This is the brand new addition to our family. He is a seven-week-old golden Labrador retriever who was officially adopted by Holly and Bevan two days ago. After their break-in over Christmas, they decided they needed more protection. (Personally, I would have put in an alarm system. It would have been a lot cheaper in the long run!!)

He has been named Charles Buster but will be called "Charlie". He joins Big Sister Mia and Big Brother Bonkers as the beloved special friends of Little Buddy and Big Sissy.


Mia is a solid white six-pound shih-tzu who rules Holly and the girls with her loving ways. However, with her counterpart, Bonkers, it is a different story. She's extremely jealous of any attention Bonkers gets and will come to displace him on their laps if they are holding him.

Bonkers is the male of the family. He has white and brown markings, is friendly and loves everyone. He has one tooth that overlaps his lip. Bonkers outweighs Mia by probably two or three pounds, but she rules. As the old saying goes, "Whatever Mia wants, Mia gets." Bonkers gives in to her on any and all issues.

The two have been together since they were tiny puppies and are bonded completely to one another.

I asked Holly how they were reacting to Charlie, and she replied. "The 'couple', as we are calling them now, are pretty much ignoring him.

He has made some overtures toward them; however, they are not the least bit interested. Mia just walks away; Bonkers has growled at him once; but he follows Mia's lead, as always."

"Well, if they're smart, they'll get on his good side really fast, because he is going to tower over them in just a few months."

"I know! Maybe they'll become friends when we send him outside with them to potty. We'll just have to see."

See, indeed! I can hardly wait to see how this turns out!