Pet lover?

I need to give some *MAJOR* props to the hubby.  While he didn't seem to know what to do with himself as we headed out on our roadtrip to Louisiana last Thursday (although I suspected XBox, followed by studies), but it seems to have been filled with studies, followed by pet time, instead!  :o)

Petunia did not have any wetting accidents in the house when we were gone, only one BM in each bedroom, plus one in the bathroom--which is expected as that is her main MO in terms of expressing anxiety related to change.  The most impressive examples of his deepened relationship with the critters are:

1) Normally, Kumi's nocturnal activities (noisy spinning...hedgehogs apparently can cover 5-8mi/night) drive Matt insane--to the point where we had to move the Kumster to the laundry room and keep the light on all night/off all day (hedgehogs are very sensitive to light and their prey instincts cause them to hide and only wheel-run/eat under the cover of darkness) to get him on a more sleep-friendly schedule.  Our first night back, after Kumi was already ready-to-roll for a night of sleep, Matt mentioned, blushing a little (underscoring his affection), that it would be alright for Kumi to move back to his normal schedule so he could enjoy himself more!  :o)  xo

2) Normally, it is like pulling teeth to get Matt to take Tunia out to potty (although he is also normally the most grouchy if she accidents).  When he lets me "sleep in" on the weekends, my time is always cut short when I hear Tunia's pitter-pattering feet across the floor, because I know he will not walk her.  However, I was out for a walk with the girls this evening, when--lo and behold--strolling our way was a very handsome young man with a very trim middle-aged dachshund.  I was beside myself with pleasure when Matt nonchalantly stated, "Taking Petunia out is part of my afternoon routine now.  It's just what I do.  Petunia even slept with me last night."

So happy to see him bonding with the pets, and I know they must have helped a lot with stress relief when we were not around for distraction this weekend!  :o)