December 4, 2018

White Dog has always known how to howl...not bark...throw back your head and sound like a wildthing howl. Zsofia and Bailey come with the built in instinct that huskies have held on to from ancient times; they both sound like wolves in our timber country when they sing. The others do a bark imitation just to be part of the chorus.

When team Zso goes on nightly walks, Bailey waits at the front door and when she hears the group returning begins a howl I think is meant to guide them all back to the warmth and love of the pack. WD joins her. Zso answers her.

Opal, keeper of the hearth, yesterday took the stance and tried her hardest to generate a genuine howl. She was sincere and focused but did not quite sing out in the commanding tone required. I laughed and rubbed her head. "It is a good start, Sweet Girl," I told her. "Keep practicing, you will get it."

Tonight, Opal sat right next to Bailey and copied her every tone and movement. Several times Bai seemed to pause and repeat herself for the benefit of her sister's learning curve. Opal's song seemed more confident even if it is not yet the polished pack call.

I especially liked that Bailey took the time to nose her encouragement and that Zso walked over to her and howled back. Miss Opal was so proud of herself, I had to smile even though I know we are unleashing a late night song not many would hear the beauty of.