February 7, 2012

White Dog gently laid her paw on my hand and said, "Don't be too rough on her, she is just excited." I had Nuka, our Birthday Girl in my lap and was lecturing her about her bad manners.

We woke to the early morning sound of Nuka yipping and rousing her brothers and sisters out of bed: "Come on get up Lazies, it is my Birthday and you have to do EVERYTHING I say!" Those who ignored her received a straight in the ear personal blast to get up and moving. She shoved everyone aside during the morning greeting ritual and demanded her Angel tiara be placed on her head.

"Today is MY day so you just all better get used to it is all about ME!" AWD announced.

Steve made pancakes for breakfast and Nuka Not-Such-An-Angel snarled at the others approaching to ask for bites...despite the fact that she had her own whole one. "This is MINE!" Quinn walked away, tail drooping. Puff went and sat in her crate.

That is when I had a little intervention. "Bossy One, yes it is your birthday but it is going to your head. It is a day that your family and friends want to share and celebrate with you not be ordered about and picked on. You are making everyone sad and the day is barely started. I am going to take your crown for now so that you remember you are a part of the pack. You can go with dad on a solo ride and while you are out, I want you to think of how lonely a one-person party is. When you return we will all be waiting to start again and truly celebrate how wonderful you are and how grateful we are in that you are part of The White Dog Army." With that I kissed her (she grumbled) and sent her off with Steve to run a few errands.

When they returned, Nuka nuzzled each of the others as they greeted her and sang "Happy Barkday." "THAT'S my girl!" I told her. Things were now on the right track...so we headed out for a stroll down Central, a visit to Dawg Gone Good for cookies, some time at the Park, and a final walk through the neighborhood before Steve had to head off to work. We waved "hurry home" and when we could no longer see the car, had some duck jerky. YoYoMa gave his sister one of his heart stuffies to lay on while all napped.

While the Birthday Girl got some rest, the rest of the White Dog Army helped me bake a special birthday treat for our 11-year-old Nuka. By the time she woke up, the house was filled with smell of fresh bran muffins iced with pumpkin and cottage cheese. They will be served this evening as we all gather to watch the DVD, Marley & Me, (which is Nuka's favorite film) as we wait for Steve's return.


HAPPY BARKDAY NUKA ANGEL MARIE!
We love you and celebrate the day you were born.