Pierre, the Penguin

Stories like this warm the cockles of my heart. Poor Pierre the Penguin was old, losing weight and feathers, and couldn't swim anymore due to hypothermia. So what to do? A wetsuit, of course!

My First Paycheck

My niece, Britton, shared this with the family today...

As each person ages, I think one of the most exciting times in an individual's life is receiving that first paycheck. If you can think back to your first job, can you think back to your very first paycheck? If so, do you remember what you did with your first paycheck? Do you have anything to show for it? I was fifteen and from my first job, with my very first paycheck, I bought myself a beautiful miniature Dachshund. With a spring in her step, the only name that would suit her bubbly personality would be Cricket. June 1st, 1993-April 26th, 2008 (just shy of 15 years old & 105 in dog years).

I have many favorite photos of Cricket because she loved the camera. It was as if she would literally pose for the camera, knowing all eyes were on her. Included are two photos, one of her younger years (taken with me) and one in her later years. Although she appears white in her later year's photo, she actually spent most of her years white. Why you may ask? To remind my father to never leave her outside in a blizzard ever again. And guess what, he never did.

This is my favorite poem by an unknown author dedicated to man’s best friend...

Faithful Friend

God summoned a beast from the field and he said...

"I endow you with the instincts uncommon to other beasts:
Faithfulness, devotion and understanding surpassing those of man himself.
Lest it impair your understanding, you are denied the power of words;
Speak to your master only with your mind and through honest eyes.

So be silent, and be a friend to man;
This shall be your destiny and your immorality."

So spoke the Lord.
And the dog heard and was content.

Oh, the Tummy!

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Originally uploaded by Emily / DreamEyce

A rattie lover and breeder has posted adorable photos of her litter - check them out!

Introducing Barnabas rat

Introducing Barnabas rat.

Peppee mouse

Peppee mouse wanted to be alone, but I told him it would be better if I stayed with him. So we sat together as I gently pet him and whispered to him that it was all right, holding him to the moment of his last breath. As I had mentioned in the last post about Peppee mouse it was as if overnight he had become a little old man mouse. During the day on Sunday it looked like Peppee mouse was rallying, eager to accept the offered PediaSure and acting playful like a young mouse. But come Sunday evening Peppee mouse decided it was time.

Little Old Peppee Mouse

It seems as if overnight the little boy mouse becomes a little old man mouse. Peppee is still very active and loves to snuggle.

Daily Rodentia

Spidey Rat.


Spidey rat.


Baby Drinky rat and baby Gabby rat.


Baby Gabby rat, baby Drinky rat and momma Isis rat.


Momma Isis rat


Momma Isis rat

Elle rat and the mice where not in the mood to pose for pictures today.

World Rat Day

love birds sitting pretty

The lovebirds sitting pretty during the morning routine.