Who's Out of Bed and Why?

Yup...4AM...I'm still awake. Well, it's not quite fair to call it "still" awake, since I slept for three hours already. Not the smartest way to go about getting a good night's sleep but (a) I couldn't help it since I had to wash the dog's bedding and therefore couldn't put her to bed until it was dry, and (b) tomorrow is apparently a snow day for the entire universe, so I already know I don't have school and I can sleep as long as I need to. And my kitchen is very clean - in case anyone cared.

The fact that Nicky just barked (and really did have to go outside) reminded me of a funny thing that happened a couple of weeks ago. Nicky barked in the night, so I hit the garage door opener and headed to the doggy den to get her out. I was fairly preoccupied with getting her out of the den and putting on her leash - because if Mystic were to mysteriously get free and wander outside unattended, I know that she would not likely leave the property, but I have no such guarantee with Nicky - and when I got outside I saw the reflection of two very small dark eyes staring at me in the glare of the porch light. I had time for my heart to momentarily stop beating and the following thoughts to cross my mind:

• What is it?
• Is it going to bite?
• Is it rabid?

And then I realized that it was Mystic (the little opportunist) who had snuck out behind me and run outside while I was in the den getting Nicky ready. Someday...someday I will learn to shut the door behind me!