August 24, 2011

White Dog and the White Dog Army
Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army do not have to look too far these days to be reminded of just how wonderful the world can be. As momentum builds for our 2MillionDog Puppy Up NM Walk to end cancer, we are besieged with examples of how incredible people truly can be.

There are the grand gestures like the company who wanted to be a Sponsor for the Walk because of the marketing opportunities afforded at that level. Unfortunately, they had missed the print deadline to be included on posters and T-Shirts (a major benefit to top level Supporters). When I told the owner, I expected a “thanks, maybe next year” or a lesser donation. Instead he went ahead with the sponsorship and is going to pass out free samples to gain more attention. “It’s not ultimately about the publicity,” he told me, “Really, it is about the cancer research.” My respect for corporate America went up a notch.

Sometimes it is the small simple gesture that takes your breath away. A high school girl signed up to be a Walk participant online. She sent me an email asking the details of what she needed to bring to prove she had signed up (this was her first charity Walk and she wanted to do things “right”). I sent her back a note of thanks and told her we would have access to all the electronic data so all she needed to do was bring herself and her dog. She emailed me back with a stunning request…Would it be all right if she and her friends made cookies to hand out to the other participants? They wanted to do something nice for everyone who was there.

A stranger who White Dog met at Woofstock last weekend devoted more than 1000 words on his blog about our event. Just because he thought people needed to know and help. Michael’s classmates have volunteered to help pick up litter after the event. Daisy Mae’s (Quinn’s White Dog of Love) family is busily recruiting people to drive 3-1/2 hours to Walk and volunteer. It is overwhelming to see so many who care united…and we are still 4 weeks away; we cannot imagine the feeling if this all comes together as planned and we have a gathering of 250 pups and humans combining their energies.

The White Dog Army is filled with the support and encouragement from everyone here in the Blog World as well. We KNOW you are always there (in fact, we count on it) and are cheering us on but you have gone far beyond in your sharing. The photos for the Tribute Wall. Books you have donated (and paid to ship to us) for the Book Stall. Donations ranging from saddlebags to quilts to art from your own hands for our raffle. Sponsorship of Team White Dog Army for the Walk. It is you that are our daily “fix” of humble amazement. You are there every day, following our progress; continuing to wave us on, trusting that cancer CAN be beaten, and simply, just believing in us.

Everywhere we turn these days we see hope and possibility…the two most important ingredients in making the World wonderful.

This is White Dog’s, The Other White Dog’s, Another White Dog’s, Still Another White Dog’s, and Yet Another White Dog’s wish for each of you today: May the wings of hope carry you, soaring high above the driving winds of life. (Ana Jacob)…and may you relish the view!