May 3, 2015

White Dog and Puff, the only members of the White Dog Army that were with us when we made the long trip four years ago to pick up YoYoMa in Arizona, helped me make a surprise breakfast while Yo and Steve went on an early morning power walk, just the two of them. It was a special way to start Yo's Gotcha Day.

When they returned a family favorite,  hot oatmeal brimming with cream, butter and a touch of brown sugar greeted everyone...and our fruit loving celebrant shared a fruit salad of strawberries, blueberries, and cherries with Steve. Zsofia and Bella asked for nibbles of the fruit and Sachi attempted to roll over a strawberry, but no White Dog is a bigger fruit and veggie fan than YoYoMa.

Over breakfast, WD and Puff told the story of YoYo's horrible abuse, the delicate negotiations that started his journey to us, the wonderful woman who coordinated the on-off again plan to get him safely to us, the rescue transporters that we did not know who delivered him from Northern California to the nurturing arms of our Blog Family (Big Carl, Mesa, and Baily) in Los Angeles, their getting him ready and loaded to fly to a small Arizona airstrip where another awesome Blog Family member picked him up and drove him to Winslow (this is still one of my favorite photos of our boy).

We met him there and wrapped our paws and arms around him...forever. The WDA never had a blind member so we did not know what to expect. A few adaptations (like building a ramp in the yard) and our boy proved to be unstoppable. HE is the one who powerwalks with Steve; they are like dancers as they maneuver the terrain by instruction, hearing, touch, and a magical fifth sense.

Yo has grown to be White Dog's Number One, her "go to" when she needs help or advice. He is Puff's special friend, protecting and guarding over her. His patience with Taiko's disabilities and his clumsy attempts at being social makes me feel guilty for my sometimes impatience. Bella sleeps at his side at night. Zso and Sachi challenge Yo with their physical play; his lack of sight makes their leaps and wrestling startling. But he is gentle with his correction. Tiny Storm often just stands with her nose straining upward to touch his as they face each other.

When Quinn, then Nuka and finally Oso got sick, Yo was their gentle guardian making sure I knew when any had a need or made a noise that called for attention. Sometimes Yo would just stand over them or lie nearby...sadly attentive.

YoYoMa is still working on his cello skills but he IS the one who can always make me laugh and who rushes to my side whenever he senses I need protection. And I hold him wrapped in my arms during thunderstorms and fireworks. He is my partner.

We are so much richer for all of the winds of fate that took a while but finally aligned and brought him home to us. Tonight in White Dog Army style we will have a celebratory feast chosen by our very special boy: cubes of lamb mixed with chickpeas, chunks of zucchini, stringed beans, carrots, and minted couscous. He will get (as will all of the White Ones) strawberry-mango shortcake, made this afternoon, topped with a generous dollop of whipped honey yogurt.  And then we will cuddle and watch a movie.

Happy Gotcha Day our handsome boy! May we all share many more.

Safe with Kari, Ian Big Carl, Mesa and Baily

Comet and Bleu's mom, Lacey with our boy standing on a corner in Winslow

Puff: I see him!

YoYoMa in his official White Dog Army bandana...thanks WHN!

WD calls this Yo worshipping at the alter of Yo. I love this photo!

Our comic, Yo can always make me laugh.

Yo is the founding member of the WDA Coffee Club; we share two drinks of my heavily creamed coffee every morning.