Some of my most fond childhood memories spawned because of the cartoon legacy that is Scooby Doo. My brother and I had marathons of every Scooby Doo (provided we had enough food to go along with it), episode after episode, movie after movie, each theme song with its own groove. Scooby Doo was sacred in my house and was always accompanied with its own rituals. I can always promise that if we watched "Scooby Doo Cyberchase," it would be followed with a kids cuisine TV dinner, because that was the type of honor that those meddling Mystery Machine driving kids deserved. America's favorite pup has gone through generations of hearts and childhoods.

Scooby Doo originally aired 1969. The world has seen many reincarnations of the gang and Scoob, ranging from the original "Scooby Doo, Where Are You?" to "A Pup Named Scooby Doo" to the current "Scooby Doo Mystery Inc." and "Be Cool, Scooby Doo." The cartoon even inspired two live-action movies. Since 69' kids have grown up with this lovable dog, his friends and their creepiest mysteries.

My mother first saw Scooby Doo as a young girl after moving to the United States from Italy. From then she knew she would get her own two children into Scooby doo. She always provided the best VHS tapes, Scooby pajamas, and even our own mystery machine. My brother and I were hooked from the beginning.

Recently I've been searching to replace all of my original Scooby Doos and collecting them on DVD because they are a piece of my life I couldn't imagine letting go. They hold sweet memories of smiles and bring the feeling of warm nostalgia. In a recent quiz about my favorite carton character, I learned I see a lot of myself in Scooby Doo's best and worst characteristics. Growing up I always looked to Daphne and Velma because if they could be fashionable, smart, and solve capers in skirts, I could too. Knowing how much this fun character and show influenced my character as I grew up is really amazing to see.

I'm not the only one who holds Scooby Doo close. Scooby Doo has always had a huge following, and although he may be old, he is beloved. Scooby Doo is a great example of learning to be bold, curious and courageous (while fitting in some balanced meals of pizza and Scooby Snacks). The Mystery Inc. members are excellent role models for children, each with extreme wit and the desire to help people. If kids are going to be influenced by a cartoon, why not let it be a thrilling, groovy group of teenagers?

Though I may be close to graduating high school I would still gladly take a Scooby Snack and an episode of Mr. Doo any day. The laughs and wide, happy eyes that come with Scooby Doo won't be leaving our lives anytime soon.