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!  

 

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Congratulations Sandy! I can't think of anyone more deserving of the honor!  Sorry about the trophy but I'm not surprised as it was looking pretty fragile and had some cracks when I had it years ago. Thanks for sharing your story of how your doodles have healed your heart. They are amazing dogs and they both look precious in their bandanas. Tara and I are so happy that the three of you are part of our DK family.

[GBK]

Congratulations and welcome to the HDA club Sandy!  Love the pics, the doodles look so great in their scarfs, and the therapy visit pictures are priceless :)

[Donna K & Quincy]

Woo Hoo, Congratulations and welcome to the club. Isn't it wonderful that the doodles benefit so much from our addiction?   Hattie and Theo look simply smashing in their bandannas. Love the pics of Nurse Hattie on the job.  I think that trophy has already been glued a couple of time before but I agree, no  matter what shape it's in we should keep the original. 

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Congratulations to you Sandy! I love your blog and photos! Hattie and Theo look terrific in their new bandanas! What a nice package Nicky sent over to you!

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Oh, Sandy, this HDA "i got it" discussion is terrific!  I love the way the trophy went from Texas, then over the pond, and back to Texas!  I knew when you first appeared on this doodle-crazy website that you would be addicted in no time!  LOVE the pics of your darling doodles and absolutely love that DK allowed our paths to cross!   

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Congrats Sandy! Wow you and Hattie have come a long way! Loved your story and pictures they are great!

Theo is adorable too! Good luck with the training.

Broken or not, I'm glad the trophy got to go to Ireland and back!! The case sounds like a good idea if it gets fixed!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I am so moved by your blog--I had no idea about how heartbroken you were and what you had been through--how wonderful it is that Hattie and Theo have come into your life! Congrats on the trophy! I am sure someone will be able to repair it. If not, we will send it around in three pieces--after all, isn't that famous statue of Aphrodite missing her arms? We didn't throw her out!

Your description of Theo reminds me of my Rio--he is truly devoted to me and gives me that same look with his sparkly black eyes--he makes me feel loved every minute of the day--that is a precious gift.

Enjoy your goodies!!

[Camilla and Darwin]

I loved this so much Sandy. I am so glad you joined DK, you delight us with stories and pictures of your adorable doodles, and you have become a great friend! Hattie and Theo look adorable in their bandannas! Welcome to the HDA trophy club. :-) 

[Pat and Traveler]

Congratulations, Sandy!  Love this blog and the photos of Hattie and Theo.  So great that the Trophy has been so many places, and been kissed by so many wonderful dogs. You are a rock star, lady--an inspiration and great doodle mom!   

[Kary, Sparty & Stella]

Congratulations, Sandy! I loved reading your story above. I want to kiss both your babies, they have the sweetest faces.

[Jay, Lola and Colonel Esau]

Aw, Sandy.  What a great post.  Congrats on becoming a Hopeless Doodle Addict.  Did you ever think that a title like that would be so meaningful in your life?

Thank you for sharing about your personal story.  While it's nowhere nearly so traumatic as what you have been through, I can kind of relate.  I found DK right after a tumultuous break-up with my ex-fiancee.  I was just looking for some grooming advice but found so much more.  I am clearly in a somewhat unusual demographic for this community, but not once did anyone ever judge me badly for that or make me feel unwanted.  I've found that when you get down to it, I share some very important fundamental values with a lot of other people on this site - such as honesty, integrity, the importance of good communication, generosity, compassion, etc. - not to mention love of doodles!  I've never met any of them in real life but I really do feel like they are my good friends.  I care about them and would be there in a heartbeat if they ever needed me.  So I know exactly how your feel.

I hope it's not out of line for me to comment about the trophy, given that I am definitely not a HDA myself.  It seems to me that all the breakage and repairs gives it character.  And I don't see anything wrong with it transmuting to a different form, using the original materials.  Kind of like the Stanley Cup, which started as just the bowl, with base added to it in stages, over the years.

[Kyoko]

Congratulations, Sandy!! This is a very heart warming post...