4.23.2012

April 23, 2012

White Dog made a funny face and said, "Earth to momma! You kind of spaced out there! What were you thinking?"

We were sitting in the gentle falling darkness of twilight, when things seem to stop for just a moment to breathe and contemplate the day before sleep times fall. White Dog was on the arm of my chair. YoYoMa stretched across the open front door. Quinn rested his head on my right foot and Nuka rested her bottom against Quinn's back. Puff slept in the window chair, chin and paws on the end table. We were in every sense a pack.

And that realization is what sent me into my own private thoughts. With the exception of White Dog, the Army is a collection of broken and abandoned souls, all adults formed from trauma and physical hardship. We were warned by so many that the idea of randomly assembling dogs who needed rescue was insane. Even our beloved Dr. Julia tried to gently convince us that you "can't just put dogs together and expect to form a family."  Not a single one of the Army had met the others before we had fully committed to making them part of our lives. There were no visits or trial runs; each member came to us because something special about their story touched us...we knew we would make it work.

That is what struck me as we all sat together this evening. We ARE a pack; you CAN build a family with mismatched personalities. We may not all sleep curled together. But each of the WDA respects the others and seems to somehow understand the dynamic. There are no food fights or aggressiveness over treats; the WDA not only sits in queue but it has evolved a horizontal line-up order that is consistent.

I am constantly amazed at the level of subtle assistance Nuka provides for Quinn...and YoYoMa, our alpha wanna-be cuts him by yielding to the submissive, easily frightened TOWD...and White Dog who quietly positions herself to be able to watch him and alert us when he is lost in his daze and can't find his way in..or Puff who silently lies down and knows how close to get for Quinn's comfort.

But it is more than just treating the sick boy kindly. Each of the White Ones has had his or her favorite sleeping spot claimed by Nuka, whom we call the Bed Burglar. Our little Goldilocks goes through phases of shifting around the sleeping areas and displacing the usual occupant. This spot then becomes her favorite for a while and then she moves on. Although the ousted usually look a bit confused, no one ever growls possessively or chases her away.

More and more often I find myself as I move through my day part of a wave of white as all of the Pack wants to accompany me and be close at hand. Sometimes they will drift away but always they come back to check on not just me but the others with me. White Dog will stand on the deck to check the yard for missing members if they are not readily in sight.

The VERY worst correction you can give to one of The White Ones is to tell them in a serious tone (not loudly just seriously), "That was MEAN!" That sends the offender off to a corner alone to think and is followed by attempts to repent. White Dog has learned over the years to actually apologize. She sits at your feet and taps you; when she has your attention she "woos" and then hangs her head. The response usually is an invitation to come up to a lap and reconcile.

I have a theory that my pack is forged of the displacement and loneliness and lack of love Quinn, Nuka, Puff, and YoYoMa encountered before joining us. The White Dog Army is a no-pressure, be accepted for yourself opportunity to fit in, to be part of something bigger, to share (not just receive)  love..."Be ALL that you can be," if you will.

We are gentle,and kind and giving with each other. The WDA is not perfect; there are certainly moments of crabbiness or arguments or just wanting to be alone...those times are taken for what they are and when they are over, it is done.

So, I said in answer to the little white dog of my heart, "I was thinking of how proud I am of you all and how much you have taught me!" "Hang on to your socks, momma," she replied, "we are just starting to bloom!"

P.S. Fetcha-palaooza's final tally was 514 adoptions of dogs, kitties, bunnies, and 3 horses! 514 new forever homes! Isn't that just amazing!

12 comments:

24 Paws of Love said...

What a beautiful post. We understand that feeling of coming together and the peace of just being ourselves. The respect that just seems to flow and grow and remorse when one has wronged. Even with two packs there is a wholeness, there is really no division.

Thank you for letting us share in your journey. We are so proud of all of you and the wonderful magic that makes up the White Dog Army. :)

KB said...

Your post is magical. It's what we all hope for and you've found it. We know nothing is ever constantly perfect, but those moments of profound peace are to be treasured.

Kari in Alaska said...

We agree not only can a family be made of mismatched personalities but mismatched personalities is what makes a family fun

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Your family's roots consists of love and respect. We feel it.
We are happy it this unity lives in your home- it is beautiful
love
tweedles

Teddy Bear said...

Such a beautiful post.:) We have learned so much from your beautiful family. We love "blended" families. It's keeps us all on our toes.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Random Felines said...

that was wonderful. we agree that families can certainly learn to blend. it doesn't always work, but with time and love and patience, it can be successful. and mom says she very much believes that we can learn to understand each other issues by taking a page from a pack like yours.... :)

Brian's Home Blog said...

What a joy it is to visit you and feel the happy happen!

Remington said...

Great post! Nothing better than family....

Beth said...

Oh yes....you CAN all be a family! Well done, my friend!

meowmeowmans said...

The WDA is just about the best kind of family there is! We are amazed and proud to be your friends. :)

WOW WOW WOW about Fetcha-palooza! That is so awesome and wonderful.

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

what a lovely post! Isn't such a great feeling when you see things working? We have mixed our pack up quite a bit over the past three years and all was not always smooth. But with time and patience and love and leadership it all falls into place. So happy for the WDA.

Woos - Phantom, Thunder, Ciara, and Lightning

Bailey Be Good! said...

We love how everyone fits in in your family -- we're envious! Nala and I also thank you so much for all your advice when I first came home... it's because of YOU that I learned patience. :)

Woofs & huggies, <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)