February 1, 2013

White Dog looked surprised and upset when Daisy, tired of being ignored by Becks as we ate dinner, effortlessly jumped over the baby gate keeping her and her sister in the kitchen. The tall standard poodle nearly landed on Quinn who was lying just on the other side of the gate. She didn't but the movement was enough to waken and startle The Other White Dog.

When YoYoMa heard TOWD's brief cry of surprise he was up from his place at the front door and heading to his brother's defense. I grabbed him by the collar as Josh put Daisy back into the kitchen. The White Dog Army all moved into position to protect Quinn and made sure he had not been harmed. White Dog explained the "rules" to Daisy through the gate and made it VERY clear that she was expected to follow them.

Long after the moment had passed Yo muttered under his breath and complained about the sit/stay he was locked in. Quinn moved to the office to return to rest; Puff and Nuka lay in the hall doorway blocking entrance to where he was. Oso paced along the gate trying to keep things peaceful but grrrr-ing every time Daisy came close enough to make another attempt over.

The two big dogs get along well with the White Dog Army for the most part but they are...well...simply...big. Twice the weight and half again the height of YoYoMa (our biggest), the two girls can be a bit overwhelming to our White Ones...especially when everyone is crowded into our relatively tiny living room. Daisy and Maple enjoy the still novelty of the Big House and want to wander into spaces the WDA considers theirs. They also can sometimes be attention hogs which then becomes an issue of "He's MY Dad, NOT yours!"  Out in the yard or at the park is entirely different and every one has space and room to just relax and enjoy.

One thing that has become apparent is that the White Dog Army while VERY social, has a special  commitment to the other members of our Pack. This makes me proud of my White Ones. They understand, seemingly, that despite the fact that they all come from different corners of the country and are not litter mates, that they are a family. There is a bond and promise to each of the others to stick together and to care. It is amazing every time I see.