White Dog knows that today is a special day of love. It is one that we have celebrated with gusto her entire life. She expects cards, and gifts and flowers and wonderful treats. But in our house it is not Valentine’s Day in which we participate, but rather, White Dog’s, Siku Marie’s, Gotcha Day!So here is my love letter to la perrita blanca de mi Corazon, the little White Dog of my heart:
Dearest Siku Marie,
The day you arrived, six years ago, you were a frightened Kansas girl who had flown all alone to your new home here in the frontier. You didn’t even know us. Dad had 8 pages of name choices picked out for you but the instant I held you the ice that surrounded my heart (shocked at the sudden loss of Sheena to cancer) melted…and you became, Siku, “Ice.”
Not a single moment has gone by that I haven’t thanked Angel Sheena for sending you to me. We are closer than heart-bound, you are my daemon, you share my soul. Before anyone else, you know when I need a kiss, or a cuddle, or a yip of encouragement. In return, I am the one you turn to when you waken frightened from a nightmare, or to share your “babies” or to steal a bite of some exquisite human morsel. You share my triumphs and I yours. You are the one who sits up with me at night when stress or problems keep sleep at bay. Together, we have watched the sun rise and the meteors shower.
White Dog, you are my hidden voice, my conscience and wisdom, reminding me that being noble and genuine is as simple as just living dog-style. You give me courage to take risks and forgive failures (both in myself and in others). You exemplify living in the joy of the moment and letting go of the grudges of the past. We have matured together, you and me.
Now, we both find ourselves in situations we could not even have conceived of six years ago; we have a human child, you have three siblings. Our world has grown. We have taken on new roles, not always willingly. But we have adapted and discovered new parts of ourselves.
If there be grace in the Universe, we have many many many adventures ahead on our journey that we will share, savor, or simply get through. It may not be always easy but we are stubborn and dogged and we are a formidable team. Together, my precious White One, I am confident that our legacy will be one of love, compassion and positivity.
Happy Gotcha Day, Siku Marie! Know I love you…Always, Momma
P.S. Quinn, Nuka, and Puff…and in a way, Michael, too, know that without you, it is unlikely that they would be a part of our lives. They send thanks and love and joyful wishes for many more celebrations of the day.