Our Festive Pets: 2016

Those of you who recall last year's lackluster performance by the Beagle Family pets will be glad to know that everyone stepped up their game this year, and their genuine holiday spirit was captured on film. First, some introductions are in order. Cheek is a sibling of Mitten & Boo, but he has spent his formative years in our barn. In February of 2016 he moved into the house and took up residence in Dan's bed, where he spends most of his time. Being a feral cat, Dan was sure he would be very difficult to costume for our annual tradition, but Cheek and I proved him wrong.

Cheek is a natural at dressing up, and we managed to showcase his lovely coloring and minimize the fact that he is missing an ear.

He may not be the most social of cats, but he definitely can hold his own for cuteness!

We also gained a dog this year. Crash is not related to Rowdy by blood, but he is from the same breeder. He and Rowdy have become very devoted to each other, and Crash has been certified as a Therapy Dog and will carry on Rowdy's legacy with the library kids.

We used to think it was hard to get a good focused photo of one dog; then we tried to get two dogs to pose at the same time, in costume. Please excuse the questionable focus - we think the cuteness makes up for it!

Then it was time for the veterans to show up the newcomers. Jack & Boo realized that they needed to bring their A-game to compete, and they did. It quickly became a head to head competition. As always, we can't choose the winner! You might want to sit down and brace yourself for the next few photos...