2.14.2011

February 14, 2011

White Dog knows that today is a special day of love. It is one that we have celebrated with gusto her entire life. She expects cards, and gifts and flowers and wonderful treats. But in our house it is not Valentine’s Day in which we participate, but rather, White Dog’s, Siku Marie’s, Gotcha Day!

So here is my love letter to la perrita blanca de mi Corazon, the little White Dog of my heart:

Dearest Siku Marie,
The day you arrived, six years ago, you were a frightened Kansas girl who had flown all alone to your new home here in the frontier. You didn’t even know us. Dad had 8 pages of name choices picked out for you but the instant I held you the ice that surrounded my heart (shocked at the sudden loss of Sheena to cancer) melted…and you became, Siku, “Ice.”

Not a single moment has gone by that I haven’t thanked Angel Sheena for sending you to me. We are closer than heart-bound, you are my daemon, you share my soul. Before anyone else, you know when I need a kiss, or a cuddle, or a yip of encouragement. In return, I am the one you turn to when you waken frightened from a nightmare, or to share your “babies” or to steal a bite of some exquisite human morsel. You share my triumphs and I yours. You are the one who sits up with me at night when stress or problems keep sleep at bay. Together, we have watched the sun rise and the meteors shower.

White Dog, you are my hidden voice, my conscience and wisdom, reminding me that being noble and genuine is as simple as just living dog-style. You give me courage to take risks and forgive failures (both in myself and in others). You exemplify living in the joy of the moment and letting go of the grudges of the past. We have matured together, you and me.

Now, we both find ourselves in situations we could not even have conceived of six years ago; we have a human child, you have three siblings. Our world has grown. We have taken on new roles, not always willingly. But we have adapted and discovered new parts of ourselves.

If there be grace in the Universe, we have many many many adventures ahead on our journey that we will share, savor, or simply get through. It may not be always easy but we are stubborn and dogged and we are a formidable team. Together, my precious White One, I am confident that our legacy will be one of love, compassion and positivity.

Happy Gotcha Day, Siku Marie! Know I love you…Always, Momma

P.S. Quinn, Nuka, and Puff…and in a way, Michael, too, know that without you, it is unlikely that they would be a part of our lives. They send thanks and love and joyful wishes for many more celebrations of the day.

22 comments:

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

You have the Momster leaking here with your beautiful, loving, and heartfelt words. Happy Gotcha Day to sweet Siku Marie - how appropriate to celebrate your arrival on Valentine's day.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is one incredible Valentine love story!

Casper said...

Happy Gotcha Day my good friend. And Happy Valentine's Day also. That was such a wonderful letter from your Momma.

Jacqueline said...

Happy Gotcha Day beautiful Siku!...We are so glad you and your wonderful family found each other; we are always in awe of the love we feel just from reading your blog...The love letter from your Mom is heartfelt and true=what a precious gift you all have been to each other...We hope your precious family enjoys a festive celebration on this special day of love=Happy Valentine's Day, sweet friends...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki
PS...Due to some sorrowful days in my own family, I regret having missed gorgeous Nuka's birthday a few days ago and we wanted to wish her a healthy and happy personal New Year; we're so glad she will be sharing all of her days as a part of your loving family...We love you guys very much.

Cappy the Eskie said...

What a beautiful tribute! We’re sure that Mom feels the same way about us, but she could never phrase her feelings so eloquently.

Happy Gotcha Day to you, Siku and Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. Your family is just bursting at the seams with love.

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie

TimberLove said...

that was such a beautiful letter! happy gotcha day Siku & happy valentine's day to effuryone!
wooos,

RA & Isis

TwoSpecialWires said...

And, Siku, WE send thanks and love and joyful wishes for many more celebrations of the day. Without you ... and your Gotcha Day ... we would not be part of your Family of Friends ... something that is very special to us.

We hope your day has been perfect ... in many ways. And that you all have enjoyed the Love that makes your Family what it is.

Much Love from us. Always
Jake and Fergi and the People

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What a special message on Happy HEARTS Day!

Thanks fur sharing!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

Happy Valentimes day to all of the white dog crew! ~and~ Happy Gotcha day Siku Marie!
We luvs y'all!
Much luvums,
The Slimmer Puggums
George, Gracie, Toby, Lily, and Mimi

Kari in Alaska said...

what a beautiful letter!

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Suka said...

hey Siku Marie,

Happy 6th Gotcha Day! You are a beautiful Soul, Siku Marie, and it is because of you, your beautiful Soul, that we found each other and our humans became friends. Your Momma wrote an amazingly heartfelt, loving tribute to you that touched both mine, and my human's, heart and Soul. What a wonderful connection you and your Momma share. You are so precious and special, and we wish you many, many more Gotcha Days full of love and sharing and joy and health.

Suka and K

p.s. Hope all of you had a sweet Valentin's Day full of lots of sweet treats from all your sweethearts! :->

meowmeowmans said...

That's just lovely! Happy Valentine' Day!

FiveSibesMom said...

Happy Valentine's Gotcha Day, sweet little girl! What a perfect day to celebrate your special day. And what a touching letter. Hope you enjoy your celebration (I know you will!) Husky hugs!

Maureen said...

Such a sweet and touching way to show the abundance of love you share. Every pup should be so lucky to have even just a portion of that love in their lives.

Happy Hearts Day!

The HoneyBuzz

Teddy Bear said...

Happy Gotcha Day, Siku!!! And Happy Valentine's Day to you, Quinn, Nuka, Puff, and your amazing pawrents.:) That letter was very beautiful.:) Your Mom is pawesome with words.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

What a very beautiful and heartfelt letter. That realy is very lovely. I know how special you are Siku to your mum and she to you. The words written put that love into words so well. Happy gotcha day and happy hearts day beautiful woofie friend and love to your mum, dad, siblings woofie and human. GJ and his mum carol xx

Piappies World said...

Happy Hearts Day, Siku Marie! Adn Happy Happy Gotcha Day. You got a very loving Mom and you are such wonderful puppy friend.

Love,

Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai, Wai-Max & Forgie

Swimflyaway said...

Happy Gotcha/Valentine's Day! What a heartfelt letter from your mom that was. The love shown in your family is truly a wonderous thing!

Happy Gotcha Day Siku Marie!

Mack said...

Siku, I hope you had the bestest gotcha day ever!!

Mucho Sugars,
Mack

Remington said...

Happy Gotcha Day! Now Beth is crying....she does that when she reads very heartfelt words....great post!

KB said...

Happy Gotcha Day. That is a wonderful and deeply touching letter. It expresses your bond beautifully. I feel the same way about my chocolate girl, K, so I understood the depth of your feelings completely.

It is so very appropriate that Siku Marie arrived on Valentine's Day.

Coffee Talk with Shar said...

HAPPY, HAPPY Gotcha day, my BFF! Your momma's letter was beautiful, and hit so many parts of how we all feel about your family / our family! We love you Siku Marie, and are grateful beyond words that you are in our lives.

Love and kisses,
Your BFF Prinnie and family