September 21, 2015

White Dog has learned the power of gratitude from her brothers and sisters who have joined the White Dog Army as rescues bringing with them the memories and sometimes the scars of hard lives and hard won reason for thanks. She has been a child of privilege her entire life but from them, WD has heard their perspectives and witnessed their thankfulness for even the most simple of comforts. Sharing the White Dog Army's experiences have made her...and I...more aware of the bounty and blessings that fill our lives...and we are raising Zsofia to understand that her life is a golden gift.

Today is World Gratitude Day.

Gratitude Day is celebrated annually on the 21st September. The celebration of Gratitude Day allows both individual citizens and organizations within wider society to celebrate the broad meaning of gratitude in a variety of ways.

The celebration started in 1965 in Hawaii when an international gathering decided that it would be a good idea to have one day per year to formally express gratitude and appreciation for the many wonderful things to be found in the world. Following the meeting in Hawaii, many attendees marked Gratitude Day on 21st September 1966 when back in their own countries. Ever since then, the number of people celebrating Gratitude Day across the world has grown and grown.

A Day For Gratitude

The awareness of the benefits of having time in one’s life for gratitude, appreciation and positive reflection have become increasingly apparent. The hope of the founders of Gratitude Day is that by taking time, one day a year, to reflect on the many amazing things we have in our lives, it would positively impact our well-being and make us happier, more contended people.

The White Dog Army works hard to make our gratitude a daily song in our hearts. Some days when we read the headlines of hundreds of thousands of displaced peoples; of horribly abused and neglected animals, children, women; of the increasing marginalization of those in need our gratitude rushes like a raging river. We are thankful that it is not us in those situations and we ask the Universe to put an end to the misery that abounds.

Some days it is a little tougher, when things don't go quite as planned or gremlins nip at our toes or our favorite dog treat is out of stock. It is easy to be distracted by the little voices that sing "Poor me! Woe! Feel sorry for yourself."  Thankfully some pup in the pack always has enough objectivity to stop the Pity Party by reminding us of the wonderfulness of the world and especially how good our lives are.

On this special day of Gratitude we want to take an extra moment to tell those who read us, follow us, support our mission to fight disease...those who know our names by heart and send their prayers when we are in need and their cheers when we succeed...those who love us like family and fill us with the certainty that we will never be alone or abandoned in a time of need...those who make our hearts full to bursting in gratitude...

The White Dog Army, all of us, 

from this side of the Bridge and over, 

appreciates and treasures you and 

is so thankful that you are a part of our lives!

Siku Marie, Puff The Magical, YoYoMa, Bella E. Premurosa, Sachi the Dauntless, Zsofia The Sky-Eyed, Nilla the Hamonious, Ferguson Amat Vitam, Benson of Calm Certitude...The Mighty Quinn, Nuka Angel Marie, Osothe Fearless, Darby Daisy Marie, Taiko the Tender, Gentle Storm,,,and Steve and I