May 19, 2015

White Dog bent her head over her brother's back. For a moment Sachi looked worried and then he noticed the entire White Dog Army was gathered and tails were wagging. "Happy First Gotcha Day, Sachi-san," they sang.

Steve cuddled his devoted Little Man against his chest, "it seems like yesterday when Adrienne pulled up in the driveway after driving all the way to California and back to bring you to the White Dog Army. You walked in like you had always known this was home."

"And when the Baby came," White Dog continued, "it was you who took on entertaining and playing with her. You are an awesome 'big' brother." Zsofia stepped forward to kiss him on the nose; he nipped at her ruff. A wrestling match would have ensued right then, if YoYoMa hadn't cleared his throat and shook his tags.

In White Dog Army fashion, we will celebrate (and maybe break Sachi's diet for just this one night). Although he isn't much in a party state of mind, Taiko managed a smile for the Little Guy who both irritates and protects him.

Our little clown can be counted on to shift the mood. Ankle biter that he is has prompted a whole new protocol for greeting friends who enter our home. Determined "marker" is relentless; this activity especially annoys White Dog. And super Cassanova thinks every girl dog who enters his proximity finds him irresistible.

Happy Gotcha Day, Sachi, my Undaunted One, Of Course Another White Dog! We've grown accustomed to your breathy panting, your bloodcurdling scream, and the strange grunts and huffs you make. You add a unique character to our lives that makes us richer and better as a whole.