Mr. Squeaky

This is Mr. Squeaky. He is Emerald's favorite toy. He is also, somehow, the only toy that has survived her abuse. We have searched every pet aisle we come across for a toy that is Emerald-proof. So far, he is our only survivor, and guess what. He was bought when Emerald was less than 2 months old and cost a whopping 97 cents. We have spent as much as $5.00 on a dog toy, just for her to eat it in less than 10 minutes. I do mean "eat," too. As in, she tears a hole in it, then picks it apart piece-by-piece and eats it. She sure does love Mr. Squeaky though.

Minnie Pearl uses Emerald's love for Mr. Squeaky to her advantage. A few weeks ago, Emerald weaseled her way between me and Minnie in the bed. This irritated Minnie, so Ms. Minnie Pearl jumped off the bed, found Mr. Squeaky, squeaked him once to get Emerald's attention and waited. Of course Emerald was quick to jump off the bed to steal her beloved Mr. Squeaky back from Minnie. This was exactly what Minnie was counting on. She jumped back up in her spot next to me while Emerald was distracted with chewing on Mr. Squeaky. Emerald never caught on. She isn't always the brightest.