a boy and his dog

Everything happens for a reason,yet sometimes it's tough to figure out the reason.

One afternoon about 4 months ago, Mike stopped at Petsmart and happened upon dog rescuers - they were there with several dogs up for adoption. Long story short, Mike signed us up to foster dogs for them. I didn't mind - I'm always happy to help animal rescue. He signed us up to foster a puppy, but when we went to pick up the puppy, he was adopted. So we brought home another dog-a one year old 50 pound mutt. We sucked at fostering as Baylee never returned to the adoption event.

She quickly settled in. And then became a typical 1 year old 50 pound puppy--crazy! We didn't want 4 dogs. Who wants 4 dogs?? But everything happens for a reason--sometimes reasons are realized long after the question is posed. Sometimes the reason never presents itself. In the case of Baylee joining our family, creating mayhem and upheaval, as well as eating a chair, the reason for her did not take long to present itself.

When I was a kid, my best friends were my animals. Quinn, as an only child, is finding friendship in our dogs. Today he was trying to feed worms to Baylee; she wasn't having it. I don't blame her. But her patience is always unflappable. She watches over her boy, so Quinn can play in the back yard with more confidence from me that he is safe.

Four dogs are mayhem to be sure, but it's looking outside today seeing Baylee and Quinn playing that brings a sense of peace--her entry into our life was meant to be and is perfect-despite all the craziness! I look forward to her settling down, to many camping trips with her, to hikes and swims.

And this one has insurance, since every dog we adopt ends up with huge medical issues!

The P word

Penis... Yep, I wrote it. It's a topic of conversation in our house this week, as our child presented his penis to his friends at school. Everyone has laughed this off; I have tried. Then I get a call from his teacher today and another mom has mentioned it. Fortunately (?) Quinn is not the only one who made such a presentation, but I'm mortified. But it's normal. Everything I've read says it's normal. His teacher has said it's normal. Other mom friends have said it's normal. Now that I'm not in the throes of an anxiety attack over it, I can reflect. And smile. Quinn says "I just wanted Lucia to be my best friend, so I showed her my penis". Then he says "But she told the teacher and now she's not going to be my best friend". out of the mouths.... and pants.... of babes.

Picture of the Week--FurKids

The Best Seat in the House--Nicely Shared