So… to deal with that, we expanded our pet collection this year by acquiring not one, but two kittens!  In August we got Murray (an orange tabby), and three weeks later we got Mike (a black Manx).  We're hoping they'll eventually grow into their intended roles as rodent controllers, but for now we all think they're pretty adorable and entertaining pets.  Mingus has even learned to put up with them!

Speaking of pets, Mingus, who turned 14 in September, had a difficult year, but is still going fairly strong.  In June, she suddenly lost the use of her rear legs, a mysterious (and expensive!) episode that lasted over two months.  She recovered, but this month came down with "geriatric vestibular syndrome," which has temporarily affected her balance.  She's on the mend though, and on her way back to her usual barking self.