Bummer.

Last night, at about midnight, I realized that I hadn't heard Peanut's usual nightly cage noises. If you have checked out one of my video links in the righthand sidebar, you will know what I mean. So, I went up to check on our beloved rodent, and she had died.

What a bummer for Belle, who was so diligent to check on and care for little Peanut--the first little critter for which she could claim full ownership.

This morning, when I told her the bad news, she calmly said "can we stuff her?". I think she has seen all the wall mounts of animals in her Mimi and Bucky's basement, and thought she would find comfort in preserving Peanut in the same way. Eeek. Well, when I said that rodent taxidermy wasn't an option, the reality of losing her little furry friend kicked in. After many blotchy-faced tears from Belle's big, blue eyes, my husband dug a little hole in the yard. He made it beneath a bush and a bird feeder that to our great joy has recently attracted a little family of Bluebirds. After a short prayer and a tiny, quivering "Goodbye Peanut", Belle placed the carefully wrapped little body in the ground.

*sniff*

I know it's "just a rodent". It's just that little Belle's heart seemed to break at the realization of that loss, and so I am sad that she is sad.

We are constantly reminded of the wonders of God's creation...all creatures, whether great or small...all were given to us and for us to care for and enjoy, all bear their Maker's seal, and all speak to the wonders of His creativity and power. Even little Peanut.