The Catskill Chronicle

We decided on a pet weeks ago. She promised to brush her teeth when she’s supposed to every day for this pet!

First, we had kindergarten screening at the Duggan School in White Lake just after noon. This would kick off the Birthday Adventure! Michelle did wonderfully at screening! Right where I thought she was and this is a good thing. I played my part as my little embryo was in with a bunch of strange big people… I was the guard ready to leap to calling in a single bound – all while viewing and telling the parts of a military tank (contentedly) to her two year old son (mind you he picked this out himself). This schizophrenic episode lasted about 30 minutes – when it was then dismissed the moment my beautiful Michelle greets me in the library with those gorgeous ice blue eyes of hers. She’s fairly silent; (still taking it all in -analyzing the way she does, her surroundings and happenings), so I ask her… how’d it go? What did you do? Did you have a trench or a miss honey in your classroom? You didn’t have a Trench in there did you? She’s telling me no and begins getting a little excited that it was a good experience – just as a teacher (familiar with the movie “Matilda”) walks by. Thank God somebody understood what I was saying, now that I think about it. I learn that the class all sang her “happy birthday” before they were released – enough said.

Hmmm… So, now it’s pet store time. HA! We go with determination and “need”. We “need” everything now. Even the 2-year old tells me how much he “needs” it.

Our goal? That was left at the door the moment we saw the cute little lop eared rabbits! I remind her of where we “need” to look first and she reluctantly puts the cushy little critter back. OK! Whew! Back on task. Oh my, look at cockatoo and the African grays, the lizards, the snakes, the tarantula’s the rats! Aah, finally, the lady who feeds the animals.

“Please, lady, where can we find “this” pet?

“Oh, I’ve been waiting for a little kid like you to come in here! I have the “perfect” one! This little guy right here is my favorite and the most tame!”

We got a pretty little white and cream colored – long haired hamster, with ball, food, compacted (flippin’ pillow) cushion paper bedding, the wheel, water bottle, and an “edible” hut from Agway in Liberty.

Then we went to Monticello Farm and Garden – just for a little (after) shopping comparison, (Thank God I didn’t have to return anything!) where we bought a mini travel hamster cage that looks like a school bus with a sticker on the side that says “Going to School”. Heck, even “I” had to have that one.

I stuck my hand in a hamster’s aquarium briefly on my brisk walk through the pet shop area. I’m a glutton for punishment, but I just “have to” evenly compare the friendliness of these rodents’- and don’t ya know I damn near lost a finger! That little, tiny, cute and cuddly little ball of adorable fur spun around so fast, with lips curled up in a snarl, showing it’s blazing shards of enamel – standing on it’s hind legs – no less!

Cake at Wal-Mart! here we come! Naturally, we had to stop at McDonalds! and look – there’s Dad’s tow truck coming up Route 42! Dad parks his truck, hops in the back seat with Zac and rides through the drive through with us – very excited to hear about “his” daughter’s day. (smile)

I have no idea where I would ever end this little story, or how long it’s gotten to be… but, as my “little girl” lies peacefully and innocently sleeping in the safety of the other room – my heart is melting all over again.

Zac and Michelle in 2008. - Provided photo