On our way home we located several additional areas that could yield some good resources. We marked them on a map for future investigation. We stopped at a beautiful park and let the dogs out to run around. They immediately picked up a scent and followed it to the edge of a field and they disappeared into the tall brown grass. Just as I was ready to call them, out from the tall brown grass a rabbit shot out and zigzagged across the field, the dogs barking playfully.

  They had multiple opportunities to make the kill but just nudged and provoked the rabbit for play. After a solid five minutes of exhaustive exercise, the rabbit gave up and just sat in the middle of the field.

  The dogs plopped down next to it and they just sat there panting. Jillian snapped a few pictures as I approached slowly with some water. I filled the doggy travel bowl and they both drank a little. The rabbit approached the bowl and started drinking. After a five-minute rest period the rabbit jumped on Pete’s head and launched off it as Ginger gave chase. Jillian and I laughed so hard at the expression on Pete’s face as he joined in for another round of tag.

  I cannot remember the last time I laughed that hard. Jillian and I were in tears and my face actually hurt. It was getting late and we were hungry for some lobster and steak. I whistled for the dogs and they came running to the truck followed by the rabbit. I opened the door and all three jumped in. Ginger and Pete looked so happy sitting in the back seat with their new friend I just closed the door and laughed.

  “Where’s the rabbit, I don’t want to run her over.” Jillian asked.

  “Ask them.” I said as I stuck out my thumb over my left shoulder. Jillian turned around, put it in park and took a picture of all three of them sitting in the back seat. “God is definitely playing with us today.” Jillian said as we exited the empty parking lot.

  We stopped in a pet store to pick up information on rabbits and get some food and a bed; I guess. Jillian nor I had ever cared for rabbits and needed to educate ourselves. When I said stopped in, I meant literally, Jillian drove through the front doors of the large pet store. I just looked at her. “I don’t want them cutting their feet on the broken glass.” Jillian said.

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  We all got out of the truck and the dogs’ senses were on full alert. The rabbit trailing right behind them as they sniffed the ground. Jillian grabbed a cart and we loaded it up with dog food and rabbit food.

  Ginger gave a quick bark a couple of aisles over and sat in front of a display of toys. As I touched each item her tail would wag on the one that was of interest to her. I opened the package and gave her the toy. Not satisfied with one, she barked again and we repeated the process. She selected three items and I put them in her backpack. She was happy.

  Pete just nosed around and urinated at every corner and the rabbit had to go over and smell it and followed Pete everywhere.

  “I’ll be right back.” I said to Jillian as I grabbed the AA-12.

  “What’s up?” asked Jillian.

  “Just never you mind, I’m going shopping.” I said with a serious face. Jillian just smiled.

  Right across the street was a Ford dealership and a red Expedition was on display in the front. I was getting good at locating the keys from and entire inventory of vehicles in a lot. Just like all the others, less than a quarter tank of gas. It started rough and the battery was weak, but it started. I pulled in front of the Pet store and hit the horn. Jillian pulled out of the store with the animals and parked alongside in order to transfer the fuel and the contents to her new vehicle.

  “We need a name for the rabbit.” I said after finally finding the highway.

  “I’ve been thinking about that too.” Jillian said.

  “What do YOU two think?” I said to the dogs turning around like I was going to get a response. All three of them were sleeping and the rabbit was securely between both of them. I took a picture and showed it to Jillian. She teared up and said: “Our family is growing.”

  We got home and I started dinner. Ginger chewed on and presented her new toys to Pete who was not interested. The rabbit followed Pete around the house and eventually outside. The house was very open and the animals could come and go as they pleased. The rabbit found something to eat in the back yard as I watched Ginger and Pete swim in the pool.

  “We need to find out if it’s male or female.” Jillian said bringing in the last of our shopping items. I handed her a glass of wine.

  “I bet it’s a girl.” Said Jillian. I showed her a picture in one of the books we collected at the pet store.

  “We will have to wait until she comes to us and is comfortable with us handling her.” Jillian said.