February 3, 2020

White Dog came to me, puzzled. "How do we honor Roman's Second Gotcha Day without bringing back memories of a really very scary, rocky start?" she asked. "I don't want any of us to revisit that happy occasion turned so sad."

I had to think a little about that. I make a point to tell our boy every day how loved he is, how proud I am of his progress, and how I am glad he came to live with us. But our tough macho little Sachi is missed a lot.

I wrapped my arms around White Dog. "Let us focus on Roman's steps forward not his arrival. Look how far he has come. He has accepted being a member of our pack...sits together with all waiting for treats and coffee...rests beside the others for after dinner naps. He calmly walks OVER Bailey when he needs to get around. He tolerates Bella's doing zoomies past him without reacting; and turns his back when Tizenegy yells at him. That was Not the boy who first entered our house.

Granted, Roman does not have complete control and loses his cool sometimes. But it is faster and easier to call him back to reality; to ground him. And he often puts himself into the timeout crate. He is starting to know, at least after the fact, when he has crossed the boundary. That is BIG progress.

Roman is perfectly social if he knows our friends who visit, like Beth. As long as the guests know to let him come to them and offer his head to be petted, all is good..and when he has had enough he walks away. I think he understands that maybe for the first time ever he is part of a community and there are so many out there cheering him on...sending confidence that he CAN do it.

So let's celebrate THOSE things, White Dog. Roman is our miracle in evolution and he deserves to be recognized and told we are glad he is here. So break out the cake and prepare a White Dog Army party of all his favorites...bacon, butter cod, broccoli, and sweet potato fries. Cue up Enya on the stereo. Invite YoYoMa to visit from the Rainbow Bridge to say a few words...after all, I truly believe it was Yo who knew just where Roman belonged...and sent him here.

Happy Gotcha Day, Roman, our Once Was Lost White Dog. You are home now. Love, momma, dad, White Dog and the entire White Dog Army.