September 27-28, 2012

White Dog and the White Dog Army know that this weekend will be very special. They all understand that that they will be asked to represent our Blog family with pride and strength on Sunday as we lead the physical Walk to End Cancer alongside of Abigail, our Canine Cancer Warrior of the Year.

12-year old Abigail is a survivor of a rare form of anal cancer that is usually virulent and quick. In fact this gentle black Lab has been a Warrior her entire life...abandoned as a puppy because she had parvo... beat that and found a forever home...fought the evil c and won... and earlier this year rallied to push away an auto-immune disease that was attacking her skin.

Knowing that the eyes of our community and small corner of the world will be focused on the WDA no one even complained about Thursday's grooming and spa day. Everyone was brushed out...and brushed out again until each was bright and fluffy perfection. Nails were clipped so there would be no problems walking. Ears were cleaned. Nuka warranted an entire bath and conditioner treatment. Even Quinn allowed Steve to comb out his shedding coat and fuss as I held our nervous boy in my arms stretched out on the bed. The Army is ready.

Today we picked up the water for Walkers and drove to drop the huge jugs off at the Park. The WDA intended a practice Walk and a review of Park conditions. But the city park workers were busy grooming the area for us...cutting the grass, leaf blowing, trimming high grasses, and scrubbing picnic tables. They are as excited about Puppy Up! Rio Rancho and their part in the fight to End Cancer as we are. We did not get in their way, agreeing we would all be so proud of the Park and the day on Sunday. The Army is ready.

One thing we DID do was to make sure Quinn was comfortable and tolerant of the idea of riding in the stroller. It took him a second when Steve gently set him inside, but then The Other White Dog laid down calmly. As Steve pushed him up the block and back, TOWD smiled as he watched left and right, Like royalty in a horse-drawn carriage. So Quinn will be there on Sunday to "Walk;" the WDA will be complete and in full power! The Army is ready.

Tonight, we saw our Walk t-shirts for the first time. I did design them (and the same shirt will be used across the country this year only customized to the location) but seeing the finished product is always a thrill. It is a limited-edition which cannot be bought, you only get one by fundraising over $100. Thanks to our Blog Family, the White Dog Army Team has secured four shirts. Next week, to show our thanks, we will share one of the special shirts with one of you.

The Army is ready. We promise to do you all proud on Sunday.