Mickey's Dog Lives On

Sunday or Monday the kids and I heard a report on NPR about whether or not Pluto would retain its status as a planet. Scientists were to decide Wednesday and report to the world the conclusion of their debate. I explained in simpler terms what the reporter said. The girls were somewhat intrigued and offered their own opinions (most thought it deserved to be a planet after all these years of being considered one), and then my preschool boy, who had listened carefully, piped up that it would be a shame if Pluto wasn't a planet anymore, because then Mickey Mouse wouldn't have a dog.

This morning, my boy ran into the room and asked, "Mom! Mom! Is Pluto still a planet?"

"Oh! You remembered! Sorry, I forgot to tell you--yes, it is!"

"Oh, good!" he responded, then he ran downstairs and announced it to his dad.

From what I heard, the scientists redefined "planet" and thus allowed a few more orbiting objects in our solar system to also become planets, called "plutons."

Pluto's in, and Mickey still has his dog. Whew!