December 24, 2021

 

White Dog knew easy times were not ahead. Seventeen years of living within her wisdom and gentle leadership now leaves us stumbling and numb. But The Little White Dog of My Heart foresaw that and let behind letters to each of us that she hoped would shore us up and keep us on track.

The first was to me. “Dear Momma,” she wrote. “I know you feel abandoned by the Universe right now but it is not so. Open your heart and soul. Feel me. Hear me. Now, more than ever, our family and the world need your conviction of time and love. And liberal doses of your favorite word…but it is NOT just a word…Hope, momma, Together you and I proved that a Little White Dog and woman with hope CAN make a difference. Promise me that you will continue our Blog, it will ALWAYS be OUR blog and, as Roman is ready, that we continue to add new recruits to the White Dog Army. I am with you….Always is always. xo,”

To Zsofia. “You have been in training for this moment all of your life,” White Dog typed. “I know it is scary in many ways and that you fear making mistakes. That fear is what makes a good leader, not that you will mess up but understanding that everyone does. Always choose kindness and empathy over harshness or punishment. You are a most sensitive girl with a huge heart call on those often…and never be afraid to ask for help or guidance. You are not expected to do this alone…I didn’t. I am so very proud of you, my daughter.”

“Roman, you are our living proof in the power of time and love. I know you are dedicated and genuine in your efforts to overcome your past and you have come so very far. Watching you use your heart and head instead of fear and force makes my heart sing. Your voice will be valuable as Zso navigates leadership. Your perspective and experiences will provide insight which her life has not forced upon her. Remember to treat the new ones as they come with as much acceptance as you can muster and walk away when you must. You have the tools and I am counting on you.”

To Opal. “You are the representative of so many of the early White Dogs in the Army. You share their looks, their histories, and their smarts. You are the embodiment of our breed: kind to all, determined, and loyal…THOSE characteristics will be much needed in the next days ahead as the WDA transitions and adjusts to change. I know you will tenaciously push for harmony. I trust momma’s care especially to you; you have always been her caregiver and she will need tender care more than ever. I am counting on you, sister.”

“ Bailey, as peacekeeper, you have always been subtle in your influence and protection. You have an amazing gift in your ability to invisibly move and diffuse situations. Your nurturing nature provides safe calm feelings that soothes away fear. Everyone will need LOTS of nurturing now, especially momma. You may be the WDA’s most underrated member because you are so skilled but know I have counted on your skills more times than you will ever know,” White Dog penned.

“Little Diva, you are still finding your way around. I have watched you throw yourself wholly into making friends and learning our routines and I am confident that with time and love you will come to love us as much as I already love you. Give Roman special understanding; he carries many demons but is trying SO hard.”

“Dad, writing this to you may be the hardest task.” White Dog’s letter said. “I know you would have carried me around the world and slept every night in a chair holding me. Please NEVER think you failed me or could have done more. You made my life a wonder and provided more opportunities than ANYone could have hoped for. You have the tenderest heart and have made me feel special, loved, and even more, appreciated, every single day. Please lavish what you have on the others; they each need you in their own special way…but you already know that. You are the BEST dad.”

“I cannot forget this one last important part of our family,” White Dog wrote in a letter to our friends who follow The White Dog Blog. “Through six THOUSAND twelve posts you have watched me grow up and witnessed our family become an Army of Love. You have reinforced that one little white dog could have an impact and, with her own unremarkable story, change the world. You have provided encouragement, shared our pain, been our community. My family does not end here with my passing and they, especially momma, will need you all more than ever. Don’t ever let her lose hope. I thank each of you and ask that you will carry a piece of Siku Marie, THE White Dog, in your hearts.”

Each letter was signed: “I am not gone, I am now part of every bit of the Universe. With you always. Siku Marie.”

Thank you, Ann Adamus for this beautiful tribute