Backyard pets

"Now we have three pets! A bee, a worm, and a turtle!" And the numbers continue to grow with a squirrel named Tony, a toad we caught down in the park's stream, another one we caught in our backyard (but it died), and a centipede Bridger has in his pocket. Bridger and Myra both love little creatures.

For what seemed like a long while, Bridger would daily ask the question, "Can we get a pet? Please?" He wanted a rabbit, or a hamster, or a bird, even a fish would do. He asked so much I wanted to cave, but I don't want the daily responsibility, the stink, or to feel bad for another animal under our care. We may be getting a time-share pet hamster, as far as having a pet goes, it would be super. Name it a school pet, and it would rotate to each house for one week per month. Or maybe we will adopt the neighbors dog while they are all away at work and school during the day.

However, right now Bridger is content with our backyard pets. He loves to dig up worms, hunt for toads, Devin helped him to set a trap and they caught a squirrel and fed it peanuts for a day... "Dad, can we go catch a pet?" Is Bridger's new frequent request.

It's a fun hobby for the kids. I love that it occupies them for a good while, and keeps them outdoors. Finally it is warm enough that they want to play outside!

Ruby, the Calderwood's dog.

The Toad the kids caught.