Honesty hour.

I don't love animals. I know I should. I know there are a variety of them that are cute and cuddly and fuzzy and so on and so forth. But I just don't care for them.

Actually, let me rephrase. I don't so much mind the concept of a pet, I just don't love the mess that they constantly cause.

The fur on the furniture. And floor. And beds. And even somehow sometimes in my mouth. The muddy paw prints. The dribbles of water all over my house. If there were an animal that didn't require constant clean up, then maybe someday I could say I love animals.

I will say this though, my kids adore our pets. We have 2 dogs and a cat. And a fish if that counts. We got Mandy when Raegan was still very little, and they basically have grown up together. If you ask her, she'll tell you that Mandy is her dog, and only her dog. Both quiet and contemplative, a little skittish, and they love attention, only when they ask for it though. They get each other. Mandy mostly stays out of my way. She really is a sweet dog, minus the excessive shedding.

And then there is Bell. She stinks, is rambunctious and loudy, and would do nothing but eat 24/7 if given the opportunity. She thinks everyone is her best friend, and will tuck herself under your limbs and force you to cuddle with her. Sound like anyone else we know? Needless to say, her and Harvey are two peas in a pod.