March 18, 2012

White Dog said, "Wow, momma! The minute you stopped celebrating and turned March back over to the World, nature has been protesting!" WD was referring to the gale force winds that ripped through the city most of the day knocking down store signs and trees and creating sheets of blinding blowing sand so dense that roads were temporarily closed.

The White Dog Army looked magnificent on maneuvers with furs whipping in the wind and floof at full fluff factor. Poor Steve had pulled his hood tightly around his face and hunkered into his sweatshirt as he bravely marched along. White Dog, leashless, rippled across the grass like the personification of zephyr itself. We took photos but every shot was blurred by the waves of dust and constant movement.

The balmy Spring temperatures we have enjoyed during the past week disappeared in a mere two hours as the degrees slid downward to the forties. The car shook as the WDA and I waited for Steve to pick up prescriptions at the pharmacy. We dashed for the house and its relative quiet and warmth the moment Pumpkin rolled to a halt.

"When you said things were going to change after we finished celebrating, was this what you meant?" asked YoYoMa who likes the howling noises least of all.

"No YAWD, this I did not even consider. I was referring to the fact that the semester break for dad is now over. Starting Monday, he is back to work everyday...with a new schedule. His very late nights will be on Monday and on Thursday, let's be glad they are no longer back-to-back. Some things will remain the same. Friday is still our Saturday. And now dad is only teaching in the mornings on Saturdays so we will be able to do things in the afternoons. And of course we have Sundays from dawn until we go to bed. This quarter is a very good schedule, eh?"

"The best schedule would be to have dad home all of the time," WD responded, "But I guess until we magically win millions of dollars, we have to pay for the kibble somehow. Thanks dad!"

March 17, 2012

White Dog said, "You FINALLY get the entire world to jump into the party mode today and now YOU'RE done? I don't get it!" "White Dog, the world is celebrating St. Patrick's Day not my birthday." "Does it matter? Everything is green, your favorite color. They are dancing and playing Celtic music, which you love. AND if we keep celebrating we could have Guinness Stout ice cream floats!"

"We are going to have another kind of celebration...a clean white dogs spa day! Yes, I know you went to the groomer on Friday but your sisters and YoYoMa are in desperate need of a bath and dad is itching to try out the new puppy blow dryer he got."

"Hey, we weren't doing nothing, don't drag us into this" moaned YoYoMa. "Yeah, how come WD complains and WE get baths?" Nuka yipped. Only Puff seemed amiable. "A warm bath and blow fluff sounds like it might feel good," she opined. Every one turned and looked at Quinn.

"Don't any of you even think of giving TOWD a hard time. You all know he is still getting adjusted to his new meds. HIS bath will come in due time." I said.

"And WD, if you so want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, I will gladly do what they do in Chicago, where Dad and I came from. I'll tint the bath water green so you can bathe in Irish splendor." "Ummm, like you said I was just groomed and we Spitzes are German and green is not my palette and..." "Calm down, Little One, I was just joking. I would never do anything to change your natural beauty."

"Now for the rest of you, let's line up so that we can uncover the brilliant white floof meisters I know arehiding under all of that dust life glitter." After, you can all have a Greenie, in honor of the day.

The White Dog Army officially returns March to the rest of the world for a Happy St. Patrick's Day and a glorious March Madness and such.

March 16, 2012

White Dog and the others looked at Steve suspiciously when he reached for the hanging leashes. "Can't we just have a morning to do nothing? Momma's endless birthday is killing us!" He grabbed White Dog's lead. "Well, Baby Girl, the rest of The White Dog Army does have the morning off but you have an appointment at the spa and I have to go into work." WD sighed and the WDA let out a long breath of relief.

"But remember we are all meeting Gordon for lunch at one," Steve said and sailed out with WD in tow.

WD was silky smooth and blindingly white when she and Steve returned at noon. It was pleasant in the house with the doors open but Steve said it was hot in the sun. He reminded me the outdoor seating of the restaurant was plaza style and not well shaded; he suggested that we might consider leaving the WDA behind. I expected a surge toward the door and the usual "you can't leave without us" demands. Instead, WD settled on the arm of my chair and each of the others got into comfortable nap positions. We called out to let Michael know we were leaving and headed out sans Army.

We were carrying my birthday gift from Gordon when we reentered a while later...a beautiful brown, succulent, applewood scented turkey breast that he had smoked for us (Gordon is a master at smoked meats). Suddenly, the WDA desire celebrate was renewed! Steve allowed each member a slivered sample and then carefully put the bird in the refrigerator for later divvying. The WDA promised to guard the icebox against theft.

Tonight things are beginning to return to "normal." We ate at home, just a simple meal, just us, just like normal... well almost normal...there was still carrot cake so we didn't have to stop celebrating cold turkey.

March 15, 2012

White Dog, The Other White Dog, Another White Dog,
Still Another White Dog and Yet Another White Dog
wish momma the most perfect birthday ever!
(of course, she is spending it with us and dad so how could it be anything but...)

Here is a photo of momma from 1958, when she was 1 year old (wow! that was a VERY long time ago)!

Here is momma this morning with all of us (clockwise from momma: Siku Marie, The Mighty Quinn, Puff the Magical on Dad's lap, YoYoMa, and Nuka Angel). Michael is the photographer.

And now we are taking her to the Duck Pond Park, then shopping for dog treats, then lunch at El Rincon del Pollo (for the best ever green chile chicken burritoes), and then home for some cuddle time. Tonight it is lamb shanks at the Casbah and Ridha has already promised bones and a surprise for momma to bring home.

March 14, 2012

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog often reads the heart-breaking stories of families forced from their homes or people denied medical treatment for financial reasons. The White Dog Army knows what a thin line sometimes separates surviving from falling into the cracks. Deep in our hearts we are certain that given the opportunity and means any one would reach out a saving hand to prevent these tragedies.

The WDA believes the idea of paying it forward is a natural reaction for most when good fortune blesses them. It is that instinct, to help, to share, that convinces us that the World is full of wonderful strangers who help because it is “the right thing to do.” Whether a handknit donation for a charity auction, $10 to help a fellow blogger’s vet bills or $51,632.00 to fund cancer treatment, we find hope and promise in these acts. What would you do if you had $1,000,000 to share?

Father with 10 brain tumours refused cancer drug has £33,000 ($51,632.00 US)

treatment paid for by total stranger

By Rebecca Seales and Rob King, March 6, 2012

New hope: Glen Cunningham, with partner Yasmin Malik and son Glen, can hardly believe that a total stranger has agreed to pay for him to receive a life-prolonging drug

The family of a man with 10 brain tumours say their prayers have been answered after a generous stranger agreed to pay for a life-prolonging drug denied to him by the NHS.

Father-of-two Glen Cunningham, 29, who suffers from a rare form of cancer called gliosarcoma, had been planning a fundraising mission after he was refused Avastin, a ‘wonder-drug’ which costs £33,500 per year.

But he now hopes to spend more time with his partner and young children after a property developer decided to donate the entire sum himself.

Kenny Vickers, 34, and wife Melody, 33, whose youngest son is fighting for life after being born prematurely, were touched by a report of Mr Cunningham's plight in a local newspaper.

Speaking after Cunningham and his family travelled to Sheffield for more treatment, his partner Yasmin Malik, 26, said: 'I am honestly stunned.

'I don’t quite know what to say. I never thought for one minute there would be people in the world as generous as this, it’s not sinking in.

Cunningham, a plasterer from South Shields, Tyne and Wear, hopes the drug will shrink his tumours, two of which are inoperable, and extend his life, giving him more time to spend with daughter Lauren, seven, and a 10-month-old son, also named Glen.

South Tyneside Primary Care Trust (PCT) had said there wasn’t enough evidence the injections, which are licensed by the Government, would help him.

Vickers, of the Isle of Skye, also has a home in South Shields and read of Cunningham's predicament in their local newspaper, the Shields Gazette.

He said he and his wife were in 'floods of tears' at Mr. Cunningham's circumstances.

'We are lucky enough to be quite comfortable financially and so we would like to give Glen the chance to see his children grow up and spend more time with them,' he added.

'To me life is everything and very precious, and I want to give Glen the quality time he deserves with his family.'

But Vickers, a father of seven, is also facing a troubled time in his own family.

His youngest child, 10-week-old Preston, is fighting for life after being born 14 weeks prematurely, weighing just 1lbs 11.5 ozs and is in South Tyneside District Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit.

Preston has suffered from two holes in his bowel, plus a double hernia and needs further surgery at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary on Thursday.

Vickers said: 'We have children and we know how difficult it can be, especially at the moment, so we know what it’s like to be going through hard times.

'We wish Glen and his family the best of luck and we just hope our gift will help.

'If he needs anything else, all he has to do is ask.'

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2110987/Father-10-brain-tumours-refused-cancer-drug-33-000-cost-treatment-met-total-stranger.html#ixzz1oTr2IbPh

Tomorrow is the day, momma's palindromic birthday (55)! Today we celebrated with Dragon and Sen-ge and Gregg and Candace...there is no better gift than loving friends! Why is it that humans cry when they are happy AND when they are sad? We think momma was very very happy even though she was leaking. THE WHITE DOG ARMY

March 13, 2012

White Dog and The White Dog Army were just settling in for a post breakfast nap when Steve high-fived me and said, "Party on, Sue!" and I replied, "Party on, Steve!" WD raised her head and asked, "Time for the Saturday Night Live Retrospective?"

"Nope," Steve said pulling out the picnic bag. "Time for momma birthday Day 2; get ready we are heading into the foothills for some hiking and a picnic!" The White Ones were torn between napping and a hike but as they watched Steve pack artisanal cheeses, a rustic loaf of bread, thick turkey slices, raspberries, oatmeal bars and duck/sweet potato dog cookies, they all shook off the lethergy and got into the spirit.

We headed to the Wilderness Area at the foot of the mountains. It has a marvelous handicap accessable path around a portion of the trails and some nice sheltered areas for a quiet picnic. It was the most gorgeous of Albuquerque Spring days, 68 degrees F and Land of Enchantment blue skies. AND it was mid-day during the week which meant the area was nearly deserted.

The WDA, Steve and I spent a soul-filling couple of hours eating, sharing, walking...it was, as they say here, a good day to be alive.

Back home, later in the evening the very tired White Ones were content to snooze while Steve and I journeyed to France (wel,l a quaint classic French restaurant we love and don't visit enough here in town) for dinner. Romantic and full of ambience, the restaurant sated our senses with soft jazz and a fantastic meal (fresh pea soup, cassoulet and lamb ribs, and warm vanilla bean custard profiteroles).

As we settled in for the night, all cuddled together, YoYoMa looked up. "What should we expect tomorrow, momma?" he asked. "Dear Yo, expect the unexpected, for the next few days we are living in the moment of joyous celebration." "I think that means extra treats," Nuka translated for him.

March 12, 2012

White Dog laid across me this morning when I attempted to get out of bed. "Let's just cuddle a little longer. You can go back to sleep if you want." I wrapped my girl in my arms and did, in fact, doze a bit longer.

In the living room YoYoMa pushed the afghan over my feet and snuggled down on top of them. "Warm, aren't I, momma?" he grinned up at me.

We got back from Quinn's Wellness Checkup and the White Dog Army surrounded ME not The Other White Dog, gently herding me to a chair and making sure I was comfortable. Nuka yipped at Steve and did not stop until he delivered a glass of water to me.

After duck jerky and lunch, the White Ones suggested Steve take them for walks and then maybe we could all take a nap...

"OK," I finally had to ask, "I love all of the attention but why are you all acting like I am sick or something?"

"We don't think you are sick," Puff responded, "but White Dog reminded us that your birthday is in just a few days and at your age we all figured you ought to rest up so you can celebrate without hurting yourself. 'Cuz we love you, momma!"

"Dear ones, I am going to be 55, that is only 10.5 in dog years, younger than most of you! AND may I remind you WHO gets tired and goes to sleep during our parties? Hint, It ISN'T me! And Sweeties, maybe we ought to take a nap so you can keep up...dad has taken a few days of vacation time and let me tell you, the party starts TODAY!"

"And goes all the way to Thursday?" Nuka asked, eyes wide. I patted the top of her head, "AWD, and goes into the weekend! Get your running shoes on, you are going to need them to keep up with your old momma!"

"I think somebody is a little sensitive," I heard White Dog whisper to the Army, "She will feel better after a nap!"

March 11, 2012

White Dog looked over the edge of the bed at Quinn, who had just come in from his morning necessary break. "Hey, what's that on your paws?" she demanded. "What? Oh the snow?" The Other White Dog replied. "It snowed overnight."White Dog hopped down and sniffed his feet. "Geez, it is the middle of March, winter is over! We should be seeing signs of Spring!"

Later, we met Dragon and Sen-ge and went to the Park. Quinn walked beside his sister and said, "The snow covered mountains ARE pretty, aren't they?" WD studied the skyline and nodded in agreement, "but will Spring EVER arrive?"

"Walk with me," said Puff as she joined the two. "White Dog, there are signs all around that Spring is pushing up through the ground and out of the bare branches. Look. Listen, can you hear the song birds returning?" The three paused to stand, wind ruffling their beautiful white coats, faces pointed up to the warm sun. A glance around revealed the snow already melted. A sniff caught the sense of damp earth and green.

White Dog nosed a bright green sprout, looked at her siblings, and took off in a zoomie celebration.

March 10, 2012

White Dog barked an announcement. "It's here!" and all of the White Dog Army pushed out the door to help Steve bring in THE BOX! The Dachies with Moxie had let WD know earlier this week that the White Dog Army Quilt, handmade by their very talented mom, What's Her Name, was completed and on it's way. What's Her Name is the artist who created the the tribute quilt for The Fearless Five of the Pittie Pack. Her work is crafted with love and precision. If you do not know her work check out her blog.

I reached for the parcel and WD snarled, "Not until your birthday on Thursday!" "Oh no, you are NOT going to make me wait five days to see." I replied. "Am too!" "Will not!" The room watched to see who would win this battle of wills.

"OK, then I will hold the duck jerky hostage! No quilt, no jerky!" There was a gasp from the WDA and a quick conference. "Fine," Quinn replied as the others calmed the still grumbling White Dog in the background, "you can open the box AFTER we each get a good faith jerky strip to seal the deal." The treats were distributed and we moved to opening the long anticipated fabric art.

When Steve made space and spread the quilt before us, every one drew a breath of amazement. There was the White Dog Army, in each individual's splendor captured in a moment of unity and hopeful peace. The tapestry of fabric felt like love and safety and "Us." My eyes welled with tears as the White Ones and Steve said, "Happy Early Birthday, momma!" This is the best present I can imagine.

Of course, each of the pups wanted to pose next to their likeness so that all could see how incredible WHN's rendering was. White Dog went first...

And then Nuka Angel, Another White Dog barged on to the quilt unable to wait any longer. (her image is over her shoulder)...

Puff the Magical, Still Another White Dog, liked the soft texture but was unsure of this new item in our living room...

YoYoMa, Yet Another White Dog, was ready to lie down and spend the evening admiring his image and was, in fact, a bit shocked when I told him that this was not a quilt FOR the WDA but rather, a bedtopper for MY bed!

The Mighty Quinn, The Other White Dog, thoroughly explored all of the images with approval but when the camera turned to him he dashed out of the dogdoor. Our shy boy hates the paparazzi

Thank you Dachsies with Moxie for having such an awesome mom...and thank you Agnes, for using your talent to so touch my heart. You have made my birthday special beyond compare.

March 9, 2012

White Dog sounded the alarm the minute the box was carried off of the Brown Truck. When Steve brought it in and set it on the chair, the WDA formed a protective phalanx sniffing and waiting in anticipation. It was torture when he left to run some errands without first opening the box. White Dog already KNEW what was inside and she was drawn again and again to check it out.

After dinner, it was time to open the box and Steve rallied the White Dog Army around.

The larder at White Dog Ranch was down to only one purple bag and the restocking mission to Costco found that (cover your ears and eyes, you faint of heart)...they were temporarily out of stock! So I did what any caring momma would do...I pulled out the plastic card and went online to Amazon. Just in the nick of time, too, since we opened the LAST bag in our home stash yesterday, leaving the WDA totally flying without a safety net, treat-wise. Sure we have about 6,328 other different kinds of treats but this was our LAST bag of duck jerky, no reserve.

After discovering that we once again had a failsafe, the White Ones offered a prayer of gratitude to the Universe, to Amazon, and to the Brown guys...then they tried to coerce Steve into opening the bag to hand out samples.