Surrounded by all that could sustain her, she knew it was not enough — for only when she could run free, would she be completely nourished.

* * *

This little critter (aka gopher) was caught one day when it had the courage to run across the yard. Just a baby, it most likely didn't know better and was lulled upward by the warm sunshine and blue skies. Upon catching her, I put her in a bucket of veggies and took her for a ride to a larger field where she could run free. Just before releasing her, she looked up at me with her sweet, knowing gaze — it was one of those looks that I shall recall whenever our lawn starts erupting dirt mounds. I now can't help but love these little beasts!

— Diane Varner