December 21,2017

White Dog began her birthday eve festivities first thing this morning. Today was Hobbit Birthday Day and she checked items off of her list as Steve loaded them into the car.

The rest of the White Dog Army watched her coordinated efforts patiently because they knew when the packing up was finished that they were to be the first recipients of a From Siku with Love Gift.

WD had added items on last weekend's grocery list so that the WDA, on Hobbit Birthday Day, would each receive an extra special breakfast of turkey bacon, scrambled eggs and a waffle topped with honey yogurt.

After breakfast we hit the road to deliver blankets to CLNKids a shelter for kids and families. Tucked among the warm fleece were several trays of cookies for the kids to share at lunchtime.

Next, WD rode in her commander's chair as we headed over to the Good Shepherd Center (a shelter for homeless men). WD had 180 pairs of socks for them to share with their clients. Additionally we had found those shiny emergency blankets that keep out wind, heat and cold; plus they fold up into a pocket-sized pouch...WD donated 50 of those to hand out to men who lived in the elements who not always could find a sheltered spot. Our wonderful vet clinic, ALSO Good Shepherd donated the leftovers from their bake sale to aid a local Lab Rescue...and so the men would have a plethora of home baked goods with their evening meal.

At Steve's office Holiday party yesterday, one of his coworkers asked the office for help putting together gifts for the children and the elders in the Navajo Community of Tohajiilee.  When he came home and shared the news, WD added them to Hobbit gifts list. For them we put together some blankets, socks, a realistic lifesized stuffed turtle, and a game of fine motor skills called Fishing which requires one to link fish mouth to tail to form the longest chain on "Your" hook. WD looked at me when she choose the game and said, "Sounds like your description of Barrel of Monkeys from YOUR childhood." We stopped at Steve's office where WD presented her box of gifts.

There is a wonderful little place not far from Steve's office, The Little Red Hamburger Hut. It is a tiny place that is by no means fancy with a menu limited to...you guessed...hamburgers and hot dogs. WD was surprised when Steve turned the now empty van into their lot. "The Little White Dog of My Heart and I will share the Tortilla Burger," I told him. "Make sure they leave off the chiles and the onions." White Dog looked at me. "And an order of french fries."

"I really do love sharing the fun of my birthday and paying forward my good fortune, but Dad? I am so tired!" she said as she stood at the door waiting for him to unlock it. Inside, the WDA barked and howled their welcome.

"Best rest while you can," Steve told her. "This is just the start of celebrating you."