January 15, 2019

White Dog beamed with pride. "Don't tell her, but Zsofia is evolving into such a compassionate, sensitive lady. She is leadership material of the highest quality."

Such high praise from the Queen came as a result of watching our darkest White Dog ask to be locked into the kitchen so that she could lie down with Nilla and provide the comfort of knowing she was not alone. Nilla's dementia has taken a downward turn and she has developed anxiety. The radio tuned to gentle piano music has helped a lot and we have all become more vocal so that she can hear the sounds of all of us. And of course, when she is amiable to it, we hold and cuddle her close.

But sometimes these days as she dozes and awakes or the fog moves into her brain, she cries out seeking reassurance. Her discomfort rattles the White Dog Army who call back and pace at her gate.

Zso went a step further. She asked to be closed in with her sister and laid down near her. When Nilla woke from her after breakfast nap, Zsofia was there to gently touch Nilla's face with her nose as she softly moved closer. In a few minutes, Nilla was once again asleep, this time soundly and Zso rejoined the rest of us.