December 22, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WHITE DOG! 
We're having a Pay It Forward Party...

White Dog is eight years old today. My little 3lb. ball of baby floof has grown into an elegant poised leader of the White Dog Army. She is the best of all the world has to offer. She is tolerant. She is empathic to the needs of others. She is independent and confident. She is wise in knowing what is truly important in a life well lived. Siku Marie is the mentor for the person I hope to become. She is my hero.

To the White Dog Army White Dog is the rule maker…the peacekeeper…their intercessor. It is she who welcomed them to our family…who frets about them when they are ill…who makes sure the pack is fair, understanding, and unified. Siku Marie is their leader and their best friend.

To the world White Dog is the keeper of hope. She is the doer of good deeds. She is dedicated Warrior in the battle against the evil c monster. White Dog encourages those around her to strive for nobility of action and positivity of thought. Siku Marie is the energy of love and the embodiment of determination.

One of the greatest joys of sharing life with White Dog is the opportunity to walk her path with her. To share her giving ways and to feel the underlying beauty of a wonderful world has shaped the way we live our lives.  It has made us a White Dog Army of Love and believers in the philosophy of paying it forward. And that is the way we have chosen to celebrate this most happy of days…Siku Marie’s Birthday #8.

Earlier in the week, Oso and Quinn began our mission to pay it forward in tribute by going to the Highland Senior Center to share their floofy Eskie charms with the seniors. They smiled and offered themselves for petting and listened politely as elders remembered special pets from their lives and snuck them cookie treats. Oso was passed from lap-to-lap and Quinn sedately made his way around wheelchairs and walkers to get close enough for gnarled fingers to give deep scritches. He was hugged and kissed and even tolerated being photographed a million times. Happy Birthday, Siku!

Not to be outdone, YoYoMa and Michael baked Maple Pumpkin Pup Cookies and went to the Park. There, they passed out cookies (with owner’s permissions of course) to the other pups playing there. On the way home, they stopped to pick up coffee and sweet rolls. They presented them and the remaining dog treats to the homeless man who spends days, along with his dog, going through the dumpsters near our house. Happy Birthday, Sister!

Nuka and Puff are both a bit shy so their pay it forward had a bit different spin. For weeks the girls have collected litter on their morning and evening walks. Their goal was to fill a giant yard waste bag with the sloppy waste that makes our neighborhood unsightly at curbs and in open areas. Their walks have taken extra time and Steve has worn work gloves to help with the project. Last night they put the last carryout cup and beer bottle that would fit into the bag. Later, they will ceremoniously ask White Dog to oversee the disposal into our garbage can. Happy Birthday, Dearest One!

Tonight we will continue the party with a feast of Siku’s favorite foods: lamb shanks, baked mosticolli, shrimp and vegetable eggrolls. I have made my girl a cream cheese frosted vanilla cake and we have pistachio ice cream chilling in the freezer. Valerie, the Apple Lady has made Siku a special caramel apple to cut up and share. But now, we are most anxious to hear the pay it forward moments that you guests bring to our Party to add to the joyous celebration. Thanks for stopping by...and Happiest of Birthdays Little White Dog of My Heart!