4.07.2011

April 7, 2011

White Dog has grown up with me singing to her. It started when she was a puppy and needed to be comforted or calmed. A couple of years ago, when I was recovering from the pulmonary effects of congestive heart failure, I developed a routine of singing for half an hour straight every day, usually in the early evening as sun set and we waited for Steve's return from work. It was just the two of us then and I warbled and built up strength as we sat side-by-side in the falling semi-darkness.

My breathing abilities are back to "better than normal" yet I continue this physical therapy because I have discovered it does not just balance my breathing but also because it balances my thinking. But now I don't just sit with WD, I feel as though I give a Bob Hope concert performance to the troops...because I perform nightly for The White Dog Army.

Quinn, Nuka, and Puff have all, one-by-one over time, come to share in my vocalizations, sitting arrayed around me and watching expectantly. Sometimes they get the urge and join in; others, they sit and let my voice (such as it is) wash over them. At those times, I thrill to see them relax into the sound of my noise and it makes me less aware of my stumbling off-notes.

I resist the urge for "stage patter" even though it seems natural and I sing a variety of mostly pop tunes...but I have added a few crowd pleasers like "The Mighty Quinn" and "Puff The Magic Dragon." It is during these times that I am inclined to most agree with Michael's assertion that Another White Dog, our deaf girl, can read lips for she is right beside the others staring at my face and panting happily. Still, after all these years, my personalized version of Cat Steven's "Moonshadow" brings White Dog into my lap to curl up and go to sleep.

You know the saying, "Dance like no one can see you?" In my living room at twilight it is "Sing like no one can hear you...except for your loving pups!"

18 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

We would love to hear your Mom's angelic voice. There is nothing better than the sound of your Moms singing sweet melodies.:)

Love,
Teddy bear

D.K. Wall said...

That reminded the hu-dad of the time that that Cheoah was visiting the nursing home and a group was performing songs for the residents. He was so afraid that Cheoah was going to join in and kept giving her "the look."

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is wonderful! If I close my eyes I can feel like I'm at the concert too! I hope you all have a melodic weekend!!!

Kari in Alaska said...

I sing to my monsters all the time. THe only who doesn't enjoy it is Big Carl

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Remington said...

Mike sings ALL the time. Beth is more shy and only sings to me when we are alone. I like it.... Have a great weekend, my friends.

The Daily Pip said...

What a lovely and fun image of the dogs crowded around you, joining in song! Maybe some day you will get a video of that!

Your pal, Pip

Random Felines said...

That is awesome - mom has this picture in her mind and it is making her smile BIG!!!

Stella said...

As a deaf person, my singing leaves a lot to be desired. However, don't tell Stella and Zkhat that, they like it. When it gets dark, we have a little bedtime concert and we end our day on a musical? note. I am happy to hear this has been a routine for you over the years.

Cheers,
Stella's Mom

Suka said...

hey White Dog Army,

What a wonderful tradition! I can just picture all of you pups gathered around your mom as she belts out the tunes! Lovely!

Enjoy the melodies of love!

Suka

Bailey Be Good! said...

Soooo sweeeet! I love to hear singing. Your doggies are indeed very lucky! :)

Woofs & hugs,

~Bailey

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Oh dat is so sweet. I tink we would all run outside if Mom ever started singing....or howling as we would call it.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

How very lovely . That conjures up a magical picture and I am sure it is magical.. Hugs GJ xx

Sagira said...

That is so sweet. I bet they love having you sing to them.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Mom says singing to the little bipeds here has a great calming effect so you must be keeping the Army content and at peace. We can't quite figure it all out because her "singing voice" isn't all that calming to us:)

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Asta said...

What a wondewful wootine
The white dog awmy must delight in youw voice and the calm atmosphewe you cweate
I wish I could heaw myself
smoochie kisses
ASTA

Mack said...

Our mom loves to sing too! Mostly songs her mom sang. The other day we caught her singing Puff the Magic Dragon!!

rottrover said...

Lovely, calm image you created. Our mom sings to us in the morning when she is getting ready for work. We love when she lings with Frank Sinatra!

-Gizmo, Bart and Ruby

ForPetsSake said...

What a sweet thing to share! I can just imagine their little white faces enjoying the ritual. Beautiful! I thought of The White Dog Army today as we had a lovely Eskie named April in for a teeth cleaning. She curled into the crook of my arm as I typed her medical note. I think she was so nervous to be there, poor girl. I smiled from ear to ear as she wagged her beautiful plume of a tail when I went to check on her in recovery. What a sweet angel!

P.S. Whenever I sing here, Nyxie will immediately come over and lick my face. The same thing she does when I cry. I think the sounds I make "singing" aren't very soothing at all ;)