I am a house, one of many, sitting on an acre of land set on a quiet country road. Most of us were built after the great war and look the same as they did those many decades before. During this time we have sent our men off to war and our women to the factories. Many have left the confines of our block and some have returned. Maurice and Madeline are the humans that occupy the space within my walls. Maurice stands over Six feet tall whose broad shoulders and imposing physique belies his otherwise taciturn nature. Madeline is a wisp of a woman but has the tenacity of a bull when setting her mind to some goal. Together they tend to the orchard, hen house and the farm animals that reside here. All of the houses along the road adorn themselves with exotic plants and luscious landscapes. Each one is begging to be “that special” house on the block. What makes this one special are the extraordinary animal souls that have passed through its portals. Yes, that is what I said. Pets actually do have souls. I would like to tell you about one of those souls, one named Squeaky Pearbottom.