September 26, 2012

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog is a poised and polished spokes dog but when she and I look at the reality of next Sunday’s 2MillionDogs Puppy Up! Walk to End Cancer she is without words. The entire White Dog Army has worked hard since March with very little chance to step back and be objective but now, in the momentary lull we have that opportunity.

What we see amazes us and fills us with so much hope that we can say with certainty that if the world contained only those many many many paws and hands who have reached out to aid our fight to eliminate the c monster that it would prove our point that the world is wonderful.  From every corner of the world our personal little grassroots attempt to make a difference has received support and encouragement.

When Albuquerque refused to understand the importance of the war to end cancer, the city of Rio Rancho called us to offer a location and become partners in planning a Walk that would focus on raising money to fund research not pay fees. They have overwhelmed us in spreading the word and encouraging participation…at all levels from administrative to hands on.

35 local businesses have joined our day as vendors and seventeen became corporate sponsors in our fight. We have had humans and their pups contact us to volunteer to help…hang signs…pass out announcements…provide manpower on Sunday…to stuff envelopes. A special education  teacher called us today to ask if her high school students could come on Sunday and volunteer; that they had heard about the Walk to End Cancer and voted to make it their class project if we would allow them…

Unlike some charities, our efforts do not yet collect six figure donations. Most of our contributions are heartfelt gifts of modest amounts…genuinely given and provided because of the cause not the tax-write-off. Two weekends ago, a young boy of maybe 7 came up to White Dog and me and shyly donated his $3 allowance to “help get rid of the sickness.” How can we not feel hope and power at moments like this?

So many of our heart family, including those who read this, are a constant source of inspiration for us to continue Walking on. In addition to your generous donations to fund the White Dog Army team, many have shared extra pieces of their hearts. The beautiful quilt handmade by WHN from Doxies with Moxie, the lovely afghans by Cappy and Ollie’s mom at Cappy Days, a pair of lovely glasses from repurposed wine bottles made by Arwen’s Pack, a reverse intaglio silver necklace of a Siberian Husky made by a friend of Steve’s, were amazing contributions of talent and time. We have received collars and stuffies, dog treats, candles, and more to be used in our auction and as prizes…we have been touched by the kindness and involvement from our communities.

Two of our blogging family, Two special Wires and Ginger Jasper, have allowed us to tell the story of Fergie, a two-time mammary tumor survivor, and Bill, GJ’s grandpa, who died from lung cancer  after years of working in the mines. By sharing these personal glimpses of  real “people, others better see the incredible toll that the evil one takes. Their stories have helped our campaign of awareness that cancer.touches.everyone.

The most important feature of the day, to me, is the Hero and Tribute Wall. It is here were it all comes together and we are all joined in purpose. The blog world has lost so many to the monster and has been so very generous in contributing photos and stories and sentiments and love to be added to this sacred place. On the day of our Walk we will have nearly one-hundred special spirits watching over us and walking in absentia. This Wall is a focal point of power and our Walk begins here with a promise that none will be forgotten and a realization that we do not Walk alone.  For each of you that have opened tender spots of longing to share loved ones who have fought and lost, we thank you richly. For the stories of survival and cheers of encouragement, you give us hope.

We are honored to Walk with you. As we approach Sunday, we want to take a moment to recognize the wonderful world that is still bountiful with those who care enough to be hopeful and to support a ragtag Army of White Dogs who will not stop until that day (and we KNOW it is coming) when

cancer.touches.NO.one.