anna and Achilles]

Happy Birthday Tara!! Looks like you had some fun.
Went through something very similar with my Houdini an 11 year old Labradoodle. Achilles had made all the difference in the world. Give Tara hugs from us.

[Camilla and Darwin]

Tara, I love these pictures! And happy birthday.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This made me choke up. I swore no more dogs too when we lost our 14 year old Lab. Everyone heard me loud and clear, but I couldn't stand it either. I am so glad your heart was healed by your sweet Tara. Happy Birthday!!!