June 18, 2013

White Dog lessons on how to share a lamb chop with an army of six:

1. First choose the biggest of the three shoulder chops.
2. Carefully trim all of the juicy hot-off-the-grill sizzling edge fat from the chop and divide it into four pieces. Quinn and Nuka, our pancreatitis kids, cannot eat fat. Distribute to Puff, YoYoMa, Oso, and eat one piece yourself. Give Quinn and Nuka broccoli trees with a bit of butter.
3. Using high precision calipers, divide the red yummy meat into ten very equal parts. They do not have to look identical but should be of equal volume.
4. Distribute one cube to each member of the White Dog Army insisting that each use their finest party manners to receive it.
5. This leaves four lamb pieces. 
6. Pretend to be shocked that two pups are going to be cheated since there are only four piece left and there are six members of the White Dog Army. Pause dramatically and let each squirm and hope that THEY won't be the one left out.
7. Then gallantly and with much kindness tell them that the two youngest members of the Pack will bow to the wisdom and respect owed to the elders...That Quinn, Nuka, Puff, and Oso may have the extra pieces of lamb.
8. Insist that you and YoYoMa, the youngsters, will get by simply licking the empty bone. Look longingly at momma until she volunteers a second bone. Let the others know of the amazing sacrifice you and your brother make so that THEY can enjoy the finest, moistest, most succulent bits of the chop. Accept the thanks of the WDA humbly.
9. Grab your bone and high-tail it to the bed (White Dog) and your sleeping space (Yo) where you can crunch and slurp privately as the others settle down for post dinner naps still licking lamb lusciousness off of their lips thinking you are a hero.
10. Do NOT growl when dad comes around to collect up the bones an hour later.

June 17, 2013

White Dog sat in the window and watched the proceedings across the street with increasing sadness. Early this morning she, YoYoMa and Puff barked their "go away" song as a young man climbed out of his truck, walked around the old stately tree a couple of times and then scaled it.

Before long he came down and began unloading ropes and a tool belt and a chain saw. Another man arrived. White Dog looked at Steve who suggested maybe the lovely green haired dowager of a tree was going to get some pruning. The trunk over the decades of its existence had taken on a languid sultry curve and was more than 150" around near its base.

This tree has special significance to White Dog and I as it was one of the first images that I painted and added words to the canvas. WD and I loved watching her change moods across the season and loved her best in the winter when she seemed sleek and fiercely lovely. And yes, that IS bark from a fallen branch from the very tree pictured.

By mid-day it was clear that our tree friend was not being pruned...she was being cut to pieces. She was not diseased and removing the dead limbs would have been relatively easy. But she had spread and her toes were now pushing at the new neighbor's driveway causing the concrete to heave; this was the reason for her death sentence.

We live in the droughted desert and a tree like this will never grow on our block again. Times have changed; tastes have changed; our environment has changed (it is far too polluted and dry for such stately long investment growth).

We spent the afternoon mourning the loss and hoping that Ents understand the cycle of life--often foolishly sped up by humans. As her sheltering canopy was removed the roof of the house glinted in the sunlight. "They are going to be sorry for the loss of shade," Steve commented. "Their cooling costs are going to soar."

And finally it was done. She is a scatter of sawed chunks and a stump. White Dog and I went out on the sunporch at dusk to pay final respects. We needed to be alone and the others seemed to understand.

The Little White Dog of My Heart and I lit a candle, together read Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree...and then White Dog let me cry softly into her fur.

June 16, 2013

White Dog and Quinn and Nuka and Puff and YoYoMa and Oso want to thank the guy who goes to the Asian Market every week and cooks up fresh mackerel meals despite his busy schedule because he knows homecooked is healthiest and best. They are grateful for the pre-bedtime walkies and the trips to the Park...and for being carried home when they are too tired to take another step. The WDA knows they are lucky to have someone to clean up accidents and upset tummy messes and give extra baths when their bodies get the sickes...someone who worries for their health and well-being and who never yells at them for the inconvenience. Someone is there to sit on the floor...to play...to cuddle...to groom...to care. The White Ones know they need only cry out in the night or lay a dejected head against his knee to get attention and love...and reassurance if it is needed.

My wise pack knows they are blessed with a human who does all that and a billion things more always with kindness and gentleness. And they know genetics does not a father make...a dad is made of love and commitment and selflessness...and they know, Siku and Quinn, Nuka and Puff, YoYo and Oso, that they have the greatest dad ever made.

Happy Father's Day, Dad! Despite being floofless, two-legged, and squeamish about eating things off the street, we think you are just perfect!

The White Dog Army wishes all the other Supermen out there who build their lives around their families, a day filled with celebration by the ones who love you most honoring the difference you make every day!  Happy Fathers' Day!

June 15, 2013

White Dog could not contain her excitement. It is once again the season of the Downtown Growers' Market on Saturdays. All of the White Dogs love going with to shop for locally grown fresh produce, baked goods, homemade dog treats, and all manner of wonderful cottage industry foods and crafts. There is music at the bandstand and noshing food vendors offer everything from Navajo Fry Bread to hot homemade breakfast burritos to fresh squeezed lemonade.

"Don't forget the candy apples," White Dog reminded me. Our friend, Valerie has a booth where she sells her delicious candy coated apples and chocolate dipped strawberries. Each of the White Dog Army has a favorite flavor but all agree that the plain buttery caramel ones are exquisite. Steve enjoys the Peanut turtle version...a juicy fresh apple wrapped in caramel, rolled in chopped peanuts and then double dipped in chocolate. It is a tradition to end our shopping trip with treats from Valerie and the Droolicious Dog Treats folks and then sit on the steps of the old Victorian home converted into offices across from the Park as we devour Saturday morning heaven.

It is impossible to shop and visit in the crowd with six White Dogs in tow (no matter how well behaved, they form a wall of protection around me) so it has also become a Summer Ritual that two pups at a time get to join us on a revolving basis. This week it was White Dog and YoYoMa's turns. We left to grumbles of "Lucky Dogs!" and pleas to "bring home something tasty for us!"

We returned to a barricade of the WDA who would not let us inside until they had been allowed to sniff the bags of vegetables for salads and dinners. Steve had to push Quinn's insistent nose out of the bag of fresh peaches while Puff kept trying to grab the container of vanilla yogurt dog cookies.

Once inside we put things away and shared cookies and bites of a caramel apple. "Whose turn is next week?" Oso demanded to know.

June 14, 2013

White Dog and The Army gathered around me. They looked sad. "I guess that officially dad's vacation is over," White Dog began. "Since Fridays are Saturdays and he is usually home any way." "The time went by too quickly," Puff said. "We didn't get to do half of the stuff on our fun list," Oso chimed in. Quinn looked up and wondered, "Why do all of the good times seem to just rush by? It's like he's only been home for a few days."

"Sweet Ones, I too, wish this time would never end but let us not be ungrateful for the time we have spent together. The weather was too hot to do a lot of the outdoor things you wanted; dad will never put you in harm's way. It is his job to make that call and protect you." Nuka asked to be picked up.

"But you said things will get a little crazy now and dad will be super busy for the next couple of weeks," she whispered.

"It is true, he will be starting a new school quarter and has an awful teaching schedule and he will be back to being a student again. And for the next two weeks he is still teaching that special seminar class every morning. That is crazy busy. He will need all of our patience and understanding and love."

Quinn stood up on wobbly legs and leaned against me. "It HAS been wonderful having dad home to help me adjust to my new treatment protocol and to get me back on track healthwise. It always feels so much better when we are all together."

"White Dogs, dad is just going back to our normal life with a speed bump at the beginning, he is not leaving us. We always adjust when one of needs extra pack care, like he has for you Quinn. For the next few weeks it is dad's turn."

White Dog came to a resolution in her head, i could see the change in her posture. She stood up on the Watching Chair. "You always tell us not to spend the time we could be joyful today by worrying about tomorrow," she announced. "The return isn't until Monday morning at 9. I decree we are going to spend this time celebrating our time together, whatever we do and with whatever weather constraints we face. We are going to be thankful that dad is here with us."

The WDA was murmuring its agreement as Steve returned with YoYoMa. They had been for a quick walk around the neighborhood. "Whatcha talking about?" Steve asked in response to the Army's chatter. "Just how much we love you, dad!" Oso replied as he asked Steve to pick him up.

"Well WE were talking about tacos for lunch," YoYoMa said. "The big handmade ones from Los Cuates!" White Dog heads turned to look at Steve. He  nodded. "Just because."

June 13, 2013

White Dog sat with me on the front porch as we watched and listened to the rain. We knew it would only last a few minutes but cuddled side-by-side it was nice to imagine it might become an actual rainstorm. The rest of the White Dog Army had followed us out but finding no cause to be sitting in the dark drifted back inside and stood waiting expectantly for WD and I to come in.

Steve was on the floor in the living room with YoYoMa gently brushing his coat and trying to distract him from the rumbling thunder. Our big boy quakes like the leaves when the winds shift and thunder echoes across the mountains. A loud crack of lightning sends him scurrying to the crate of safe haven.

The rain was already beginning to taper off and WD felt the cool front move in, quickly dropping our 90 degrees down ten points. Already the ground was dry and we prepared to go back inside.

White Dog put her paw on my arm. I turned to look at her. "I am glad we still have chances for just you and me time alone. I love my family but sometimes it is extra wonderful for it to be just us. Is that selfish?"

"Little White Dog of My Heart, maybe it is a little selfish but it is not wrong. I, too, especially enjoy these sharings that none of the others would understand. These are the moments that bring out our unique special connection. For each of them, there are different shared bonds and "me" times that you would not understand...that is how each of you owns a piece of my heart that no one else can claim. Now let's join the others."

We both looked through the doorway. Steve was still on the floor. YoYoMa was nestled against his left side and Quinn rested along his right. Puff sat in his lap. Nuka and Oso were curled together a foot or so in front of him. "Let's sit a while longer. The rest of the Army has their special moments, too, with dad. And they will miss him terribly when vacation week is over."

June 12, 2013

White Dog and The White Dog Army

Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog’s favorite movie is “Pay It Forward,”  an inspirational story whose premise is when Trevor McKinney begins seventh grade his social studies teacher gives the class an assignment to devise and put into action a plan that will change the world for the better. Trevor's plan is a charitable program based on the networking of good deeds. He calls his plan "Pay It Forward", which means the recipient of a favor does a favor for three others rather than paying the favor back. We have often use this idea ourselves and within our network of people we know.

The result of Paying It Forward is a wave of good deeds and positive actions that are  instrumental in creating a wonderful world one action at a time. Imagine the WDA’s delight and wonder when they read this real life story of a business employing Pay It Forward with its customers. Please share our Wednesday moment of highlighting a young businessman with a personal commitment to make a difference…

Portland gym is free if you 'pay it forward' by KGW staff

KING5.com Posted on June 5, 2013 at 7:13 PM

PORTLAND – Beast Fit Nation in Portland offers free workouts, the only catch is you have to “pay it forward.”

 

“(It’s) the world’s first free gym. Everything is free you don’t have to pay me a dollar,” said Sergio Jones, founder of Beast Fit Nation. “All you have to do is promise me you’ll do three random acts of kindness after you leave. You will help out somebody else.”

Those who work out at Beast Fit Nation love the idea and motivate each other in their grueling workouts. Not only are members motivated to get in shape and work on their bodies, they are part of Beast Fit Nation to work on their lives.

“After coming here, I do as many random acts of kindness as possible throughout the day,” said Brandon Stevens, a student at Portland State University.

“You will help your neighbor, pay for the person behind you, call up a friend you haven’t talked to in a while, tell them you miss them,” Jones said. “Do something else for somebody else.”

Beast Fit Nation, which is located at Southwest 16th Avenue and Southwest Jefferson Street, is about more than just fitness. Members see the gym as a whole movement to help out others.

Many of the members are students at Lincoln High School, which is right next door to the gym.

“Now I’m looking for people that need help around me,” said Lincoln High School student Joe Angyus. “Do they need to open the door? Do they have coffee in their hands? Do they need an extra 20 cents to pay their bill in front of them?”

Instead of charging its members, Beast Fit Nation goes to other businesses in the community and asks for sponsorship.

The gym is a big hit with its members, with many people seeing great results from the grueling workouts. But it’s everyone else in the Portland community that gets to benefit from the workouts.

If you want to learn more about Beast Fit Nation got to its web page here.

KGW photojournalist Cory Long produced this story.

June 11, 2013

White Dog was softly keening as she squeezed herself into my shoulder. "This is not fair. It is not how we should be spending dad's vacation. Why me?"  YoYoMa was stoically standing on the exam table with Coral's arm wrapped around him and Dr. Julia listening to his heart.

White Dog and YoYoMa were having their annual wellness checkups and heartworm tests. There were not even any shots involved and WD reacted as though it was the apocalypse and she was about to be devoured by zombies. It is not new, WD goes into utter and inconsolable panic whenever she must visit our Dr. Julia; she has ever since she had her lady surgery years and years ago....and Dr. Julia was even in another building then.

Being the noble big brother, and minion to her WD diva-ness, Yo had volunteered to go first. Well actually Coral tied to coax and then pry WD out my arms and finally spun around and hoisted YoYoMa up, saying "Why don't you go first and show your sister that it is all good."

Yo sighed and steadied himself as the table rose to exam height. He had his own reason to be nervous. Last year during his visit Dr. Julia had commented that our handsome boy was a bit chunky. She suggested that he could afford to loose 5 lbs or so. The others in the WDA had been teasing that his floofy backside was looking a little wide and that he better enjoy treat time before Dr. Julia made him give up duck jerky in favor of celery sticks and tofurkey nuggets.

"Did you get a weight on him?" Dr. Julia asked Steve. "Yep, according to your scale, he's at 37.6 pounds" Yo cringed. Dr. Julia wrote down the number and looked at him. "Good boy! You lost over four and a half pounds since you were here last!"

White Dog stopped her whimpering to paw her brother a high five! YoYoMa licked Coral's hand. Yet Another White Dog's health is now picture perfect except that he has some deep tartar buildup on his back molars and needs a dental cleaning. When we schedule that we will also remove a small skin growth on his right shoulder that looks innocent but as long as he must be anesthetized will be taken off and tested just as a precaution.

Then it was White Dog's turn. The scratch down my chest as she tried to climb into my shirt told me how frightened she was but when she was set upon the exam table and I reminded her that she was the leader of the White Dog Army, she squared her shoulders and stood proudly. "That's my baby girl," I whispered to her softly.

Perfect weight. Perfect teeth. All her numbers were in the excellent range. "I wish every dog I saw was as well cared for as you are," Dr. Julia told her. "Until next year." White Dog jumped down off the table and stood at the door.

We organized WD into my lap and I took YoYoMa by the collar as Steve opened the door and rolled us out into the lobby. "Come on kids," I said to them. "Let's stop and get a hamburger to celebrate YoYoMa's successful weight loss." Yo looked in Dr. Julia's direction. "Just don't make a habit of it, Mr. YoYo," she said.

June 10, 2013

White Dog stayed behind when the rest of the White Dog Army followed Steve to the kitchen to make popcorn. "Dad Vacation, Day One, was pretty cool despite the heat," she said. "I think dad would agree with you, Little White Dog of My Heart. What did you like best?"

"Well..." she thought for a moment. "it is hard to choose because even the normal stuff was special knowing dad did not have to rush off to work or do his homework."

"The smoked salmon and cream cheese for lunch," YoYoMa interrupted leading the contingent of popcorn bearers.

"Sleeping in." was Nuka's response.

"Supervising the cleanup of the grill for the start of bbq season," Oso and Puff said at the same time.

Quinn cast his vote: "Dad just sitting with me early this morning when the birds started singing and I could not go back to sleep. We sat together and listened while you all slumbered. He made me feel safe and calm. And he was relaxed, too. He did not even turn on his alarm clock he told me."

"Can I vote twice?" Yo begged. "I forgot about the grilled bratwurst and garlic cheese raviolis we had for dinner."

"If he gets two votes, I want two votes, " Puff demanded. "Me too!" cried Nuka.

"Guys! Lets just agree that the day was full of wonderful moments and treats. Having dad on vacation is great. Now if you start arguing the popcorn will get cold and we won't have time for tonight's movie."

The White Dog Army circled Steve and looked at him silently. "My favorite part of the day that I did not have to leave any of you for even a moment!" Steve told them and reached to turn on the television. Six tails wagged with delight.

June 9, 2013

White Dog followed my look across the room and settled closer against me. "It IS kind of amazing, isn't it?"

She and I were looking at Quinn and YoYoMa, lying together on the cool tiles of the hearth. They were both napping, it wasn't anything special...and yet the sight (and every moment like it) made me do a little victory dance in my head and tear up.

YoYoMa first came to us as Quinn was developing his seizures and becoming shy(er) and easily spooked. Yo was from from horrible abuse, blind, and just days past being an unneutered stud dog; he came in feeling a need to prove his place in the pack. So he challenged the house Alpha male, Quinn, and The Other White Dog never even put up a fight as Yet Another White Dog ripped open his shoulder causing an infection and stitches.

Many gently tried to tell me that maybe YoYoMa "wasn't a good fit" and would need to be rehomed. Others painted a future where the best we could hope for was perpetually keeping the two boys separated. We were filled with horror stories of dog fights that proved fatal. Even our beloved Dr. Julia cautioned me to remember what was best for Quinn and that I should NEVER trust them enough to leave the two together unattended.

It has been a journey of finding understanding and common ground. Both boys have learned the language of the other: the manic fear and easily startled blindness. They have been incredible in each of their abilities to process, comprehend, and adapt to a complex social issue. I have been a guide and a facilitator (as have White Dog and their sisters) but the change has been theirs. There has never been another fight; boundaries are still sometimes crossed and warning growls issued. But both Quinn and YoYoMa know there is no loss of status in walking away or in forgiveness.

So every time I see my boys at peace and in solidarity I want to shout to all those naysayers, "I KNEW it! I knew they could make it work. I am so glad we didn't give up." Time and faith and love...it works every time.