Rufus, Meet Bentley.

My mom was recently discharged from the hospital after a surgery involving her lower abdomen. It became very clear (through many conversations with medical professionals and friends) that the most important piece of equipment relevant to her recovery would be something soft to clutch to her stomach. After much, ahem, *bitching* about hospital pillows I had an Ah Ha moment. Rufus.

Rufus was won by me during a weak moment at the River Runners Christmas gift exchange. Since then, he's been sitting on my floor by my laundry. Imagine his sadness. And his utter joy at being put to use for such a noble cause! Not every stuffed dog has such purpose in life (unless, of course, you are a thin black basset hound named Sleepy Puppy).

So Rufus was put into service, and travelled home with my mother yesterday. Where he was instantly attacked by Ben, ripped out of the hands of my mom, and dragged to the bedroom where a serious mauling ensued.

Of course, how serious can a mauling be, if you spend most of it on your back?