March 3, 2018

Welcome!

White Dog raised an eyebrow. "Does she know what to expect? You have given her a preview of what to expect and she STILL wants to come over?" I nodded my head and WD shrugged her blessing.

Last time Beth was in town, she asked to meet the White Dog Army in person. With sick pups and our need to protect Yo's defenseless immune system, we begged off and promised to have her over for dinner in the future, hopefully when she next was in Albuquerque.

When we set up our dinner date, I asked again if Beth was SURE she would not be overwhelmed by our pack...after all, not everyone can withstand the Blizzard of White Dogs greeting and meeting and demanding attention. She laughed. I insisted she be certain.

We spent the morning cleaning and putting toys away and cooking a simple meal. I reminded everyone that they would need to be on their best behavior. Steve lectured precisely what those instructions entailed, since some of our current Army have never played host or hostess. Just before her arrival I again reminded that manners were expected.

Beth came up to the door and gently tapped...the WDA exploded into a vigorous song of welcome and crowded the windows jockeying for a first look. Steve slipped out onto the sun porch to let her in and the Army moved to press against the door. Beth came onto the enclosed area and looked in. Her eyes widened a little at the sight of every member of the WDA leaping and singing for her to come in.  She took a deep breath and Steve moved slightly in front of her.

I held Sachi, our ankle nipper, tightly in my arms, Steve pushed open the door, and the WDA flooded out and around our friend. To her credit all she said was, "oh my!"

"They will sing for a while and demand to know you. If you can just be a bit patient they WILL settle down and actually have good manners." She looked not entirely convinced but sat in the leather chair and tucked her purse behind her to keep the already prying noses out. Steve sat across from her on the sofa as the pack moved between the two.

"Once the clamor stops, I will let Sachi down," I told her. "When Sue does that," Steve warned a bit too darkly, "DON"T MOVE!" Poor Beth looked unsettled. I explained that he would greet her and once satisfied become an instant friend but that at first if spooked he would nip. "Tell me when you are comfortable and ready."

Within 10 minutes Sachi was up in Beth's lap licking her face and trying to snuggle next to her on the chair. "Just tell me if you need to get up," Steve offered, "and I will grab him into my arms."

While we chatted Steve distracted the WDA by making dog meals and serving their dinner. After, all were calmer and more relaxed. Most sprawled around us, listening to the gentle music and our conversation.

In time Nilla and Tizenegy went to their beds in the office.

When human dinner was served I held my breath and whispered a reminder of "manners." Two minutes of attempting to convince Beth that of course she should share her food...unsuccessfully...and amazingly the WDA quietly and politely moved to nap positions. Beth could not believe how well behaved all were.

And so passed a lovely evening. Beth looked at the clock and indicated it was time for her to go. She moved to stand and Steve lept to her side and grabbed the sleeping Sachi. just as the Cujo began to well up in him. I took the snapping boy into my locked embrace.

"His last job was as desk clerk at the Hotel California," I apologized "You know, you can check out anytime you like but you can never leave."

The others fussed that she was leaving too soon but saw Beth to the door. We waved her down the drive and then shut the blinds.

I called the Army to me. "I am so proud of you all! You were excellent hosts and showed such good manners."

"Does that mean we get some lemon chicken with artichokes NOW?" White Dog asked.