July 7, 2010

White Dog's face showed a million thoughts in the brief nanosecond it took her to digest the news and say, "Of course Dragon must stay here! I would not think of his not being with family!" I hugged her tightly since I know how hard it is for her to adapt to overnight guests and this would be for six days. "You are the most perfect hostess and a wonderful friend!" I whispered. Quinn had no problem with Gregg and Candace's request, as expected.

Gregg's dad passed away last week and they were heading back to the Midwest for his memorial service and to scatter his ashes. Because Dragon is part Shih Tzu, a breed which has breathing difficulties on airplanes, they did not want to risk taking him along and driving was just too far and too demanding. Candace's brother was going to stop in a couple of times a day to feed and play with the bigger dogs (who have access to a walled yard through a dog door and who are used to being left alone) but Dragon has been raised in the White Dog style, an active part of every aspect of their life. He would have been depressed and lonely without the company of people. Dragon considers our house his second home; he is here for visits and meals a couple of times a week and has travelled all over the country with White Dog. He and The Other White Dog are playful boyz when together and as long as everyone listens to the law as interpreted by White Dog, all is peaceful.

" You won't let him sleep on OUR bed?" White Dog questioned. No, his parents are bringing his bed and blanket. "I don't have to endlessly keep him entertained?" No, he knows his way around but you WILL have to share your toys and chewies. "It is only 6 days, right? It's not like his parents will ditch him?" Believe me, they will rush home because they will be missing their boy so much. "All right. Dragon brat is welcome!" and with that White Dog even let Dragon have Hoof, the most prized chewie in the house.