April 26, 2011

White Dog stuck close to my side all day. It was a blustery canyon-wind gusting day; the wind howled at points, branches creaked and groaned, anything not tied down rumbled and tumbled across the yard or down the street. The day was perfect for cuddling and staying inside. Even Quinn, who normally loves quirky weather chose to hunker down.

This afternoon The Other White Dog was napping in a favorite spot, across the front door. AWD was curled up by the fireplace. SAWD lying at my feet. WD was in her usual spot at my shoulder on the arm of my chair. I was wrapped in a blanket snugly warm and reading. Does this sound like the setting for a scary movie? Hear the music getting ominous? Suddenly there was a microburst of wind and the front door blew open with enough force to actually move our big boy! He jumped up in fright and went into attack mode growling, hackles raised, challenging the invader trying to get past him. The entire White Dog Army was at his side in an instant, shoulder to shoulder blocking the path between the door and myself. White Dog stood on the arm of the chair (like a crow's nest)scanning the outside and barking reports. I felt VERY safe but chilled.

It was unpredictable wind like we often get here in the high desert, swirling and changing direction, often becoming so localized as to be dust devils (like little weak mini tornadoes). We watched and heard it shift several times across the afternoon and it left TWDA uneasy. Everyone joined me in the office; if we couldn't stop the wind, at least we could all be together.

After a short while, Nuka left the room. I figured she was checking out kibble bowls or had gone for a potty-break. The winds were surging but when you gotta go... Through my focus at the computer I became aware of Another White Dog's Chewbacca howl and rushed to see what the problem was. Poor girl, HAD gone out for relief, but the wind shifted and was slapping the dog door back and forth. The swinging door trapped AWD outside because she was frightened by the invisible dogs running in and out. I held the door flap up and coaxed her back inside. Once safe, she turned and barked at the door for quite some time.

The winds are still strong tonight and the pups are torn between staying at my side or nervously watching for Steve to return from work. I am certain that they will not relax until we are all home safely together protected from the assault.