September 2, 2017

White Dog stood on the deck, gave a wag of approval and took the ceremonial first jump through.

The White Dog Army team and Steve spent the afternoon custom fitting and installing a new dog door. It was, in Steve's mind, a VAST improvement because it was insulated all around, had a multi-layer flap to keep out the cold winds, fit into the tracks of the patio door unit, and was secured into the frame.

"Why don't we leave it just like this," was the first Supervisor's suggestion (from Sachi). "Because all I have done is remove the old door. We cannot leave the patio door standing wide open all of the time." A disappointed, "Oh, it seemed so much easier to use."

"Woohoo! It is white! A white door for The White Dog Army!" cheered Bella, our fashion critic.

Nilla was Steve's tester. At each step she went through the door and back.

We discovered that the new door had a bit higher threshold than the old one and are concerned for Stormer and YoYoMa's ability to jump over. Yo managed after a stumble or two. Stormer might have to wait for the ramp we ordered to arrive to be able to get through without straining his hips.

Miss Zsofia sat on the deck and pouted. "I do not like this new thing," she complained. "The old was was nice and has been there forever and did not need to be changed." Steve pointed out that the old one had been broken and was held together with duct tape. He explained that the change should affect HER least of all...she was long-legged, nimble, and young. Still she was upset. Steve left her sitting on the deck.

She DID come in for dinner but then sat INSIDE pushing at the flap disdainfully and refusing to step through. Finally Nilla butted her out of the way.

Steve took our Darkest White Dog, our Itty Bitty Baby Girl and went to the new door. He sat on the floor with her and swung the flap with his hand. "See, it is NO different. Try it." She poked with her nose and then jumped back. Finally, Steve waited until she was peering out and gave her backside an encouraging push. She is sitting on the deck next to the door once again.

The others did not even seem to notice a difference.