we play nicely with (some) blood relatives

our cousin and her family came early the other night so chopin josephine had not yet been taken to the kennel where we decided she was better off with numerous little people about our house for the next few days. after three hours of pleading, i decided that i could get the dog from down the hill and, if i carefully held her, the kids could at least pet her because she really is so cute and soft. wonder of wonder, miracle of miracles, chopin came inside, sniffed the children while they stood quietly, then laid down sweetly and let everyone calmly pet her. i was shocked. after about 5 minutes she let out a quiet growl, without a nasty face, and was then escorted back outside after being lovely in every way.

since chopin was not at the house today, our attention turned to roxie. after being bribed with numerous carrots, apples, and alfalfa, roxie came out of her cage and played with everyone the majority of the day. and i can't imagine it is easy being petted by 6 hands all day long. my cousin's youngest baby is 2 and she and roxie had a lot of fun contemplating each other while the rest of us watched happy feet. roxie also very sweetly nibbled off travis's hang nail, which he decided really had been bothering him. what loving pets are in the bell house these days!