This award translated means, “Bright Stars in the Blue Sky Award.” Isn’t that a pretty name for an award? It has such a beautiful sentiment as a requirement: Winners must describe what they dream or wish for most in the world.
Here are the dreams and wishes of each of the members of The White Dog Army.
Siku Marie, THE White Dog came to us when my heart was still frosted over with the pain of losing our Sheltie, Sheena, unexpectedly to liver cancer. She knows firsthand the devastation the cancer monster leaves in its wake. Her name which means "Ice" reminds me daily her critical part in helping me heal from our loss; of her first daunting task of melting the ice that protected my heart from ever being hurt again. It is her fondest wish, as it is mine, that we end this reign of terror during our lifetimes for all creatures, two- and four-legged.
The Mighty Quinn, The Other White Dog, was found homeless on the streets of Los Angeles and was on death row with only days to live when we found each other. He knows the hopelessness of having nowhere to turn for help and no one to trust. He has been hungry and chased and is scarred from his experiences. TOWD knows he is one of the lucky ones who received a miracle and a second chance. He dreams of a day when no one, pup or person, is homeless or hungry or without hope.
Nuka Angel, Another White Dog, has been an outsider because of her disability; she is deaf. Adopted twice and returned because "dealing with a deaf pet is too hard" Nuka faced a life of never really fitting in, of being an outcast...tolerated but never truly embraced. More than any of the WDA she understands the challenges faced daily by people with disabilities or differences. It is her hope that the world will continue to become more accepting of diversity and less judgemental of those who are in some way different.
Puff The Magical, Still Another White Dog, came to us used up as a puppy mill breeder and seriously heartworm positive. Her haunted look and perpetually tucked tail told the story of a senior girl who had given up. She is healthy now and knows she has a place and family that love her for who she is not for the cash crop she can produce. She prays that every creature finds all of the unconditional support they need to get them through tough times and to rekindle the joyful will to thrive.
YoYoMa, Yet Another White Dog, blind and abused prior to joining the Army, by all rights should be timid and fearful. Instead he fully and enthusiastically embraces every moment even if it means bumping into objects he cannot see or sitting trustingly when threatening noises encourage him to flee. His hope is that fear and worry not get in the way of taking the risks necessary to explore the world and thus discover truly how wonderful it is.
And me, the Momma? I dream of day when everyone is part of a community as nurturing and sharing and caring as this one; where others are genuinely interested in your hopes and dreams. Part of the requirement of this award is to pass it on to six other bloggers. Sharing something as personal as a dream isn't always easy and the WDA does not want to put anyone on the spot. Instead, we ask you to consider the beautiful purpose of this award and encourage you to share, in your own way and time, a hope...a dream...a vision...a touchingly moving award. Thank you, Bailey and Nala!