There's been a bit of a conspiracy pushing us in this direction for a while now.

Andrea in Perth works as a Foster Carer for Rescue Animals and it's very very hard to ignore the example she sets in her terrific work with cats who have had a rough start in life.

Dougal's Diary (Clan Destine Press) got me thinking much much harder about the plight of rescue animals.

The mouse plague that's building had me thinking about lateral solutions.

A trip to the RSCPA shelter in Ballarat earlier this week sealed the deal

Meet Lady Penelope (14 months old, 2 previous owners, 1 day away from euthenasia)

She's had to be desexed so is recovering from the operation, and at a little bit older and a little more complicated a life - a little more timid.  Settling in really well though - she's met the dogs and everybody lived to tell the tale.

At 11 weeks old, and completely and utterly full of himself, Parker on the other hand won't be confined to the spare room without a fight.

Met the dog's and everything's fine.  Little tension and over-excitement but no adverse reactions as yet (no way we'll leave them alone yet mind you - but we're pleasantly surprised thus far).  Clancy's just curious, Jedda's desperate for a game, and Meg's slightly bewildered and coming around to the game side of the equation

Fingers and toes crossed that everything goes as smoothly as it has for the last couple of days.