Feliz Cumpleanos, Boots!

Today was Boots' birthday.

Dora was there along with Tico the squirrel, Bennie the bull and Isa the salamander.

They celebrated with a pinata and a cake sporting a banana shaped candle (delicioso!).

But, one character was conspicuous in his absence -- Swiper the Fox.

Every neighborhood has a character like Swiper. He's the kid who spray paints an obscenity on your house after you've finished painting it or takes a crap in your pool. He's miserable, and he wants everyone else to be miserable too.

So, I don't blame Dora for not inviting Swiper.With a killjoy like that around, the banana candle and the pinata just wouldn't be safe.

But, I can't help thinking that, if just once, someone invited him to join the fun, he wouldn't feel as if he had to ruin it. Maybe if someone gave him a toy or a gift, he wouldn't think he had to swipe it.

So, feliz cumpleanos, Boots! But, this time, save a piece of banana cake for Swiper the fox.