Then there were 5

Today Joseph learned a hard lesson. One of those life lessons. It seems that dogs and baby chickens don't mix. It doesn't matter if you love them both, nature takes over.

Joseph and Holly are two peas in a pod. He carries her around the house. She sleeps in his bed. He grooms her and generally spoils the mini Schnauzer. That all changed today.

It was time for the chickens to spend some time outside. Because they are still so little, we are acclimating to this cold winter weather. Each day, they go outside for a couple of hours. Joseph loaded them up in the laundry basket and headed outside. What he forgot was Holly was following him. Once outside...I'll spare the details, but let's just say Jim didn't make it. The good part was, it was quick. The bad part was Joseph is devastated. He blames himself for not putting Holly away. It's a hard lesson. It's the circle of life (cue music).

Jim was laid to rest today in the back forty. Joseph saw to it himself. In lieu of flowers we will be accepting donations for the .... (Sorry couldn't help myself)

Joe is taking it all in stride and Holly has once again crawled up into his lap.