Day 475

Last night, Sam had an adventure! After their evening walk and 8:30 snack, the pups are invited out to the backyard for their evening stroll. Sammy was first, and ALWAYS goes alone on a full tummy. We have experienced two "flipped stomachs" and we hope to keep that number right there! He went through the doggy door and the barking ensued! With little people in the neighborhood, I rushed out to quiet our boy.

Immediately, I knew something was different! He was near the fence barking, play-bowing and twirling around like a top! As I crossed over to the fence, I reached for my phone to shine a light on the situation.

At first, I thought a squirrel or hapless bunny had entered his domain. Directing the light on the greenery by the fence, I saw kitten ears...or so I thought! Giving Sam his "COME" command, I finally escorted him through the doggy door. Back to the fence, flashlight poised, I scurried to the scene of the crime to see if the poor kitten had been harmed.

As I directed the beam on our "victim," it took me about two seconds to back away and call my husband! Greeting me, from under a bush, was the biggest opossum I had ever seen! I prepared myself for an attack, or at least a snarl and hiss, but I needn't have worried. The poor guy just looked at me, with those button eyes as if to say, "Well hello there! I seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time!" At this point, I deemed him innocent of all charges and decided he looked almost cute!

My Knight in Shining Armor appeared with a hoe and told me to stand back! We opened the gate so our friend could make a hasty departure, but our new little buddy simply sat and stared, seeming bewildered. Poor baby!

Mac moved the bushes to no avail, so we gave up for the night. Our dear son-in-law, Jon, came out to help and suggested we give him some time..."He got in....he will figure a way to get out!" Wise words indeed!

This morning, with great trepidation, we took the pups out after their breakfast. Sam was first again, so Mac went forth to see if the coast was clear. Brave man!

No more opossum! I must admit I was glad he had made his exit, but I felt bad for the big guy...he was kind of cute in a rodenty way! (I know they are marsupials, but they do look a bit ratty!)

I wish him well, but I also wish him far away from my Goldens!