White Dog was pressed against my chest. If she could have embraced my heart with her paws she would have. Every single one of the others surrounded me forming a protective ring. They were there for me because they understand the needs of humans at times like these.
I held YoYoMa’s collar, wet from my tears and wept.
Twenty minutes, half an hour max, the time needed to topple an era. It is still too raw to understand but the WD also knows that I process best when I write.
YoYoMa was the last of the original White Dog Army that changed Siku’s, and our lives forever. The Little White Dog of My Heart began a special mission when she called Quinn, then Nuka, then Puff, then YoYoMa to us all within a matter of months. Yo, almost entirely blind, and from a horribly abusive situation became WD quiet Number One. He was her exact age (now 13).
They have all crossed the Bridge as of today. The thought made me fill with fear and clutch White Dog to ward off my thoughts.
In the end my Warrior, my amazing tough, determined boy who loved silly jokes, coffee with heavy cream, and kisses on the nose, was brought down not directly by his IMHA. Rather, it was the ravages of the constant fight that wore his body down…his heart gave out.
As usual, he joined Steve and the others in the very early morning light in the yard for a bit of exercise and taking care of business. He was energetic and fine. Then he started to pant and fell down. Steve rushed him in and laid him next to me on the bed. I checked him over and gave him oxygen as he rested beside me. He was alert and attentive to his surroundings. I called Dr. Julia’s office to tell them we would be bringing him in posthaste.
In the meanwhile Steve offered water and food. Yo refused both. Steve ran to dress.
“Don’t worry Baby Boy,” I told him. “We are going to see Dr. Julia. I kiss your nose. I will be with you.” I turned to also dress.
When I sat back on the bed to put on shoes, YoYoMa had flown away.
Now I look at the collar I am still holding. Yo has made his final car trip. The Original White Dog Army is now a legend, a legacy, a standard for all future recruits.
“I kiss your nose, YoYoMa.”
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| Taken in 2013 after Oso, also crossed, joined the WDA |