Shepard's new caterpillar friend

Shepard found a caterpillar yesterday during our picnic lunch. He was amazed that it was just like the one he had found this summer in Branson and even wondered if the same one might have crawled here all the way from Branson to be with him again. He became so attached to this little caterpillar and decided to name him "best friend". He carried him around everywhere and got a little cup to keep him in and put some grass in there so he could eat. We were surprised at how attached he became to this little critter. Then he thought the caterpillar made a poo... it was hard to tell him that he had actually squished him too hard. He held the caterpillar for a long time to see if he would start moving again... he was so hopeful. But, in the end, he accepted the caterpillar's demise with grace and was even willing to put him in the trash can. He's on the hunt for a new caterpillar friend... and John and I are wondering if Shepard would enjoy a real pet. Hmmm....