March 1, 2012

White Dog and the rest of the White Dog Army have had enough of the gusty canyon winds that have plagued us the past few days. They do not like the rattling and howling noises. They HATE the blowing sand that in seconds fills their noses, eyes and coats every time they set paw outside. They are torn by 60 degree temperatures that lure them to lie outside on the deck in the sun and the flapping shade cloth that casts scary shadows and moans at its moorings like some huge crazed bird of prey.

We have spent a lot of time napping deep in the house where the outside noise is muted. And playing fetch the stuffie in the tight quarters of our living room to burn of some Spring Fever. And asking for belly rubs. The WDA is bored enough to patiently be brushed knowing at least there will be a treat at the end. Steve has capstone projects of graduating students to critique tonight so he has an unexpected (for the pups) late night.

Later, after Michael has gone to bed, I have promised to let them help me bake cupcakes for him to take to school tomorrow to celebrate his birthday. He has requested vanilla cakes with mint icing (green) so the White Ones will be able to taste test as well as supervise. I am hoping that will at least temporarily raise spirits...nothing like cake baking and licking out the bowl.

Puff gave me a present today... One of those moments that you live for when you have a rescue dog. She is by far our shyest girl and many may remember it took her a long time to even allow us to pet her. She will sit at Steve's side and tolerate his holding her now but she is not outwardly very affectionate.

Still Another White Dog came and sat quietly next to me as we visited blogs this afternoon. After a time, I felt her tap my leg and looked down. I petted her and let her know I was glad for her company then returned to the keyboard. Again, she tapped me and stood indicating she wanted to be picked up.
Really? I gently petted her some more and reached down expecting her to drop down and move away. She didn't; instead she leaned into my hold and let me lift her into my arms. I couldn't believe it and was prepared to set her down at her slightest insistence.

Puff shifted to position herself in the cradle of my arms and rested her head on my shoulder! She wanted me to cuddle her! Afraid to breathe or move lest she change her mind, I sat feeling her warmth, holding her tightly, with my cheek resting on her neck. I wished Steve was here to see and share this soul-filling moment but on some level I was just as glad that the whole world had faded away and it was just Puff and me.