i like my animal stories light and cheery without the sadness that is all too real for so many critters in the world. this one had some really cute moments, no doubt, but there was also sadness and reality and a truly odd, macabare (albeit darkly humorous) moment that was unexpected ( though lauded by those of us who like animals more than most people we know), so i can only give it a 3. never fear - the ending was a good one.