March 22, 2010

White Dog and Quinn proved themselves to be quite the protector posse for me today. At a time when we have been a little concerned about their lack of affinity toward each other and their skirmishes over attention and rank, my army of white united and presented a formidable front to the poor guy who stopped by to ask if we needed any yard work.

We live off Famous Route 66 in Albuquerque, in its heyday the Central Street through town, so we get a fair amount of foot traffic going door-to-door soliciting all kinds of things. This is never a problem, really most are courteous and gentle who make a pitch then leave. Our house is designed with a wonderful covered and screened front porch with its own door.

Today, when White Dog sounded the alarm of someone at the door I rushed from the computer and assumed it was the delivery man I was expecting with the new washer. She continued to bark and was joined by Quinn and both flanked me as I waved the guy onto the porch as I went to grab the receipt. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't the delivery guy; he was a poor soul looking for yard work...doubly unfortunately, he misunderstood my motion and actually started to open the door to the house.

White Dog was between us in an instant growling, hackles raised, clearly stating "Do Not Enter!' ...a second later another white form pushed past me and barking! stood shoulder-to-shoulder, with White Dog protecting his new home...and momma! Not that I needed it, they scared the poor harmless man to death and we had a quick conversation through the tightly closed door with a barricade of Eskies against it.

I was sorry that someone down on his luck had been treated so rudely but I was also proud of White Dog and Quinn...they worked together and kept me safe! Many hugs and treats and encouragement followed...and no one pushed or complained!