A new family member

Well, we have added to the number of Smith family members - this time it is a canine brother named DiDi.  DiDi is the Chinese word for "younger brother".  I am not sure how we arrived at this point but I must have had a moment of weakness during which the family took advantage of my reduced mental state to convince me of the need for a dog.  We got DiDi from a rescue here in Shanghai which many expatriates have recommended.  DiDi is a mix between a Pekingese and a Chou which makes him either a Chou-kinese or a Peke-chou.  Regardless he is very cute and very stout.  He has the long hair and ears of a Pekinese but the body, nose and coloring of a Chou.  He also has the thick midsection and solid legs of a Chou.  He is 1-1/2 years old and has been in foster care since he was found one year ago.  He has been with us for a couple days and arrived while I was on a business trip - therefore when I came home he was very leery of "the new guy" and is still warming up to me.  Landon is the "master" and has taken responsibility for DiDi.  Cynthia is the "Mama dog" and has spent the most time with him and he is very comfortable around both of them.  So begins another chapter in our Shanghai chronicles.