A fellow that hubby works with has a liter of puppies he is giving away - I could end the story there, right?  Well, T has wanted a puppy of his own for sometime and his Dad told him when the weather was nicer he could get one - what  a timely turn of events - So needless to say our family has a new addition - Cocoa is part Lab, part German Shepherd and has become best friends with Duma (our other dog) - they are having a ball wearing each other out - which is the part I like! :)  Our cat was in seclusion for a little over a week living on E's bunk bed and only coming out to eat and use the liter box.  She has finally decided that this may not be so bad and now has a new friend too.