February 10, 2020

White Dog's Gotcha Day Anniversary is this Friday. Save the congratulations and love for THAT post, this is a different kind of musing.

It will be the FIFTEENTH celebration of the day a tiny 3lb. White Dog bravely flew alone from Kansas and became the Little White Dog of My Heart. There was no White Dog Army then; it was not even a thought. "Where has the time gone?" I ask her as she comes in, like she has every day of our lives together, to share my breakfast.

"Cotton Blowing in the Wind" and "Silk Flowing across the Park" has given way to "Stately Stroll to the Yard. I delight now when she hops back through the dog door with a lively trot instead of a cautious back-saving ginger step.

Her eyes are bright with only a slight touch of cloudiness and she can still command an Army of younger, bigger pups with just a curled lip and "I am in charge" stance. She has no major health issues save those that affect us all as we age.

But we look back together through the history of our lives together. It is easy since this blog began with her arrival (5,330 posts ago). We are both amazed at the journey we have shared, the family we have built, and the miles and situations we have traveled.

WD speaks during Hamlet. Travel all over the country. Special meals prepared by her very own chef. Our afternoon reading breaks cuddling on the bed.

We laugh at photos of our tough little Fashionista, Nuka, in clothes. "I wonder what SHE would think of us now," White Dog wonders. We compare our serious Little Man, Oso, and our Forever Little Boy, Sachi, and conclude that the diversity of characters who are part of us makes us who we are.

And then there is Zsofia, who barely fit into her ears. She is the only other White Dog we have baby photos of. "It is amazing that all her parts fit so perfectly now and that she has gentle perfect manners," White Dog complimented.

"Remember when Dad only would consider dogs he could pick up and run with?" White Dog asked. "It was in case he had to protect one of you from a loose dog or danger," I told her. "Seems he broke the rule when Bailey joined us," she laughed.

"Where have all the years gone, momma? Right here and here and here. We are still weaving a most incredible tapestry. I can't wait to see what you and the Army have planned for me on Friday. Ask dad to take me for a ride and then surprise me...I will be thrilled."

I kiss her nose and try to hide the tear in my eye. "You Got It! The theme is "15 Down and many many more ahead!"