December 10, 2009

White Dog has been so busy with wrapping presents and supervising the completion of the Christmas card that she totally forgot about her fast-approaching barkday. This morning she looked up in shock when I said, "Come on, let's go send out emails to Buster and Dragon and Daisy and Poppy inviting them to your Barkday Party!" "Oh my dog," White Dog replied, "It IS only 12 days away! I am going to be 5 years old! We better get planning!" We decided on a More Agile Than Santa's Reindeer theme and chose the Sunday before her actual day for the party, then sent out notes to her friends hoping that they will join us for an Agility Course run and Apres Party with special foods and games. "Should we call Chef Richard next to help with the menu?" White Dog asked. I suggested that she think about what she would like and that we would talk with our Chef friend this weekend. White Dog wandered off to think about party food and games.

December 9, 2009

White Dog announced Adam's arrival before he even pulled into the driveway. He was here to look at the plumbing in the Studio where water has suddenly begun to puddle. White Dog loves projects like these where she can supervise and assist. They were out in the Studio briefly before the "team" came in with a diagnosis of water seeping in through the wall from outside...oh oh. "Not possible," said Steve via phone consult: no water in water closet behind leaking area. So back out they went, Adam truly hoping to avoid cutting into the wall. When he flushed and water came pouring out, he and White Dog got the saw from the truck. Inside, the wall cavity was dry and everything was properly tightened. Next, with White Dog lying in the doorway to make sure everything was done to the highest standards (Adam is very exacting), he thoroughly checked all the toilet connections and tightened everything a little. Still there was water. Finally, both on their backs in yoga positions with flashlight trained on the line, Adam found a hairline crack running parallel down the middle of the line! White Dog and Adam high-fived and came in to share the news and to take Steve (who was home for lunch) out to see. Mystery solved!

December 8, 2009

White Dog is constantly amazed at our weather here in Albuquerque. We awoke this morning to freezing rain, sleet, and snow. None of us wanted to get out of the bed much less trudge off down the slippery driveway to scrape off the car (poor Steve) or be pelted by ice while attending to morning hygiene (very wet and cold White Dog). Mid morning the moisture left and gusty howling canyon winds made everything creak and bend. It was chilling to the bone and threatened to topple over anyone brave enough to venture out. Now it is afternoon and our famous New Mexican blue skies have returned, the winds are gentle, and the sun is warm. White Dog lies on the deck watching birds; the drama of the early day melted away.

December 7, 2009

White Dog gasped and Steve said "Oh my, Dragon, Sue is NOT going to be happy with you" when the humans returned from yoga yesterday. The greeting brought me from the office. White Dog met me as I entered the Living Room and was (I hope) the only one who saw my eyes cloud up before I put on my stoic manners. Candace was on the floor fiercely holding the squirming Dragon. Steve cradled in his hands the beautiful hand felted sculpture of White Dog which had lived in the center of our coffee table...only now it was a mangled, chewed ruin missing tail, ears, front paw, and part of the nose. White rabbit fur, as soft as an Eskie's lay across the floor. "It is all right," I heard myself telling the distraught and embarrassed Candace. "It is only a thing." White Dog leaned against me and whispered, "You still have the real thing...me!" While we thought Dragon was napping, he climbed up onto the table (White Dog just cannot imagine the gall) and took the soft treasure. After Candace (still apologizing) and Dragon-brat (unrepentantly) left, we went on-line to see if a replacement was possible. Originally, the sculpture had come from Fire Bird Arts only now it sadly seems that they no longer carry the felted dogs. Steve sent them an email asking if it was at all possible to get a replacement...but we fear not. I just held the little doll and White Dog rested her head on my lap.

December 6, 2009

White Dog rolled her eyes and sighed. Some parts of the "normal" routine she would just as soon skip...like Dragon's usual Sunday visit...(or so she claims but I think she would secretly miss him). The little guy is OK but he has no manners and is constantly in her face wanting to play stupid boy dog wrestling games. She wishes Digby could just come over and keep Dragon busy...they really liked doing boy stuff together (like the peeing on the same spot game) during the Celebration weekend. White Dog played a quick game of chase through the house and outside around the yard hoping that would satisfy Dragon but it just made him yip for more. White Dog just wanted to sit and "visit" with the grownups and be hugged. Thank goodness when his parents went off with Steve to yoga class, Dragon just curled up (on White Dog's watching outside chair, of course) and went to sleep.

December 5, 2009

White Dog helped me wrap Christmas gifts last night which got her to thinking. This morning over breakfast she asked, "How does Santa know what to bring you; how does he know what you will like?" Steve explained that all of the Santas around the world are very smart and pay close attention all year for ideas. He ended his explanation by saying, "Many people, just to be sure, write Santa a letter listing their desires." The words were barely out of his mouth before White Dog was tugging at me to help her compose her requests:

Dear Santa,
I have been a VERY good girl all year and have tried VERY hard to be kind and compassionate and understanding. Ask anyone and I think they will tell you that I deserve nice surprises under the tree. In case you are not sure what to bring, here is a list of things I would really like:
1. A new Mercedes-Benz R320 because it has a nice wide console for me to sit upon when I copilot with dad. (He would also like one but we can share)!
2. Lots of treats especially my favorites: greenies, Dugan's Barkery goodies, and Sammy Snacks.
3. A whole beef tenderloin. (Richard made this for the Recommitment Reception and it was heavenly).
4. A huge weekend party where all of my friends fly in so that we can meet in person and share adventures, good foods, and sniffs...followed by a year of health, happiness, and fulfillment for each of their families.
5. For my bff, Prinnie, to move closer so that we can hang out more often.
6. Extra resources to help all of the needy two- and four-legged people who go without food, or good health, or beds, or safety, or love.
7. A chance to ride on the back of an elephant in Thailand and eat pommes frites in Paris.
8. Extra extra time for dad, mom, and me to share "just us" cuddle and hugs time.
9. More opportunities to run in the Park when no one else is there.
10. Peace and cooperation throughout the world.
Please consider my requests, Santa. I look forward to finding your response under our tree on Christmas morning. Thank you for taking time to read this.
Sincerely,
Siku Marie, the White Dog
P.S. I forgot to mention that you look very handsome with your white fur and dressed in red. Regards to your Mrs. ...and the reindeer.

December 4, 2009

White Dog watched in the window as Steve left for work this morning. He got in the car. He shut the door. He started....no wait, the car is not turning over! White Dog knew the sound wasn't right and she looked at me. After trying for several minutes, Steve came back in to announce the battery was dead, dead, dead! We have other cars, so no problem, right? Wrong! Our drive is long and narrow and the dead car was at the end of the line so the others were trapped! White Dog went back outside with Steve to try again using Eskie magic...they then removed the old battery. Steve eased the car down the incline of the driveway to allow some maneuvering room for the SUV (next in line). It was not easy and took White Dog's supervision from the window but Steve eventually managed to turn the car so he could cut around the dead one and get to the street. At lunchtime, he brought home a new battery. After a quick bite to eat, he installed it while White Dog barked encouragement and advice from inside the car. Both holding their breaths, Steve got in the driver's seat and turned the key...the car roared to life! After a celebratory ride around the block, White Dog came in so Steve could return to the office hoping no one had noticed his extended lunch hour.

December 3, 2009

White Dog jumped off her window perch and went rushing out of the dog door. Usually such urgency is followed with barking in the yard but there was only silence. I went to look out at her and discovered my beautiful white fox standing sculpture still in the middle of the yard capturing huge snowflakes on her upturned nose. Around her, the flakes drifted and danced. White Dog was totally into the moment of the snowfall, her eyes closed in ecstasy and she responded to none of the city noises around her. Meanwhile as more snow landed, her coat began to glisten in wet whiteness. I watched for quite sometime mesmerized by the tranquil loveliness of the scene, until White Dog shook herself and trotted back inside to warm her cold paws on the bed blankets. Suddenly the grey day seemed less oppressive.

December 2, 2009

White Dog was thrilled this morning when Steve called from the door, "Anyone want to go to the Park?" She jumped from the bed and ran to her leash chair before Steve had even finished zipping up his jacket. At the Park, they were alone and White Dog took ownership by zigzagging across the sloped knolls and sniffing with abandon. She is a beautiful sight as she tears across the lawn in ballet leaps with her white fur flying. White Dog was obviously glad to be back in this part of her weekly routine. When they got home, White Dog woke me with nuzzles from her cold nose then laid down at the foot of the bed, where the sunlight poured in, and slept.

November 30, 2009

White Dog barked "Safe trip; come back soon" to our last visitors before breakfast. Suddenly the house was very quiet. It seemed strange after days of house guests and social events to just be us. White Dog wandered around looking for her friends; she went out to the Studio and scratched at the door hoping to hear Prinnie's response. When she came back in, White Dog sat next to Steve; both looked sad. "I miss everyone already," Steve said. "I hate the idea of going back to our normal routine." White Dog sighed in agreement and put her head in his lap. "It was an incredible, wonderful time," I agreed. "And we have those memories forever. But don't be sad about going back to our routine...White Dog, you love your after breakfast naps...and Steve we have a whole day to use to transition...Let's just relax, enjoy that there is no planning or entertaining or fussing to do, and bask in the warm glow. Our regular life is, in itself, pretty darn good."

White Dog wants to thank Teddy and Sierra for this beautiful award. We are so honored that they think our blog efforts worthy of recognition. They are very kind to share it with us. In turn, White Dog would like to pass on the kudos to Two Special Wires; Prinnie's Yaps; The World of Hansel; and Nottie Scottie...we think each of these blogs are filled with special energy.