In less than two months, the number of pets in our home unexpectedly climbed from four to six this year. The adoptions of Rusty, an orange tabby kitten; and Emma, an 8-pound young stray dog, were not planned.

In late January, I flew home with then 6-month-old Rusty from a national cat conference. In late March, skinny and scared Emma showed up with no collar or microchip ID in our neighborhood. For several weeks, no one claimed her despite us reaching out to shelters, rescue groups and veterinary clinics. She became ours officially in mid-April. Quickly, the newbies were warmly welcomed by our current four leggers and are now full-fledged members of our Furry Brady Bunch.