September 8, 2021

White Dog was having a better day. She, Steve and most of the others were out in the afternoon heat soaking in what will soon be gone. Even Opal sprawled out on the deck.

Bailey, however, was inside and looking like she had something she needed to tell me. I continued with my work and waited for her to begin the conversation. I tried not to let my mind guess the topic. She kept glancing out of the dog door at those outside.

"Momma," she finally began, "before everyone else comes in can I ask a favor?" I nodded but added, "that is not my agreement that I will do it, but ask."

"You know at bedtime when you say goodnight you always call me your perfect fit and say each of us is a miracle? Do you mean that?"

"With my entire heart and soul, Bai." She hopped on the bed and put her paws across my lap. "Is that only something that you say at night or can you tell me now? I had a bad dream after breakfast and I guess hearing it would help."

I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her nose. "Bailey we would not be the same White Dog Army without you. You are our nurturer and peacekeeper...and my protector. You miraculously showed up at our door after an ugly situation and are the most perfect fit EVER. I will tell you that a milion times if you need to hear it but hold it always in your heart bcause it is true." She smiled and licked me before resting her head against my body.

Then she heard the backdoor open and got flustered. "We don't need to tell the others about this, right? Can I say you were lonely and I was keeping you company?"

"We're in here," I called, "Bailey was keeping me company while you were out in the sun. Who wants a cool drink and a cookie?"