What happens is not as important as how you react to what happens.

So, what do you think an outside dog might give his "mom" (human, of course) for Mother's Day?

Elliot, being the thoughtful companion that he is, and familiar with my obsession with critters, went out in search of, what else, another CRITTER for me! And look what he found...


A LOVELY Eastern Painted turtle!!!!

Not understanding Elliot's intimidating barking was merely his way of announcing the arrival of his thoughtful gift to me for this special occasion, we rescued the turtle from his distress and placed him amidst the plants by the pond in our backyard, where it seems he has become quite comfortable and content. Kendall took him an offering of fruit. We have now set out to construct for him, a safe and easy access to the pond, where he may swim, bask and hide in the lush ivy with Thumper. I'm not sure what Thumper thinks of his new companion...thus far he has shown only a moderate interest in him, though they are resting comfortably together in the plants around the pond. Perhaps later this summer, we can have a hare and turtle race...