Rule 25

I used a phrase by the cartoon character "Olivia" from the cartoon Olivia (If you aren't a parent of a young preschooler - you may not get that.) in the title because, this past week, Jessie and I have experienced one of the sucky parts of parenting: animals dying part.

For as long as Jessie and I have been together, my in- laws have had cats on their property. Whether house cats or strays. For the last 3 years I believe, they've had a bunch of them.  One of the strays has had 2 or 3 litters of kittens since she came in our lives. Of that 1st batch only 2 of her babies are really friendly. One of them - has become a beloved pet of Dawn's.  He is her best animal friend as she puts it.  Well sadly - what so often happens to pets whether beloved family or strays when you live in the country, happened to her buddy.

My brother in law Kenny, told Jessie yesterday, that Buddy, the cat was hit by a car about a week or two ago.  When we went up there on 4th of July weekend, we didn't see Buddy, and it wasn't from a lack of trying.  If Dawn finds out, she will be devastated.  When we went up there about a month ago, she was devastated that she couldn't find him, fearing the worst.  But my mother in law Gail, God bless her,  told her, he visits all the neighbors too, so not to worry.

So Jessie and I are taking the cowards way out right now, and not going to tell her for now.  I don't want to tell her the truth about Buddy, so my mother said to say that he probably found a really good home, and that's why he's not around. Which in a around about way is true...he has found a better home, in kitty heaven.  No home is better then Heaven...human or animal. :)

Between last Saturday with the local bunny that they call "Flash" dying and now Buddy, it's been a rough week...so for now we are taking the cowards' way out and not telling the kids the truth...this is one of life's lessons' that I do NOT like about being a parent.

God Bless~