Seven Years of Good Luck

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I meant for this to be a cute blog with pictures, but as usual, I was disorganized and procrastinated, and now I have no time to do it and then wait to get it approved. It needs to be posted tonight. So please forgive me for making this a discussion instead, lol.

Seven years ago tonight I adopted JD from the shelter where his original owner dumped him when he was 14 months old. I can hardly believe it's been that long. I can hardly believe I got this lucky. It was one of the toughest decisions I ever had to make, and one of the very few that I got absolutely right. He has brought me so much and asked so little in return.

Because of Jackdoodle, I have wonderful friends all over this country who I have never met, lol. I have found my true "soul sister". I have had the opportunity to travel all over the country, and beyond, even to Canada and the UK, without ever leaving home. Because of Jackdoodle, I have read and learned and become educated about so much without ever taking a class or paying tuition. Because of Jackdoodle, I have laughed a little harder and cried a little less. My joys have been multiplied and my sorrows have been cut in half.

Because of Jackdoodle, my world is bigger, my brain is bigger, and my heart is bigger than they ever could have been without him. 

Because of Jackdoodle, more than 600 abandoned doodles have found new homes. Maybe it's 700 by now. 

He is what keeps me going, every day, always. He shows me things in the world around us that I would never have noticed without him. He is my guide, he is my lucky charm. He is my heart dog.

To whatever force in the universe brought him to me, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please know that I will forever try to be worthy of him.

To JD, Happy "Gotcha Day", my sweet boy. I love you, and I'll be happy I gotcha for the rest of my life.

(Here's the photo of the big man himself that I meant to post in a blog for his 8th birthday, November 28th, but never got around to it. Unlike JD, I have lots of failings.)

[GBK]

Congratulations on you both finding each other!  Time certainly flies when you are having fun, and I know through all the ups and downs, you two certainly have fun and LOVE.  Happy Gotcha Day Karen and Jackdoodle, and I feel exactly the same about all of the friends my doodle has brought into my life :)  Thanks for being one!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Gina, and right back atcha! 

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Karen, this is so beautiful. I know what you mean to have a true heart dog, that there would not be any length you would go to to help and make safe that dog. No matter how far we have to go and how much they need they still give back more than we are able to give them. You two belong together and I am sending hugs to you both.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Sue. You said exactly what I feel. 

[Pat and Traveler]

Karen, you've saved JD's life many times, starting with adopting him.  You've gone on to help so many of us, human and canine.  What a blessed day it was when you two found each other! 

What a wonderful, happy picture of JD!!!!

Paws up and hugs from me 'n Trav on this special day! 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Pat! Paws up to you & Trav from me & JD! 

[F, Calla & Luca]

What a wonderful posting. It made me realize some of the things my two doodles have brought about too. Without JD, Calla, and Luca we would never have met.  I would be feeding my dogs rubbish and remained uneducated about many things. You have a good brain and a good heart Karen, although it took me a little while to find them : ) Great photo of JD!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, F!  I'm very glad you took the trouble to find them, lol! I would never have gotten through that IBD diagnosis with any sanity intact without you! 

[Christine & Camus]

Happy Gotcha Day Karen & JD!  Wonderful, heartfelt post and if JD could type he would probably write an equally heartfelt post about you.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thank you, Christine!

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Happy  Gotcha day JD!  Looking dapper with your little soccer ball toy!

Luna and I can't thank you enough for all the help you give us and all the DK community members.  JD wagged his way into your life for a reason!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, J! That soccer ball was his favorite birthday gift from his Aunt Jane!