Not too long ago, Howie and I were watching an episode of The Waltons on DVD. This one was  season 4′s “The Loss”.  Family friend Olivia Hill, recently widowed, comes to stay with the Walton family for a while.

Olivia was a newlywed, her wedding the subject of season 3′s “The Chivaree”. She is understandably devastated by the loss of her husband and the Waltons don’t know what to do to help other than comfort her and give her space. Olivia processes her grief and the family just tries to accommodate. The children have the most trouble understanding, not having experienced losses like hers.

At the same time, the Walton’s cat, Calico, is pregnant and due to deliver her kittens. When Calico does finally give birth, she dies during delivery. It turns out, Olivia has experience in caring for newborn animals, and she steps in to care for the orphaned kittens. Little Elizabeth is crushed by the death of Calico, but helps Olivia care for the babies. Olivia finds healing in helping, and Elizabeth learns about grief firsthand. It’s a touching episode.

Well, when those newborn kittens started mewing, the ears of every furry animal in our house perked up. Sarah sat facing the TV, her head cocked, and watched. Funniest of all, though, was Snoopy’s reaction. She started out just looking toward the TV, but soon couldn’t abide her curiosity from a distance and crept up toward the TV.

Next, she stood with her front paws up on the TV’s stand, staring at the screen.

What IS that? What's that sound?

Then, she jumped up on the stand and eyeballed the kitten from close-up…

Is THAT what's making all this ruckus?

And, finally, she looked behind the TV…

Maybe it's behind this thing...

Of course, Howie had to rewind the DVD player and play the segment over a few times. We were giggling like fools at these animals. Pets are wonderful for bringing laughter to a household!