August 13, 2014

White Dog was sitting next to Steve on the couch and the rest of the White Dog Army formed a half circle around him on the floor. Steve had asked for a meeting of the White Dog Army to discuss a gift that was being offered to him.

Steve is a marvelous department head at the college but he truly shines as spectacular when it comes to interacting and motivating his students. A good portion of his "kids" are sort of aimless with no confidence or idea of what it takes to create yourself into a strong, social contributor with skills. He counsels, he tutors, he mentors, he listens to problems that go beyond the classroom...but most of all by the respect and genuineness he gives each student, he inspires them to achieve because they know someone believes in them. He truly changes lives.

Recently, Steve graduated one student, a Native American (this is only important because of their culture), who struggled from day one in his program. The young man had a family and had already tried and abandoned several other fields of study. "Please get him through this," his wife quietly requested at his orientation. There were personal problems to conquer, study skills to teach, confidence building to do, much hand holding and tutoring...but Steve told this student he would go the distance if the student would. Well, he did and graduated with a "b" average AND found a job. His family was astonished and overcome with joy.

In his culture, this is the importance of his heritage, what Steve did is considered a HUGE debt that the family felt obligated to repay in some fashion. They needed to share something with Steve that was significant and important. For him to refuse would have been an insult.

"Momma told us that being a gracious and loving recipient is just as important as being a good giver," White Dog said indicating they understood. The family's beloved and prized dog was about to give birth...and the family, who of course knew about the White Dog Army wanted Steve to have one of this special litter.

THAT was the topic under discussion. "Wow! A puppy! Are we up for all of the energy and training and boundlessness of such a wee one?" "Can the WDA stretch to fit one more?"...there were lots of questions but you already know the decision made.

The pups were born on the Fourth of July and today the White Dog Army picked up its newest and youngest recruit.

Siku Marie (THE White Dog), YoYoMa (Yet Another White Dog), Puff The Magical (Still Another White Dog), Taiko the Tender Heart (Oh Yes! Another White Dog), Bella E. Premurosa (Tiny White Dog) , and Sachi the Undaunted (Of Course, A White Dog) .introduce...

Zsofia, The Sky-Eyed (White Dog At Heart)