July 6, 2012

White Dog sounded the Brown Truck alarm and the Others came dashing to the front door singing joyfully in greeting. When they saw the size of the box the deliveryman was carrying up to our house, The White Dog Army doubled their efforts. The helpful driver assisted me in putting the box on the sun porch despite his certainty that he would be devoured by the frenzying dogs. Once he hurried back to his tuck and was safely driving away, I opened the door and let the WDA out for an inspection. They sniffed and pushed each other to walk around the box and looked at me questioningly. It didn't smell like treats...or pup friends from anywhere in the world. They lost interest.

Until Steve got home and we dragged the box into the house. Suddenly, the WDA was at his side to help and advise. Tails wagged as he cut open the packing tape and unfolded the flaps. Nuka jumped up trying to get a look inside but was too short. White Dog hopped on the couch for a better view. I held the bottom of the box steady as Steve took firm hold and pulled my new wheelchair from its container. The White Ones surged to sniff anew.

Steve continued to pull out and unwrap the leg pieces and various endcaps that needed placing. Assembly took about three minutes. "Want to try it out?" he asked me and I waked over and sat in my new "carriage". White Dog jumped into my lap.

It was very nice and adjusted in height so that it more perfectly fit my tall stature as well as my girth. I rolled the chair back and forth with WD snuggled against me. Very smooth. The others were clamoring for a chance to try as well. Puff copied her sister. Nuka climbed up then immediately wanted "down." Oso settled into my lap and closed his eyes. YoYoMa tried out the space under the chair where he took up his protective position and Quinn pressed against the side of the unit, happy that he could thrust his nose through the open side and touch my thigh. Everyone seemed happy.

"Pretty neat," I said with the Army gathered around the new all-black design. "But..." Steve replied, "I hear a but."

White Dog, Quinn, Michael and momma at the very first Walk to End Cancer in Fort Collins, Co

"No I was just thinking of all the history my old wheelchair has shared...visiting Costa Rica and Dominica...freedom to visit endless wonderful places here in the States..."walking" in the first Puppy Up! Walk in Fort Collins...training classes with White Dog...meeting Quinn for the first time to bring him home...and Nuka...and YoYoMa...holding Oso as we escaped animal control together...WDA walks through the cottonwoods...our Recommitment Ceremony..."

"Stop! Only you could get teary over replacing your old wheelchair. Those memories will always be with you and there will be news ones that happen with this chair. It is only a machine, the rest comes from the heart and your drive to experience life's wonderfulness." "Besides," WD woofed, "this chair has a pouch on the side to hold dog treats!" I looked around and smiled, "Remember what I was like when we traded the SUV?" Everyone rolled their eyes.