White Dog’s arrival nine years ago changed our lives in unexpected ways. While the rest of the world celebrates Valentine’s Day tomorrow, with hearts and flowers and cupids, White Dog Army Ranch celebrates My Girl’s Gotcha Day. There is no less focus on love and beautiful sentiment, except ours involve white floof and buffalo steaks.
WD was not intended to be a Valentine’s Baby. She came to us from Kansas and the airlines would only allow her to fly if the temperature fell within a strict range. After two unsuccessful dates, the 14th proved to be the charm.
And charmed I was. Steve had recovered her at the airport and rushed to pick me up from class. When he placed that tiny white ball of white silk and big black unwavering eyes into my hands, I handed over my soul.
If you are blessed there are a few moments in your life that are so perfect and magical that you truly KNOW the Universe sends miracles to forever fill your every fiber and to always give you reasons for hope, determination and gratitude.
Finding Steve was like that. So was Siku’s arrival in my life.
Not a second has passed since we met at the parking lot of the school that I not felt her connection and faith and confidence. We have grown and evolved and weathered some mighty storms. We joyous embraced life and found a mission. We have danced in the rain and grew an incredible family...together.
This Blog is the result of her influence. And my recovery from congestive heart failure where I did actually die. The White Dog Army exists because of her. She is the one who sits up with me when my mind whirls and I cannot sleep. It is her fur I cry into and her face I kiss with happiness.
WD has taught me to be a parent, both a fur momma and a human one--demanding but fair…and always quick with praise. She has allowed the constant attention that comes from being an only child to wander as her older siblings make health demands and her younger ones have adjustment needs. From her I have learned to be more flexible and genuine and not to put off taking the time to say “I love you,” or “thanks,” or “I am sorry.”
So tomorrow when the entire world is in love with love, the White Dog Army, Steve and I will be having our own unique love fest…Happiest of Gotcha Days, Siku Marie, The White Dog, Leader of The White Dog Army and Momma’s Daemon.
I hope you feel as lucky as we all do that you are a part of our lives, Little White Dog of My Heart.