::cuddley toys::

My friend V taught me this trick a while ago: stock up on O's favorite stuffed toy. Our boy beagle, Z (who by the way competed again Uno's dad in his show-boy days...and lost of course), loves stuffed toys. He loves them so much that he can put a ginormous hole in one in under 1 minute. Especially ones that smell like O.

Instead of worrying all the time about Mr. Z and his nasty habit, I bought multiple "beagle" stuffed toys by Douglas Cuddle Toy. Appropriate, right?! Douglas offers several dog breeds as well as other species, in various sizes. I found the 9" Kohair model to be the best option for us. The plush Kohair material is soft yet completely machine washable and even tumble-dried. The medium size is perfect for little O's hands. I always keep one attached to the stroller, using a secure-a-toy strap. I keep the rest in her crib for her naps and nightime. O loves her plush beagles so much she gives them "kisses" by giving them love bites on the muzzle :-) She also just started calling them by name...PUPPY...very original.

With O's current fascination with fish (or as she calls them "p-ish"), we might need to stock up on the Lady Moorish Idol Fish!