
Buddy sleeps in his swinging hammock in his condo cage with an upstairs and downstairs. He has the life of Riley but he has to be given playtime for at least several hours a day. And this, my friends, is where the problem comes in.
Problems, what problems? Well, this mischievous little bundle of energy loves socks, T shirts and even underwear, anything he can take out of a laundry basket. And he also loves slippers. This wouldn't be a problem except the items disappear to the unknown and he has a great many places to hide things.
One of his favorite spots is in the guest room under the bed and behind some stored boxes. Finding it isn't the problem, reaching it is. And then there is the "stash house" he has built in the guest bedroom closet. All kinds of treasures turn up there, even dog and cat toys, a ball of yarn and packs of unopened chewing gum. He just can't help himself and we frequently catch him in the act, watching the little hump back slink across the living room heading for his headquarters.
Another favorite game of his is playing with my toes while I stand barefoot shaving. He certainly breaks up my concentration by tickling me and then running behind the door and peering out at me with what I really think is a snicker on his face.
Several years ago Buddy fell into a deep depression. It was caused by the loss of his mate, a female ferret who my wife brought home with Buddy. Oh, he was neutered already but little Bunny was his friend and companion who met a fate caused by her own curiosity.
On that fateful day little Bunny, a feisty little thing who was even more curious than Buddy, managed to pull the dryer exhaust hose lose and she slipped down the chute to her freedom under the house. We looked everywhere but there was nary a sound. We never found out what happened to her.
We figured with time Buddy would perk up and he did, playing his usual game of harass the poodle whenever he was free. If the dog gets too rough, Buddy just ever so forcefully nips her, or a cat, on the nose and they quickly learn to leave him alone.
Our little friend Buddy is a fixture and just another member of our extended family out here on the farm. He is a reminder as are all of our animals of the majesty and creativity that a loving God used when he made this earth and all living things. And we are so fortunate to be so blessed.
So here's to Buddy, a happy little hump back with a zest for life. Okay, Buddy, you can leave my toes alone now. God bless.

Buddy is just another of one of our "friends" who are the subjects in my book. If you like good wholesome family stories about real animals, I think you'll enjoy it.. The are truly God's gift to us to care for and enjoy.
Learn more on my book pages at the following sites:
www.outskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark and www.amazon.com/author/jamesdick