October 16, 2011

White Dog was feeling better, in fact all of the White Dog Army seemed a bit less sickie...and EVERYONE was tired of being confined to quarters! Steve and I had promised to set up an information booth about canine cancer, comparative oncology and 2MillionDogs at our local pet store which was celebrating 40 years of being part of Albuquerque's pet community. so we agreed that the WDA could come and help out...with the sad exception of little Puff (being in season, we felt that she would be safest, though not happiest, at home). Nuka because of her snappish response to stress was chosen to be SAWD's companion for the day.

White Dog and YoYoMa surged to the door and took the first shift. Both were wonderful salesman drawing people to the table with squeals of "Look at those beautiful white dogs!" They smiled and wagged and charmed. All conversations started by answering questions about our four-legged representatives.

Midway through the afternoon, Steve took WD and YAWD home (we live about 5 minutes from the store), made lunch for Michael and gave Puff and Nuka the special treats sent especially for them by Rachael, the store manager. When he returned, Quinn joined us as the White Ambassador.

TOWD stood carefully at the entry to the store, positioned so that a bit of sun glistened on his coat. He exuded calm pet-me-ness and met the eyes of each person who stroked his fur with a melt-your-heart look. He worked the crowd like a pro.

By the afternoon's closing time, 2MillionDogs had shared information about the evil monster, its warning signs and new hopes with about 50 people. Many had taken extra warning sign cards to share with friends and people they know. Steve put Quinn in Pumpkin was we packed up and for the first time in nearly 2 hours, he laid down. The smile on his face revealed his certainty that in spreading the word he had helped to loosen cancer's grip; "Knowledge is power," as White Dog has taught them all.