May 8, 2012

"White Dog is scratching on the door to go into the living room," I said nudging the sleeping Steve. "She has been pretty persistent and the others are standing with her. Do you think that Michael needs help or there is something wrong?" It was barely light and usually everyone is still soundly asleep; but the White Dog Army was in alert mode, WD was just not giving up her need to get into the living part of the house. Steve got up and pulled on an odd collection of clothes ("in case it is something with Michael") then he went and opened the door dividing the hallway to the bedrooms from the living room.

The White Dog Army pushed to all get through the doorway at once. White Dog jumped up on the window perch, but the blinds were still drawn. YoYoMa, Nuka and Puff crowded around the front door. Quinn stuck to Steve's side as he checked around and saw nothing out of place. WD was nosing the blinds. "Is it something outside? If you woke us up and got everyone all riled up over some one's car alarm, I am NOT going to be happy." He opened the blinds...nothing...opened the door and stood on the porch...nothing as far as he could see.

Then a car came down the street. WD sounded her "Visitor Alert" and began pawing the window. YoYoMa spun in circles WOOFing as Nuka and Puff struck up the synchronized tail wagging. Even Quinn barked in excitement and looked at Steve. The car passed and the Army relaxed. Steve watched headlights approach and the chorus rose again. He came back to bed shaking his head.

"What was it?" I asked snuggling deeper into the blanket. "I believe the White Dog Army is out there waiting for Fergie and Jake to arrive. They get all worked up every time a car comes down the street," he said. "Did you tell them our guests are not due until this afternoon?"

"Nope, figured they will tire themselves out and spend the rest of the day until the arrival sleeping and..." His words were drowned out by another round of the Welcome song. "So you don't mind being awake until then?" I asked. "It won't take long," were his famous last words.

I bunched the pillows around my head and turned over. "You DO know we have American Eskies? The most stubborn breed of all?"

When Jake and Fergie and Moma and NinaGirl finally arrived in the late afternoon we agreed to meet at our Park so they could stretch their legs after the long ride. White Dog and YoYoMa were chosen as the Welcoming Committee. She was thrilled that our friends loved our little slice of shady green as much as we do. The plan for a dinner picnic was changed because the weather while pleasant for walking was a bit chill for sitting and eating.

Puff, Nuka, and Quinn were waiting, tails wagging, to warmly say "hello" to our friends. They entertained and introduced themselves (although Quinn has already had the privilege of meeting the World's most famously wonderful WFT family). WD oversaw it all from her throne and beamed with pride at her pack and what a well-behaved handsome group they made.

Puff rounded up all of the "loot" into a treasure cache of her very own. She had to be persuaded of the virtue in sharing...but she eventually did.

As if the trip to visit was not enough of a gift, Jake and Fergie came generously bearing presents. Marvelous soft plushies that squeak and yogurt drops with a Fox Terrier on the package front, made all of the White Dog Army squirm with anticipation of many many many days of fun. I was pleased that all remembered their manners and gave proper "thank yous."

Distracted by fragrant fruit tea and Asian steak salads, brie and bread, and brownies, some one stole our time away and next we knew our weary friends needed to go and rest. YoYoMa tried to block the doorway but Moma Sally insisted nicely and he sadly let them pass with promises to meet again in the morning.

For hours after we cuddled together, reliving the memories and love, basking in the incredible nature of true friends, and joyfully smiling over just how blessed our lives were.