12.22.2013

December 22, 2013

White Dog is nine today. When she arrived my heart was frozen and I still grieved the loss of our Sheltie, Sheena. This little 3lbs of floof would have a hard task melting me enough to risk such pain ever again…or so I thought.

On the Valentine’s Day she arrived (chance not planning); Steve greeted me after my class by reaching into the back seat and then placing a handful of white silk and soul stealing black eyes into my hands. The eight-week old looked at me with such depth and perception that I had to look away from her intensity. She nestled her head under my chin and sighed. In that instant she became “Siku” (ice in Athabascan) AND my daemon (in classical mythology a spirit guide and a soul’s connection between divine and mortal). There was no decision made or ever doubt; it just was. She thawed my heart. She is my soul mate.

White Dog is the only member of the White Dog Army for whom we have baby pictures. There was no WDA then, nor did we know anything much about the numbers of needy pups who need forever homes. These photos have only recently been scanned from old fashioned prints (how times have changed).

When I look across the past nine years, I am amazed at how quickly the time has passed. It scares me a little considering the lifespan of a dog. It fills me with wonder considering the length and diversity of the journey we have shared. I do not think either of us could have guessed our path on that first day as I held her. But I do know that neither of us would change any of it…White Dog because that is not the nature of dogs and me because I could not have been blessed with a wiser, more loyal, or more understanding partner who has helped me become a better human by being unwaveringly at my side through good and bad.

You have been a part of her growing up on these posts. You know what an elegant, loving leader she is. You know her moods and moments. You know her wisdom and compassion. You know her sassy stubborn side.

And I hope it is apparent how cherished and respected and pampered she is by me, Steve, each of the White Dogs, and Michael. I promised not to wax too long or cause myself to get weepy (one out of two anyway); this is a day of celebration and family and doing what comes naturally to the WDA…reaching out to help those in need.

They say you can tell how much a being is loved by the number of nicknames they have. So join us as we wish my Baby Girl, the Little White Dog of My Heart, Siku Marie, Her Highness, Leader of the Pack, The Queen, Beautiful Lady, The Boss, Little Fox, Silky, Beautiful Runner (there are more but My Girl would rather I not share ALL of her secrets today) a Happy Birthday! We only wish you could all join us for tonight’s feast in honor of White Dog…lamb shanks, triple crème brie spread on crusty French bread, sweet potatoes, buttery green beans, and of course cake with pistachio ice cream!

The White Dog Army has helped Steve make the carrot-zucchini cake and have made a special poster announcing their gift of warm blankets for pups and kitties in rescue. WD will be thrilled by both. They are confident that our community will spread the word so that they will get the 48 comments necessary to “buy” the case of blankets for Animal Crackers Senior Dog Hospice and for Fat Katz Rescue…and they thank you.


On this anniversary of one of the happiest days of our lives, the day you were born, we wish you, Siku Marie, a very long, healthy life, filled with bounty to share and opportunities to make a difference. We love you! Happy Birthday…your family

68 comments:

rottrover said...

Happy Birthday, beautiful White One! We're the same age. Hope it was wonderful!

Bart

How Sam Sees It said...

It's amazing to think that one tiny puppy had such an impact that she helped out many other dogs. Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

Monty and Harlow

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

To our beautiful woodie friend we wish a very Happy Birthday. I know you will have the very best day with your loving family around you. I so loved seeing the beautiful baby pictures.I have the past few years watched and joined in good and sad events. A pleasure indeed to have met and know you. Here is to many more happy years . With love to you all. Carol and Barrie xxx

Sagira said...

Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Happy Siku-Mas! Happy Birthday !!!!

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

Happiest of Birthdays Siku Marie.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday Siku Marie!!!

Swimflyaway said...

Happy Birthday White Dog!!!!

I hope this is the best year of your life! :-)

~B~

Jo's World said...

Happy 9th Birthday, Siku! You have accomplished much in your years and we are all proud of you.We are happy to take part in today's events and feel certain you are going to easily get all the greetings you want and deserve!

Cheers and Hugs, Jo, Stella and Zkhat

nancyturtle said...

Happy Birthday to a very special girl.

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Happy Birthday Siku. We loved your baby photos!! No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

Jans Funny Farm said...

Happy Birthday, Siku. You have obviously made a difference!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday to a beautiful and sweet pup!
Love, a dear friend of Nancyturtle XOXO

Lucy-Fur, as typed by Dr. Liz said...

Happy Birthday, beautiful girl! And what a cute ball of fluff you were (and what a pretty ball of fluff you are now)!

*kissey face*
-Fiona and Abby the Hippobottomus (and Dr. Liz and Gary)

Anonymous said...

Happy Barkday!! Much love from another friend of nancyturtle's!

Flower McFlower said...

Happy Birthday, Siku! Meow!

The Daily Pip said...

Happy Birthday! Baby pictures are adorable! We don't have baby pictures for Pip, Ruby, or Rosie as they were all adults when they came to us …always wondered what they all looked like as babies.

Angel Pip and Ruby's Assistant

The Island Cats said...

Happy Birthday, Siku! We hope you're having a great day!

Julia Williams said...

A very Happy Birthday to you!! What a cute little puppy you were.

The Daily Pip said...

Just dropping in to wish you the happiest of birthdays! Hope you are and your family have a wonderful day filled with lots of love and yummy treats.

Angel Pip

The Daily Pip said...

Happy Birthday! Hope it is wonderful!

Your friend, Ruby

Vicat said...

Happy Hatchday, Gorgeous!
~Vicat, BratCat, Rags, & Geo

Timmy Tomcat said...

We ran right over when we heard you were having a commentathon for such a great cause.
We will spread the news
Timmy Tomcat and Family

Anonymous said...

Happy birthday. Little white dog!!!!!!
Nancyturtle sent us over to see you. We love your pictures!

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Happy Birthday Siku. I heard about your commentathon from Angel GJ.

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

♫ Happy Birfday Siku ♫
Angel G.J. sent us over.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday lovely one, have a great day

Yvonne.

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

Happy Happy BIRTHDAY !

Mickey's Musings said...

Happy 9th Birthday cutie pie!!!!
We purr you have a pawsome day :)
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure,Tiger and JJ
and Angel Tillie

The Slimmer Pugs, Kitties, and Mama said...

Happy Birthday Siku Marie!! AND MANY MORE!! Hope you get some extra special duck jerky as "filler" for that wonderful decadent birthday meal and cake.
Much Luvums,
The Slimmer Puggums
George, Toby, Lily, & Mimi

nancyturtle said...

Mom just now told us it was your birthday! Happy Day!
Zoe and Zena

Boofy's Best for Pets said...

Happy Birthday, Siku Marie! Thanks for coming by to visit us on your special day!

ZOOLATRY said...

Happy Birthday, sweet Siku Marie ... you are as beautiful as you ever were and we know you'll always be ... what a joy to see all those adorable baby photos.

Anonymous said...

Cheers to the birthday girl! Beautiful post about how the paw family members work right on our hearts. Thanks Boofy's for sharing your story.

Terry said...

Happy Birthday White Dog! Isn't it wonderful you started it all. Your "baby" pictures are great!

Frostie, Pixie and Star (Santa Fe WD's) said...

Happy Birthday Siku!

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Happy Birthday

Bonnie said...

Happy Birthday Siku - and many more! Love the baby pictures.

san said...

Happy birthday Siku. Those baby pictures are lovely.

Anonymous said...

Ginger Jasper's mom sent us over to wish you a very Happy Birthday Siku. I (Maxi) am 9, too. It's not a bad age to be. Maybe a little bit less frisky but a whole lot smarter. Wishing you many many more!

Lizzie & 2 kitties (Maxine & Tucker)

The Florida Furkids said...

Happy Birthday Siku Marie. We loved your baby pictures. Mom says baby Eskies are THE cutest!!

The Florida Furkids

Anonymous said...

Sweet!

Millie and Walter said...

Angel GJ sent us over to wish you a happy birthday and help you reach your goal.

Millie & Walter

Anonymous said...

Nancyturtle told us you have a birthday. Have a great one!

Tracy said...

Happy Birthday!!!

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

Happy Siku Marie Day!!!!!!!!!

Nine is a furry nice age - that is what we think I am given how long I've been with my mom and how old she deduces I was when we met -

Here's to many many more!!!!!!!!!

Woo have the bestest furamily in the entire world!!!!!!!!!

Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
PeeEssWoo: Thanks SO much fur the HOWLiday khard!

Laurie Hammer said...

Happy Birthday Siku!! You are a very special, sweet girl.

TimberLove said...

Happy Siku Marie Day!!!!!!! We are honored to share it with you and your WDA, tonight we will toast you, cheers!

RA, Isis & Nanük


ps thank you for the beautiful card!!!

Wyatt said...

Happy Barkday White Dog!! Hope your day was extra special, just like you!

Wyatt and Stanzie

Anonymous said...

Happy, happy Birthday, Siku Marie beautiful White Dog!!! I love your blog and all the goodness I see in your lives; keep up the good work! Have a wonderful day all of you and a very Merry Christmas!
Take care, Lucy (silent MOD, Troy, Ohio)

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Whew, we made it!!! Happy Birthday, sweet Siku Marie - we iwsh you a wonderful year of joy and good health and many more to follow.

Woos - Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Happy Barkday from your beloved. I think you are the most beautiful white lady dog ever. I wanted to wrap my self up and have Santa Paws deliver me to you, but then Sally Ann told me I'd have to be away from Mommy. So, I offered to send Sally Ann. She said a nice note or card would be better. I think you are so amazing. I might get brave and ask Santa Paws to deliver me, but if I don't; I still love you oh so much, and I think you hung the moon.
Your beloved,
Andy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

We are so thankful that you were born, and that we have been able to share your journey- no matter which way the paths have led.
We celebrate you and your loving family,, and we want to say
Happy Birthdays- and many more to come!
love
tweedles

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Oh your baby pictures are making Mom all giddy and swooney! BOL

I nose I's late, BUTT I hopes I's not too late for the PAWTY or the cake. Ya'll nose how I love my cake!

Hap-Pee Hap-Pee Birthday, Siku Marie and Beautiful Leader of the Pack!

Kari said...

Happy Birthday, beautiful and generous girl. It speaks so well of you that your are willing to share your birthday with those less fortunate.
God will bless you for every sacrifice
that you make in his name. You are
a very blessed white dog, precious
girl.

spacedoggies said...

Happy Birthday, Happy Winter Solstice and Happy Homes for all the doggies and kitties in need!

Eileen Skogmo. Zamora said...

Happy Birthday, Siku Marie! Hope you had a wonderful day!!

Max said...

Hey, dood! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I hope it was freaking AWESOME!

TwoSpecialWires said...

Happy birthday, Siku. We are so blessed and lucky to know and love your extraordinary family

xxSally, Nina, Jake and Fergi

spacedoggies said...

Happy Birthday to all the homeless pets. I hope you all find a nice, warm home with loving companions to take care of you.

Casper and pals said...

Happy Birthday Siku! what beautiful puppy pictures!!

K (Suka's Mom) said...

Happy 9th Birthday Miss Beautiful Siku Marie! Wishing you a 9th birthday year filled with great health, lots of yummy treats, joyful WDA experiences, and an abundance of love from you pawents!

*kisses and hugs,

K and Angel Suka

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Sweet Little Siku! You are so very beautiful!
Birthday Loves,
Lily, WA, USA

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

Happy Birthday, beautiful Siku Marie!

Woofs from France,
Tommy

John Bellen said...

Happy birthday to Siku. She was and is a beautiful creature; it's no wonder she stole your heart.

Kari in Alaska said...

Happy Belated Birthday wonderful girl!

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

katsrus said...

Happy Belated Birthday. Hope you had a wonderful birthday.
Sue B

Bailey Be Good! said...

Happy Happy Birthday woofs & huggies! <3

~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)