February 2, 2012

White Dog and the White Dog Army could sense the weirdness in the weather and were unsettled by it. The bright sunny morning clouded over and a wind blew up only to clear up to sunshine again by lunchtime. As we ate we noticed the temperature dropping and once again the sky became ominous. When Michael came in he reported some snowflakes. Again we had been teased. The sun came back out for a beautiful sunset and things seemed to warm up again.

The unpredictability of what was happening outside crept into the house...and the behavior of the White Dog Army. After enjoying a morning with Steve, the White Ones paced and whined when he left. Finally all found a comfortable spot and napped. As they woke, each was needy and demanded attention which I am always more than happy to give, but they jostled and pushed and got impatient as they waited for a turn at petting and cooing and cuddling. It became more of a competition than a lovefest.

Duck jerky only made them more forgetful of their manners and courtesy and they nearly lost their treat privileges for the day. Instead, we practiced "Down, Leave Its!" in order to think about good behaviors before getting jerky rewards. After, each harrumphed past the others and found a corner in which to sulk/nap.

When Steve arrived home mid-sunset, he encountered a transformed WDA. All rushed to the door to welcome him but there was a sense of community as the swarm carried him over to the couch where all could gather around to greet him. As we made dinner, each pup supervised a different activity and all minded manners not to shove or overstep. During the meal, the White Ones laid quietly at our feet accepting of the fact that chicken mole was a meal that could not be shared.

As Steve looked around at the choir of floofy White Angels surrounding us he said, "I thought you said..." "Guess I must have misunderstood," I replied (and I swear White Dog winked).