We had a wonderful last few days with the preschoolers (and other students) at Clark Fork School! We brought a variety of animals to help teach about "Native Spirits and Legends". The kids loved the stories and we had a pretty fun time too. Augusto said he likes when I get so into telling the stories that I embarrass myself by doing something silly. But, I don't get embarrassed, I'm having too much fun!

The animals did a wonderful job. Quigley, the Brush-Tailed Bettong, filled the pants of Kangaroo just perfectly. And Chalupa, the Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula, mesmerized the students after we learned where Dreamcatchers came from. We can't wait for our next "Native Spirits and Legends" presentation.

Tango, the Patagonian Cavy, took his first walk in the snow today. The temperature reached 33 degrees today and everything was melting. It seemed like a good day to get back outside. Tango was excited to be back out in his familiar stomping grounds and wasn't daunted by the cold white stuff that covered the ground. He stuck to the well worn paths the dogs and us have made but eventually got eager enough to venture beyond the normal. He dove off the path and hopped through the undisturbed snow with me trodding  behind in over-sized boots. By the end of the walk, Tango was tuckered out but in high spirits and enjoyed a soothing belly brushing to get the snow out of his fur. He went right back to munching on his hay when he got back home, content and happy.

Work is underway to construct several new enclosures in the Animal Compound. One of the enclosure is for the youngster Quigley ,the brush-tailed bettong. We are expanding Quigley's  living quarters since he is really starting to enjoy running around outside of his pouch. Tango, the Patagonian cavy, has become great friends with Quigley and they will play together running and jumping around in unison in the dirt floor enclosure. His new larger enclosure will have a small closeable door that connects to Tango's indoor enclosure. When it's playtime the door will be opened and they will be able to go back and forth as they please. When it's meal time or bedtime, they can be separated into their own private spaces.

My brother Jake, deserves many thanks for his hard work in helping us plan and execute this project. Thanks Jake!