December 15, 2017

White Dog withdrew the collected savings of the White Dog Army from their "bank" and hopped into the car. She was on a shopping mission. Earlier in the day the WDA took a vote to direct their Christmas spending money toward helping homeless kids.

"You know we already have two family giving projects underway," I told her. "The Army does not have to do this." White Dog explained that the pack had discussed how to honor best those members of the WDA who now lived over the Rainbow Bridge. "It is like Bailey said," WD told me, "What better way to pay tribute to angels than to be angels for someone." I had no counterargument.

The Dollar Store was having a sale and My Girl knows how to shop for bargains. With the WDA funds she carefully selected 24 warm fleece blankets that would be big enough to wrap a child from the cold. Then she found boxes of gingerbread men cookies. In the end, she had $1.68 remaining.

The WDA will bring the blankets and treats to CLNkids next week where they will be distributed to children living on the street. These kids are not invisibles to the WDA for they are often seen at nighttime walks huddling behind stores in nooks that provide shelter from the wind. The WDA hopes their angel gifts will help a bit.

CLNkids (formerly known as “Cuidando Los Ninos”) has been serving the homeless community in Albuquerque since 1988. CLNkids helps lift children and families out of homelessness by combining high-quality early childhood education with proven support programs for parents. CLNkids continues to prove that, together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

This holiday season be an angel to someone. A smile, a card, a handme down scarf, a plate of cookies...these small efforts create the light that is so desperately needed. The WDA is excitedly deciding just what they will wear when we deliver their gifts. Imagine a pumpkin van filled with White Dogs and presents...better than a sleigh any day...and Rudolph ain't got nothin' on Sachi!