we've added to the zoo (**& some pics you might find kinda icky)

I know, I know, it has been way too long.  I have to say I am flattered and so grateful to everyone who has asked about and even complained that I haven't posted.  You guys are awesome and I love you!  The truth is that I have so much else that I need to be doing on the computer, that I felt guilty spending the time to post. It hasn't been that I haven't had anything to tell you or show you, believe me there's plenty!   After giving it much thought I have decided that it shouldn't matter what else is going on, I need to spend at least a little time posting. I really enjoy posting and getting feedback, and  also having an online record of what is going on in my life and my work.   Today I am going to start by introducing you to the newest member of our zoo of a family, Murphy.  We adopted him from a rescue right before Christmas.  Lucy loves having other dogs around so much that we thought it would be good for her to have a brother and constant canine companion.  They were honestly in love with each other from the very beginning.  I, on the other hand, have not been so selfless.  I love him and he is a good dog, but I have had my moments of missing my time with just me and my "baby".  Thankfully, that is already subsiding, because Tim (and some others) said that I am very mean.  I love Murphy, believe me, I do, he's so sweet.  I'm not playing favorites with my animals, I swear (kinda)!  

From what his foster mom told us, Murphy and his sister spent the first year and a half of their lives in a barn, without much human interaction.  They were fed and given water, but nobody spent much time loving them (pretty much none).  Considering that, it is amazing how gentle and loving with people Murphy is, he loves everyone.  He is half black lab and half golden retriever, with the gentleness and smarts of a golden and the spunk and happy-go-lucky of a lab.  Don't get me wrong, both Lucy and Murphy still need some work, but we're on it, Cesar would be proud!  We definitely lucked out with both our dogs.  Okay enough rambling, here's some random pics I have taken of Murphy since we brought him home.  

This is a true sign that Lucy loves Murphy.  She will hold sticks and bones for him and let him chew on them, as long as he remembers that she's in charge and that she will remain holding them, he can chew as long as he wants.

**************WARNING:  IF FOR SOME REASON YOU CAN'T STAND PICTURES OF RODENTS, YOU MIGHT WANNA SKIP THE REST OF THIS POST****************

:) we will now continue with our regularly scheduled program :)

Okay, now for the squeamish part.  Not long after Murphy made himself comfortable living in his new home, he decided he needed to go exploring behind our garage.  Much to my dismay, here's what he found.

    yeah, that's a rat, and yeah, I screamed my head off to get him to put it down

Just in case you were wondering what a rat's fingernails looked like, the answer is creepy old lady fingernails...who knew?!

Here's our friend on the shovel, in case you wanted some perspective on his size.

Be back soon!  Promise!