February 26, 2011

White Dog wasn't sure what to make of things when she stepped out of the SUV into the pouring rain in Phoenix a year ago. We had just spent lots of hours in the car with a young man who had come to live with us only a few weeks before and now here we were at a strange house being greeted by Dragon, Gregg, Candace, and our Heart Family from California. There was Prinnie and Digby...and a really dirty smelly white Eskie that looked skinny and terrified. She hopped back into the car when I got out and threw my arms around this Big White Boy and said, "Everyone, this is Quinn! I am so glad to meet you and I welcome you to our family!" Quinn looked at me blankly and pulled away, looking for a place to run. I could have cried.

We went inside the house we had rented for the weekend and spent the next few hours trying to find Quinn who kept hiding. Michael was fascinated that he was ours and was also a little over anxious. Michael was thrilled when Quinn followed him into the bathroom and waited there while he showered. We could hear them talking and Michael reassuring the scared pup that it was ok and that he promised Quinn would be safe forever with us...this from a child who had only really known us for 24 days himself. Boy, did I feel the weight of responsibility at that moment!

The miracle story of Quinn being saved from Death Row in Los Angeles two days before his execution date has been told on this blog many times. Every time I falter and lose faith in the promise of humanity, I only have to think of all those friends and strangers who worked so hard to make the magic needed to bring our boy to us. We can never repay the debt we owe those who reached out to help a single bedraggled stray get a second chance. Kim and Shar drove from San Diego to LA TWICE and then to Phoenix to be sure he got to us. Kari is still miffed that SHE didn't get to drive six hours to pull Quinn from the horrible facility he was in. If that isn't love...what is?

The next day two fellow DWBers who only knew us from our blog came by the rental to throw a Welcome Party for The Mighty One (who wasn't feeling too mighty yet). They brought gifts and genuine wishes of forever happiness for a dog who still wasn't sure about any of this. We grilled and the dogs milled and we shared the connection that everyone reading this has and understands. Later, that afternoon, we all said goodbye, loaded White Dog, Michael and Quinn into our car and headed back to New Mexico.

The bad weather stalked us and it was an arduous ride home. TOWD spent most of the time panting and staring wide-eyed out of the window. Once at the house, Quinn tried so hard to please and make no mistakes; just as White Dog realized that this big stinky boy was STAYING. It was a long night and ended with Steve teaching TOWD how to use the dog door at 3am.

It has been a yearlong journey of learning to trust and understand each other. Quinn instinctively is Steve's Velcro dog. He opened us to the idea of rescue in ways more active than just financially supporting the cause. Without our experience with him, we would probably never have adopted either of the "girls."

White Dog still, at times, struggles with having siblings but TOWD now knows that she is all talk and no threat. He has been a mentor and calming influence to Nuka and Puff as they continue to adjust to life within our "pack."

Parts of his story we will never know. His birthday. His birth name. Why he is SO afraid of cameras. Why he doesn't eat dog treats. What happened to put him on the streets of Los Angeles and why no one cared. It amazes us when we see how Quinn has blossomed with simple care, to think that someone threw him away. He is the gentlest, mellowest, most accepting pup we have ever met...and he is ours.

Happy Gotcha Day, Mighty Quinn. This first year has been rich and wonderful beyond words. We are all so glad that you are part of our lives and family. To quote Bob Dylan..."You ain't seen nothing like the Mighty Quinn...when Quinn the (R)Eskimo gets here, everybody's gonna jump for joy!"

With love and security forever,
White Dog, Momma, Steve, Michael, Nuka Angel, and Puff the Magical

As is our tradition, fifty cents will be donated to charity for every comment left. TOWD has chosen to donate his Gotcha Day funds to ERU (Eskie Rescuers United), BAD RAP, a pit bull rescue, and Sea Shepards. Please join us to celebrate...and spread the word!