Just list our # as the Applegate Zoo...

You know I have three little beasties residing in my small home, but what you might not realize is we are a veritable zoo. Let's count the occupants of our small abode: The Big Daddy Love (self-named), Beasties 1 2 & 3, Mack the Monkey (little bro), Tilly the Cockatiel, Mohanna the Leopard Gecko, Chi-Chi the Dumbo Rat (yes, *sigh* I own a rat) and the newest member of the Applegate Zoo- Jethro the Catahoula Hound Dog. If you count the neighbor's cat I scare out of my yard, the 5 random squirrels skittering about, and the local lizards sunning themselves, I believe I can start charging admission. Who wouldn't want to pay to see Gunner scooping dog food into the water bowl to make "soup" or peer into a cage to see the shy *gulp* rat hiding in her shavings? Seriously, this has got to be the best zoo around!

I, as you might have noted, do not count myself among the zoo members...I am their zoo keeper- earning my living cleaning up after, entertaining and feeding the animal masses. In payment, I receive a lot of hugs, kisses, chirps and other sounds of approval.

We are actually really excited to have Jethro. He's a darling little dog and so much fun (and work) for all of us. Kit and I thought long and hard about getting a dog. We both loved our dogs growing up and think they are great for teaching kids about love, work and responsibility. However, you have to be ready to take full responsibility for the training and care of the animal. We brought home the little (barely 6 weeks) puppy to surprise the boys and they quickly fell in love. Josiah and Gavin understand it is their job to make sure he is played with daily and must be fed before they can get their breakfast. It is fun to see them act more maturely and ready to take care for another instead of being taken care of.

Welcome to the Zoo, Jethro!