June 6, 2011

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army paced nervously as the smell of smoke filled the house. I must admit there is sort of a gut-level reaction to that odor that makes one uncomfortable and edgy. The burning wood smell filling the Albuquerque valley was traveling on the winds from the wildfires currently raging out of control on the Arizona-New Mexico border but for all one could tell from the intensity, something was on fire just a few blocks away.

It has been a very dry winter in the Southwest and all of the states are watching in wide eyed horror as flames chew up over 365 square MILES of forest land, homes, resorts, and ranches in eastern Arizona. Two other separate fires also are devastating that state. As we smell the resulting destruction, it is hard to ignore the fact that New Mexico, Colorado and California are just as vulnerable. It is very scary.

So far, there has been little success in efforts to contain the fires and the largest now threatens to cross into New Mexico overnight. We fear for the wildlife, domestic animals, and of course the humans who are in mortal danger. We send positive energy and strength to those fighting the fire and ask the Universe to help with favorable weather conditions and just blind luck.

Safe in our home in Albuquerque, we shudder at the smell and at warnings for those with respiratory issues to stay inside. Puff, who has pulmonary problems resulting from her heartworm experience, is coughing and congested. We are keeping her inside as much as possible.

The White Dog Army thinks of the beautiful peaceful cool forests in our own backyard and our hikes over the tree-lined mountains. A silent sadness fills us at Arizona's loss and we hope for a quick end. They cross paws and selfishly ask that we be spared this fire season...and that the special Ent places in every one's home areas be protected from harm.

To all of our friends in wooded places suffering from drought, tonight we pray that all stay safe.