Black & White Sunday: Make a Wish

We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and has been enjoying time spent with family and friends this weekend. 

Now that the season is officially upon us, I think Teutul is wishing really hard for toys and treats from Santa.

Or maybe he was just wishing for Penny's new trapper hat to disappear...

#Craftsy Black Friday SALE - Craft Supplies & Classes #ad

#ad
 
You can't beat these Black Friday deals from Craftsy.com... and you can shop from the comfort of your own home, in your PJs, without judgment, while enjoying your favorite adult beverage!
 
Stock up and SAVE with up to 75% off all craft supplies and project kits...
 

  
Take advantage of all online classes discounted to $19.99 or less and learn a new skill, brush up on an old one, or give the gift of learning to someone you love...
 

These deal will last through Cyber Monday, November 30th... but don't wait. Shop now before the deals are gone.

Gobble Gobble!

From the Lapdog Household to Yours...

Happy Thanksgiving!



Wordless Wednesday: Be Thankful and Shop Local

Happy Almost Turkey Day!  Get those stretchy pants ready... and let's get wordless.

Don't forget to shop local this season!  And, think beyond just the typical gifts... perhaps some wonderfully crafted adult beverages?  The humans had the pleasure of touring two local distilleries recently... and yes, sampling some amazing New Hampshire Made vodka, rum, bourbon and moonshine.  If you're ever in the area, be sure to check out Smoky Quartz Distillery (veteran owned and operated!) and Sea Hagg Distillery. 

Wellness Petite Treats = Training Made Easy #Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent a bag of Wellness Petite Treats Soft Mini-Bites to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Is it seriously the end of November already?  Obviously we're a little behind in telling you about this month's tasty treat from our friends over at Chewy.

We received a bag of Wellness Petite Treats Soft Mini-Bites.  

If you're laughing at the fact that the (oversized) Lapdogs got petite treats to try this month, don't worry. Chewy didn't play a late Halloween trick on them. The soft, tiny little morsels actually make perfect training treats for Penny!

Just look at her focus on the bag.  I wish I could show you her focus from training class, but it's sort of difficult to do a "Sit. Down. Sit. Stay." while playing paparazzi at the same time. 

Wellness Soft Mini-Bites are currently available in four delicious sounding combinations:

1. Lamb, Apples & Cinnamon
2. Turkey, Pomegranate & Ginger
3. Duck, Mango & Coconut
4. Chicken, Cherries & Spearmint

We received the Lamb, Apples & Cinnamon flavor for review, but I'm quite sure Miss Penny would do a perfect distance-come-when-called for any one of those flavors. 

Key Benefits of Soft Mini-Bites

• Delicious taste and healthy ingredients
• Grain free and wheat free
• No corn, soy, artificial colors or flavors
• Contains flaxseed to promote a healthy, shiny coat
• Specifically formulated to naturally meet the unique needs of small breed dogs

Bonus, each 6 ounce bag contains over 100 treats!  That's a lot of tricks for Penny to do.
 
Whether you've got a pint-sized pooch, or a pup in training, Wellness Soft Mini-Bites are sure to please. Grab some at Chewy today, where 1-2 day shipping is always free on orders of $49 or more.

Give the gift of Wellness
As if treating your own fur-baby wasn't enough, Chewy is teaming up with Wellness and The Jackson Galaxy Foundation for a great cause running through December 16th.

For every Wellness product purchased at Chewy, 1 meal will be donated to the Jackson Galaxy Foundation.  If you purchase and Auto-ship N' Save with Chewy, 2 meals will be donated to the foundation.

30 Day Nutramax Cosequin Challenge with #Chewy

Disclosure: Chewy sent a bag of Nutramax Cosequin DS to Lapdog Creations, free of charge, for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

We have accepted another 30 Day Challenge from our friends over at Chewy...

For the next 30 days, Sophie will taking Nutramax Cosequin Maximum Strength DS plus MSM soft chews! 

We are familiar with the regular Cosequin tablets, as Zeus had been on them for several years, but I was unaware of the soft chews. 

The Key Benefits of Cosequin

• Maintain optimal joint function
• Support cartilage production and protect existing cartilage from breakdown
• Safe, effective, and bioavailable in peer-reviewed, US veterinary studies

This challenge came at the perfect time.  Sophie will be turning 9 years old in just two weeks, and while we haven't noticed any major issues with her joints, I wanted to start her on a good maintenance supplement.

Cosequin plays an important role in maintaining optimal joint function, and is the only glucosamine/chrondroitin sulfate supplement that has been shown safe, effective and bioavailable in peer-reviewed, published, controlled, US veterinary studies. 

The other wonderful fact? Cosequin Maximum Strength DS plus MSM chews are made in the USA, specifically in Lancaster, SC. 

I really appreciate the fact that Cosequin is so easy to give to our dogs. Sophie can be quite picky when it comes to "medicine chews" - not only has my girl mastered the art of separating a pill from a pill-pocket, she's the only dog I've ever seen spit out a Heartworm preventative chew - yet she gobbled up a Cosequin chew with no questions asked this morning (so quickly I was barely able to snap the shot above)! 

We will report back to you in about two weeks on Sophie's progress with Cosequin.  In the meantime, check out all of the Cosequin options available at Chewy for both dogs and cats.

Black & White Sunday: I'm Not Watching

Happy Sunday.  We hope everyone has a great one... whether you're out for a hike, running errands, prepping for Thanksgiving, or just home relaxing (which, for us, translates into watching football, knitting and cuddling with dogs). 

Sophie is a little miffed that she has to wait until tomorrow to watch her Patriots take on the Bills however.  In the meantime, she's refusing to watch those other teams play today.

Enjoy your day!

My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts ‪#‎AdoptASeniorPetMonth

Disclosure: New World Library sent a copy of My Old Dog to Lapdog Creations for review. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own.

In case you haven't heard, November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month!  And, quite frankly, we think Seniors Rock! 

Sure, kittens and puppies are adorable, but they may not be for everyone. Seniors are just as loving and loyal as youngsters, plus you'll most likely see what type of personality they have right away.  Bonus if you've got your heart set on a certain "type" - couch potato, walking buddy, snuggle bug, travel companion, etc.  Plus, older pets don't require constant monitoring and teaching as adolescents do.  Typically, Seniors are already house-trained and many know basic commands like sit, stay and come.  You'll get all of the love, without the stained carpets and chewed up shoes!

Senior pets tend to be the last to be adopted from local shelters, which puts them at greater risk for euthanasia.  They can also become depressed in a shelter, longing for a person or persons to call their very own.  Therefore, when you adopt a Senior and give him a loving, forever home, you're quite literally saving a life.  Many shelters even offer discounted adoption fees for Seniors, as well as Senior-To-Senior programs which help to place a Senior animal with a Senior Citizen who needs companionship.  Be sure to check your local shelters to find out what programs they offer.

Another benefit of Senior pets is their timeless beauty.  As she got on in years, I can't even begin to count the number of times I was stopped by strangers who wanted to tell me just how beautiful Lola was. The beauty those old eyes held was stunning, and it showed.  As does the beauty in all of the Senior dogs spotlighted in the new book, My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts.

My Old Dog tells the story of 19 Senior shelter pets who were given a second chance in a loving, forever home.  Quite simply, it is one of those books that you just cannot put down.

“No Dog Should Die Alone” was the attention-grabbing — and heart-stirring — headline of journalist Laura T. Coffey’s TODAY show website story about photographer Lori Fusaro’s work with senior shelter pets. While generally calm, easy, and already house-trained, these animals often represent the highest-risk population at shelters. With gorgeous, joyful photographs and sweet, funny, true tales of “old dogs learning new tricks,” Coffey and Fusaro show that adopting a senior can be even more rewarding than choosing a younger dog. You’ll meet endearing elders like Marnie, the irresistible shih tzu who has posed for selfies with Tina Fey, James Franco, and Betty White; Remy, a soulful nine-year-old dog adopted by elderly nuns; George Clooney’s cocker spaniel, Einstein; and Bretagne, the last known surviving search dog from Ground Zero. They may be slower moving and a tad less exuberant than puppies, but these pooches prove that adopting a senior brings immeasurable joy, earnest devotion, and unconditional love.

When asked why she (along with photographer Lori Fusaro) did a book about senior dogs, and what's so special about them, author Laura Coffey response said it all, "Senior dogs are awesome. They’re calm, mellow, sweet, loveable, and they’re usually already house-trained. All of these traits make them so much easier than puppies. Dogs in this 'golden age' — over the age of about 6 or 7 — often make ideal pets for people with busy lives or for people who simply want snuggly, tranquil companionship. That said, as wonderful as senior animals are, they often represent the highest-risk population at shelters across the United States, where nearly 4 million dogs and cats are put down each year. We wanted to do this book to help change people’s perceptions of these fantastic older animals."

As someone who not only has a huge love of dogs, but a passion for photography as well, I am awe struck by some of the photos captured by Lori Fusaro for My Old Dog. 

When asked what her creative process was for these very special photographs, Lori said, "I had an idea of what shot I wanted for each and every dog in this book. And you know what? I didn’t get one of them! Haha! The beauty about creating this book was being in the moment and letting go of every preconceived notion I had. We were up against a lot of challenges. And I had to just let go and let the dogs show me what they were about. Just let the moments come naturally without trying to force it at all. Sometimes it was hard! But I think life is like that. You never know what is going to happen, so it’s important to be able to go with the flow and be willing to see and try new things."

You can learn more about the My Old Dog book, author and photographer on their website, and keep up with the latest via the My Old Dog Facebook page. Follow them on Twitter and Instagram as well. 

I could go on and on, but I think you'll already agree that My Old Dog sounds like a pretty awesome book, right?  And one that should be on every pet lovers bookshelf.  So, grab yourself a copy today (if you click through the Amazon link above, I will earn a very small commission on your purchase).  Heck, grab two and give one as a gift this holiday season.  While you're anxiously awaiting it's arrival, grab a cup of your favorite beverage and enjoy the story of Remy...

REMY, Age 9
Elderly Nuns Rescue a Dog “No One Is Going to Want”

“It was like a match made in heaven.” — Shelter director West Artope

It’s not every day that three women in their seventies and eighties walk into an animal shelter and tell the executive director they’d like to see a dog nobody wants.

But to Sisters Veronica Mendez, Virginia Johnson, and Alice Goldsmith, nuns from Sisters of Our Lady of Christian Doctrine in Nyack, New York, their request made perfect sense. Why not adopt one of the animals most in need?

That mind-set led them to Remy, a nine-year-old pit bull that had been overlooked by shelter visitors for more than three months. “As soon as I saw the sign that said Nine Years, I said, ‘This is the one. No one is going to want this one,’ ” recalled Sister Veronica, a vivacious seventy-one-year-old with iron-colored hair and a no-nonsense demeanor.

The nuns’ connection with the dog was immediate. Remy was docile. Remy was sweet. And when given a moment to mingle with the sisters at the shelter, Remy leaned her head into Sister Virginia’s chest and sighed. “She just got right up there,” said Sister Virginia, seventy-nine. “She said, ‘This must be my new family.’ ”

For the nuns, a four-legged addition to their small, no-frills convent could not come fast enough. They were grieving the loss of their dog Kate, a gregarious seven-year-old mutt who had been a boundless source of energy and comedy in their lives.

Kate had left them too quickly. On a Friday, she went on a four-mile walk with Sister Veronica. On Saturday, Kate’s groomer spotted some unusual lumps. On Sunday, Kate was lethargic. A few days later, she was ailing so much from lymphoma that the veterinarian put her down. “She was healthy one day and then, all of a sudden, lymphoma?” Sister Veronica said. “I was furious. I was so angry. I cried! Oh, how we loved that creature.”

The sisters rattled around their house crying for one week before they decisively hopped into their car. Their mission: rescue a shelter animal on death row. Minutes later, they explained their goal to West Artope, executive director of the Hi Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, New York. West liked these women. He learned that Sister Alice was eighty-seven and that Sister Virginia, while statuesque and spunky, often needed a walker to get around. His mind raced and made a hopeful connection: Remy. Calm, gentle, unadoptable Remy.
Bingo.

“It just worked out so well,” West said. “We did a follow-up with them and went to the house, and the dog is so comfortable in that environment you wouldn’t believe it. It was like a match made in heaven.”

The nuns said they weren’t concerned that Remy was a pit bull — they could tell how good-natured she was. And even though they were reeling from Kate’s death, they decided not to dwell on Remy’s age, either. “Our feeling was that she was in danger of being euthanized, and we wanted to give her the best three or four years she has left,” Sister Veronica said. “Here we are, three senior sisters, so we adopted a senior pet!”

Between the three of them, Sisters Veronica, Virginia, and Alice have spent 179 years serving as nuns. Their main mission has been religious education for children and adults up and down the East Coast. “It’s a great life,” said Sister Virginia, a nun for sixty-two years. “I wouldn’t change it.”

They love living in Nyack because of Hook Mountain, the Hudson River, and other natural wonders that surround them. “It’s the perfect place to pray because you stand here and see all of God’s beauty,” said Sister Alice, a serene woman of few words. Sister Veronica agreed; she likened looking at the mountain to “praying without realizing it.”

Veronica loves having a dog to take along on contemplative walks and hikes. Remy also gets to romp in the tree-filled backyard, play with scads of toys, and luxuriate on soft dog beds in multiple rooms of her new, comfortable home. Remy quickly earned a nickname — Thumper — because of the happy way her heavy tail goes thump, thump, thump whenever one of the nuns approaches her or rubs her stiff left hip.

Sister Virginia said Remy’s contentment reminds her of foster kids she helped years ago as a social worker. When those children clicked with their adoptive parents, they showed an unmistakable sense of tranquillity and relief.

“Remy did that with us — she sensed, ‘These are going to be my people. I can tell,’ ” Virginia said. “And we knew this was our dog. We could tell.”

From the book My Old Dog. Text copyright ©2015 by Laura T. Coffey. Photographs copyright ©2015 by Lori Fusaro. Reprinted with permission from New World Library.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Laura T. Coffey is a longtime writer, editor, and producer for TODAY.com, the website of NBC’s TODAY show. An award-winning journalist with more than two decades of experience, Laura has written and edited hundreds of high-profile human-interest stories. She lives in Seattle, Washington.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Lori Fusaro is staff photographer at Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles and owner of Fusaro Photography, whose clients include BAD RAP, Guide Dogs for the Blind, k9 connection, Angel City Pit Bulls, and other animal rescue organizations. She lives in Los Angeles.

#AvoDermNatural 6 Week Trial Wrap Up #ad

This post is sponsored by Avoderm and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Avoderm Revolving Menu but Lapdog Creations only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Avoderm is not responsible for the content of this article.

For the past 6 weeks, Sophie has been enjoying AvoDerm® Natural Revolving Menu dog food.

We began with a gradual switch from her previous food to AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu Turkey recipe.  Due to Sophie's food sensitivities, I made the transition a little slower than usual.  The good news is, she had no issues during transition and has been happily gobbling up AvoDerm Natural ever since!

Sophie has been enjoying the Turkey recipe so much, that I decided to stick with it for the full 6 week trial.  She loves it, and so do I.  After all, I can see the changes to her coat.  It appears to be shinier and smoother, which says a lot for this time of year.  As our weather turns cold, Sophie's skin tends to get a little flaky and her coat sometimes feels brittle in spots. So far, we've got nothing but a healthy, smooth skin and coat!

And that makes me a happy dog Mama!

While we haven't switched Sophie's protein just yet, I feel great knowing that I can change it up and vary proteins at any time because of the way Revolving Menu has been formulated.  A rotational diet is a fantastic option for even the pickiest eaters, ensuring our dogs won't get bored eating the same 'ole, same 'ole every day.

Benefits of AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu

• Vary your dog's protein to prevent boredom and possible food allergies
• Grain Free, Gluten Free
• Limited Ingredient (LID) list to help further minimize sensitivities
• Switch proteins without causing stomach/digestive upset
• Meat protein is always the first ingredient
• No white potatoes or fillers added

Best of all, AvoDerm Natural is made in the USA - specially in California, using only California avocadoes and high quality proteins.  I have been asked about the safety of avocado several times during our trial, and the simple answer is YES, avocadoes are safe for our dogs (the exception being the pit and skin)!  But not only are they safe, they offer big benefits as well.

Avocadoes Are a Nutrient Rich SuperFood

• Avocadoes help pets absorb more of the nutrients they need
• Avocadoes are rich in heart healthy fats and omega 3&6 fatty acids
• Avocadoes are packed with antioxidants and nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, including vitamins A, C, E & B6

Final verdict?  Sophie loves AvoDerm Natural Revolving Menu and her humans love feeding her a natural, high-quality, grain free, limited ingredient food.  Her shiny, healthy coat and smooth skin are just the results we were hoping for!

Ready To Take Your Own 6 Week #AvoDermNatural Challenge? 

AvoDerm products are available at independent pet stores nationwide. Click here to use the handy store locator tool to see if a store near you currently stocks it. If not, don't hesitate to ask your favorite store to order it for you.  Many small pet food stores do this all the time for their customers! You can also order AvoDerm Natural online

Bonus - AvoDerm Natural is currently offering a $5 off coupon! Just click on that link to sign up for the $5 coupon and newsletter.  We'd love to hear what you and your dog think!

Connect with AvoDerm: Facebook - Twitter

Wordless Wednesday: The Morning Sunspot

Can you believe Thanksgiving is next week?  The Lapdogs are too busy grumbling over who gets the morning sunspot to notice, so let's get wordless...

Tut wanted to remind you to enter Merrick's #BestDayEver contest...

 

Penny thinks you should check out our review of the adorable Whimzees Dog Treats...

Sophie just wants to know what critter dared to run through her yard...

Whimzees Make Everyone Smile #WhimzeesDogChew

Disclosure: Whimzees sent two bags of dog treats to Lapdog Creations, free of charge for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions expressed are my own. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I may receive a few pennies to assist in maintaining this blog.

I'm sure I'm not the only dog parent who has good intentions of brushing their dogs' teeth.

 

Intentions being the key word in that sentence. Good dental health is so important to a dog's overall heath, but something always seems to get in the way... er, okay, so I forget.  Don't judge me, I admit my faults. 

Thankfully, there are a lot of wonderful dental chews and treats on the market that help me do the important job that I so often forget.  And while all dental treats are designed to accomplish pretty much the same thing - reduce plaque and tarter, while keeping our dog's breath fresh - none are as stinking cute as Whimzees.

Good For a Giggle. Great for a Gnaw.

I mean seriously - is there nothing cuter than a hedgehog shaped dental chew?  Perhaps your pooch prefers alligators? If she likes to keep things simple, no worries, Whimzees makes a toothbrush shaped chew as well.  And, just to keep everyone on their toes, the company introduces new shapes every year.

Vegetarian. Natural Ingredients. Gluten-Free. 

Whimzees aren't just cute, however.  They're made with limited, natural ingredients that all serve a function, such as:

• Potato Starch - this energy source is highly digestible and gluten-free 
• Glycerin - increase palatability and helps the chews retain moisture
• Powdered Cellulose - a pure form of dietary fiber that not only helps to polish a dog's teeth, but helps to keep their digestive track regular
• Lecithin - an all-natural emulsifier, derived from vegetables
• Malt Extract - not only does it promote strong bones, but it helps to improve metabolism and muscle tone, and it's gluten-free
• Yeast - source of B vitamins, minerals and amino acids for a healthier coat and easy digestions

The list of what Whimzees doesn't have is just as important.  There are no artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, preservatives, GMOs, gluten or meat.  As a concerned dog Mom who finds color additives in dog food or treats to be completely unnecessary, I was thrilled to learn that they get their color from natural ingredients, including alfalfa extract for the green; annatto extract for the orange; malt extract for the brown; and calcium carbonate for the white. 

Whimzees are also high in fiber, while being low in calories and sugars.  This is another thing that makes me smile.  Now that I am reading every single label, paying close attention to the fat content due to Teutul's pancreatitis, finding a quality low-fat chew means Whimzees gets extra bonus points!

But back to what really makes everyone smile about Whimzees, those unusual, but adorable shapes.  Believe it or not, they're not just for the humans' entertainment.  They were actually designed to ensure proper blood flow through the gums to help prevent bad breath and do a better job getting at tarter in all places.

Whimzees are currently available in 7 different shapes/styles and are made in 5 different sizes, XS thru XL - creating fun and enabling clean teeth for nearly every dog! Not all shapes are available for all sizes, and Whimzees are not suitable for dogs under the age of 9 months, nor dogs under 5lbs. They are available at most pet retailers in the USA, as well as through Amazon. Check out this deal: Whimzees Toothbrush Star Small Value Bag, 24 ct
The Lapdogs loved their Whimzees chews and their Mama loves what the company stands for.

"We're a company of dog-lovers, people-lovers and Earth-lovers.  We're obsessed with bringing only the best, healthiest and most-fun dog products to the world.  And we do it in a sustainable, socially-responsible way." - Whimzees

Based in Holland, Whimzees is committed to using only the finest ingredients, manufactured to the highest standards while saving energy and recycling. Read their Dogifesto here. 

Connect with Whimzees: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

Make Mealtime Sensational with #SavorShreddedBlend

This post is sponsored by Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping enrich the lives of dogs, but Lapdog Creations only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend is not responsible for the content of this article.

I can't stress it enough; a happy, healthy dog starts with good nutrition.  Not only does feeding quality food keep your dog full and happy, but it will also help to keep him healthy - which results in fewer trips to the vet, and a longer life. 

Fortunately for all of us busy pet parents, we no longer need to spend endless hours searching far and wide to find quality dog food. PetSmart® offers a wonderful selection, including Purina Pro Plan® SAVOR® Shredded Blend formulas. 

All dogs need outstanding nutrition to help support a long,
healthy, active life. And they deserve a taste that makes mealtime sensational. Purina Pro Plan® SAVOR® provides the nutrition they
need and a taste they'll love, without compromise. 

The Purina Pro Plan SAVOR line features dry food, wet food, meal enhancements, and treats. The variety is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, satisfying their taste buds. The versatile line features food options for all stages of life - Puppy, Adult, and Adult 7+ - as well as formulas made specifically for small and large breeds.
 

Outstanding Taste Without Compromise

One of the first things I noticed - and truly appreciate as a concerned dog Mom - is the fact that the #1 ingredient in all Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend dry formulas is the protein source - real chicken, beef, lamb or salmon. 

Additionally, the dry formulas feature a combination of crunchy kibble and tender shredded pieces, which combine together to create a taste and texture that all dogs are sure to love. The result is unique, and I'm sure quite pleasing, to dogs who may get bored with plain 'ole kibble. 

SAVOR Additions provide even more options to enhance your dog's food.  The purees come in mess-free, easy to use resalable pouches that make adding flavor to your furbaby's dinner a breeze.  They are made with real, human-grade ingredients and provide healthy benefits like antioxidants and prebiotic fiber.  The tasty combinations currently include Berry Blend, Chicken & Pumpkin, Beef & Carrot and Oatmeal & Apple - all of which sound de-lish to the Lapdogs.

Add in a variety of SAVOR wet food and SAVOR treats, and your dog will have a truly balanced, delicious meal plan that can take her all the way from puppyhood to her senior years.

If you don't have a PetSmart location nearby, or if you simply prefer the convenience of home delivery, you can purchase Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend online at PetSmart.com.  They carry the full line of dry, wet, enhancements and treats.

Connect with Purina Pro Plan SAVOR Shredded Blend: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

Black & White Sunday: I've Got My Eye on You

If you've been reading our blog for awhile, you know that we get quite a variety of critters in our yard to annoy entertain the Lapdogs.... and they sure let us know when any have the nerve to stroll through.  I swear Sophie can hear a mouse breathe... through closed windows, with the TV on.

Penny is still learning about all creatures, big and small, and was recently fascinated with a chipmunk playing in the leaves.

What, you can't see the little guy there at the base of the tree? Here, let me help you...

Penny sat there, as still as could be, for what seemed like several minutes, watching the little guy zip around the tree.

Sometimes we find critters while out and about as well.  Tut seemed amazed that he could just walk right up to the birds at PetSmart.  If he could speak, it would have gone something like this, "MOOOMMMM... LOOKZZZ.... MOMMMM, are u seezing dis?  Can u baaalieve dey putz deeez suckaas down sooooo lowz dat I canz lookz dem in da eye?!  Can Iz eatz em?"

That was, until he realized there were guinea pigs on the floor right next to the birds.  He was watching the birds when suddenly one of the guineas made a quick movement in their display and that was enough to send Tut into a tail spin... not knowing which to stare at the most!  Sadly, I didn't think to snap a shot of him with the guinea pigs.

What have your kids been keeping their eye on lately?