I'm constantly asking Annie to be gentle with Lilo. It's easy with Sandy, because she hisses when she's upset. Before Annie could really talk, we 'd ask her what sounds animals made, and she was very good at it. When asked what a kitty said, she'd meow, but when asked what Sandy said, she'd hiss. Well, Sandy has finally warmed up to Annie. It only took five and a half years. But, Annie still has respect for Sandy, and doesn't try to tote her around like a rag doll. Lilo on the other hand, gets concerned, because he doesn't feel he is given the opportunity to use his own legs.

After dinner and Annie finishing her homework (I never had this much homework as a kindergartener... but I like it), she was allowed to watch a Blue's Clues before bed. She fell asleep before it was over. As I finished some work, and a phone conversation with a dear friend, I was watching Annie sleep. She was laying on the dog bed, with the soft green blanket on her that is normally draped uselessly over the blue arm chair. At her feet, their was movement. I large bulk was moving and shifting under the blanket in a determined attempt to gain freedom. Finally, a large black and white cat erupted like a cannon shot out from under the blanket. I can only imagine that Annie had him pinned under her loving arms when she fell asleep, and he finally found his way out. Despite the treatment, Lilo likes to lay on the pillows above Annie's head (she doesn't usually use pillows), and watch over her all night long. The bond between kids and animals is very deep.

Hoping everyone has that guardian angel animal