HDA Trophy Arrives in Texas

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Well-I have some exciting news and some not so exciting news. The exciting news is that I am the newest member of the illustrious Hopeless Doodle Addict Trophy Club! That’s right, the trophy went across the ocean from Doris, Knox and Flash in Texas, to Nicky, Riley & Boris in Ireland, and then sailed back again to America, to arrive on my doorstep in Texas! The other unique thing is that all three of us just recently added a second Doodle to our homes and hearts.

It is tradition that each Doodle place a nose kiss on the trophy and mine were no exception to that! However, the really sad and bad news is that the trophy was broken in transit from Ireland to the USA.

I don’t know how to fix it since I don’t think any glue will hold the plastic, especially since the little tines that hold up the star are so thin and fragile. So I will leave it up to all of you as to what to do. I could go and buy a new one if that's what you want, or we can move to something new, whatever that may be. You all let me know. It surprises me the trophy has held up since 2009 being shipped across the country every which way and back again. The first recorded entry in the book is from Adina dated 2-25-2009. So, I am sorry, but it arrived in three pieces.

Nicky packed us some very nice gifts including some wonderful natural bar soap for Hattie and Theo made of Citronella and Tea Tree Oil. The box smelled good from the soap! Also included was a wool scarf and two bandannas for Hattie and Theo. As you can see they look stunning in them!

 

 

But best of all was the book that travels with the trophy. All the Hopeless Doodle Addicts have written such warm and wonderful things! It made me cry to read the entries because we are all so very blessed to have each other, even if it is at a distance. Those of you who are lucky enough to live close to other Doodle owners should count your blessings doubly! I would give anything to live near enough to one of you for support and physical friendship.

DK has been so very wonderful to me in so many ways it’s hard to put into words. It took me many years to come to the point of opening my heart to adopt Hattie after losing my 23 year-old West Point graduate son in a helicopter training accident, and then my 12 year old Chocolate Lab named Bird three months later. And even though I have had dogs my entire life, for some reason, adopting Hattie was different and it felt like I was having my first child! I was a nervous wreck with questions and concerns. And at the same time, when I stumbled upon DK like so many others before and after me, I had no idea about nutritious foods, training philosophies, what a Therapy Dog was, or even did, or LOL…Photography! I learned not use plastic bowls or to buy treats made in China, and how to dehydrate fruits and vegetables for healthy “cookies”; and to add green beans and fresh fruits and meats to the food bowl, all thanks to Karen. I learned about what Therapy dogs did and decided if nothing else I wanted her to at least be able to pass the test. And now she has gone on to become a wonderful Therapy Dog!

I learned about the sheer joy of finding and buying cute dog collars and fun toys (notice Hattie's new collar and bow-so cute!), which trumps shoes and purses any day of the week. I learned a new kind of love (over the internet of all places!) for all my DK friends who are like family to me, especially in times of a crisis. Hattie is hands down the nurse in the family and when one of my Doodles is sick F. is always there to lend sound and practical advice, because I am generally a basket case.

Hattie was the impetus for all of this and so much more. She was a handful to raise, and many of you will surely remember my exhaustion at her energy level and her nickname at training classes of “Hurricane Hattie.” But today she is the calmest and sweetest Texas Girl you’d ever want to meet. She charms everyone with her happy smile and big brown eyes. She is also the very best big sister I could have asked for with Theo.

Baby Bear Theo, is like no other dog I have ever met. He is so calm and smart it actually intimidates me to a degree, and I have talked to a few other DK’ers about this, although I know that sounds silly. He makes long, direct, and penetrating, eye contact with me constantly with those bright green eyes. 

He nibbles my ear to give kisses. He leaves me speechless with love. He is a Velcro dog, extremely sensitive and yet forward and bold; and I think he comes from a circus family with his ability to jump and weave and dodge! Theo will be starting his Therapy Dog training this week and I expect great things from him.

A little over two years ago on a plane ride to pick up my new baby girl I would never have imagined where DK and my Heart Dogs would lead me. One of those places for sure is my love of photography. I just could not express in words my love for Hattie and I wanted everyone to see and feel that love! Today, I have invested in photography equipment to take me through my eventual retirement. It is a passion I probably would not have discovered without Hattie and Theo, and of course the photography group and the wonderful lessons from Camilla. And who knew I would become the official photographer for our local rescue group?

So now I will pack a new box for the next Hopeless Doodle Addict Club member with a little extra Texas flair added.

Thank you DK-each and every one of you, for your ongoing support of me, each other, and most importantly the Love and Protection for Doodles in Need!  

 

[Adrienne]

Congratulations Sandy!!  This was such a wonderful read.  It is a true testament of how love is possible after a tragic loss/losses.  Not only did you open your heart to Hattie & Theo but you are making a difference in the lives of others through your therapy work.  You stayed the course with Hattie and she is now the Nurse of the family, looking after her Mommie and Baby Theo.  Hattie and Theo are adorable.  Great photos, as always :)))

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations and welcome to the HDA Club! We are so glad that Hattie led you here to us!

The doodles look wonderful in those bandannas, and if you find you have no use for that beautiful wool scarf, remember that it gets very cold here in Chiacgo, LOL! 

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Congratulations!  Your story is wonderful and your beautiful doodles are, too!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Sandy, Congratulations to you, Hattie and Theo!  Your blog is absolutely beautiful and had me in loving tears.  How blessed you are with Hattie and Theo and your story is so heart warming and sincere. I too can't express in words the love I have for Libby so I totally understand!  Enjoy your special box and no one deserves it more!

[BG and Gavin]

Congratulations Sandy. What  beautiful tribute to what this site is all about. It is so wonderful to hear how much you enjoy your dogs and are able to share that joy with others. But most of all I am glad you found friendship following the tragic loss of your son and you dog. Big hugs!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Congratulations Sandy!  It is such an honor to have you in "our" group!  lol   There is something special about being a member.  It feels so satisfying and seems to validate that you truly are an Addicted Doodle Mom!!!  It makes me smile when you talk about how much your love your Hattie Bear and Theo Bear.  I am so happy they have come into your life and made you so happy and loved.  You deserve the trophy...such as it is :(  Lynda Kamrath who has Groucho Too and Harpo. Her husband did some repairs on the trophy when she received it.  I think it had a crack or something.  She is here in California and possibly Charlie could fix it again.  Just a thought!  

[Christine & Camus]

Congratulations Sandy.  Wonderful story.

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Yay, congratulations!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Sandy, You definitely sound like someone "hopelessly addicted."  I remember very well your struggles when you first got Hattie because that was about the same time I got Bexter.  I have always admired your honesty and determination with her, and from the looks of things, you are now reaping the rewards with both your beloved doodles.  I remember the first time I heard your story about your son and I just can't put into words the inspiration you are to so many people.  Your son was a hero and it's easy to see that it runs in the family.  Congratulations!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

What a wonderful story. I'd like to think that your son sent you Hattie straight from heaven!

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

I agree Allyson!

[Carol and Banjo]

Sandy, Welcome to the "Club"!    DK is a better place because you are here!    It's been such fun watching your "babies" grow.   Wonderful photo of them modeling their bandanas!