Murmurings

Two weeks ago, Tiny Dog had her annual checkup. For the first time, the vet noticed a heart murmur. It sometimes happens, especially with small dogs, we were told. We weren't necessarily surprised -- elderly Three-toothed Dog also has a heart murmur. (His is more expected, given his advanced age of nearly 13.) Hers was a grade 2, possibly grade 3, out of six. Not so bad. His has been consistently at a 4 for a year now.  

We went in for a follow-up visit this week to check how Tiny Dog is faring on the new heart meds. She outwardly seems to be doing well -- she has her usual pep and sassiness, eats well, barks vigorously, sleeps comfortably. Nevertheless, in the span of the fortnight between the two appointments, her murmur had increased in severity, to a 4 of 6. That's more alarming, especially in a relatively young dog. Furthermore, she had no signs of fever or other illness that would might indicate a viral infection that might temporarily be affecting her heart. 

Options presented included: wait and see how much worse it gets; or do some additional testing to see what we are up against. There was no question, really. She will go in next week for the diagnostics. 

I think about how much Beloved Husband and the Offspring love this Tiny Dog, and I know they will be devastated if there is Something Very Wrong with Tiny Dog. Because I understand the biological mechanics, I know there are some terrible possibilities, as well as -- have mercy -- some much more benign ones. All we can do for now is to hope that, with some luck and some good medications, we will have Tiny Dog for many years to come. 

Seven

Seven years ago, Tiny Dog came home with us. "Just take the puppy for one night."

We love her.

Spotted In The Neighborhood

Touch

Herself speaks.

I read an article the other day that, despite its slightly click-bait-ish title, made some interesting and valid points about the perils and paucity of ordinary physical contact, particularly as it relates to men. The article, "How a Lack of Touch is Destroying Men" is here:
http://upliftconnect.com/how-lack-touch-destroying-men/

It speaks of the overarching mistrust in American society of physical touch by men -- the inherent suspicion/fear that any man, every man, will revert to sexual touch given the slightest opportunity; and about how as a result, men in general are cut off from initiating any physical touch lest it be perceived as sexual instead of platonic.

What a terrible way to live.

In refraining from contact, men miss out on the small elements of human interaction -- to lean on another person, to put a hand on an arm, to sit so that shoulders touch. Moreover, women are put in the role of gatekeepers, to say "no," to withdraw from or refuse touch, lest a platonic gesture be misinterpreted as having sexual overtones. It is a tremendous challenge -- for men and for women alike -- to try to show a sign of affection or care without it being misperceived. We have only limited success.

-----
I was a sophomore in college, and was chatting with a new male acquaintance who lived in my dorm. We'd been talking for a while, and during the course of the conversation, when he made particularly amusing points, I touched him briefly on his forearm as we laughed. The second -- or was it third? -- time I did so, he looked at me and crossly said, "Why do you keep touching me?" 

That was the day I learned not to touch someone unless we were dating. It took me over twenty years to find peers whom I was comfortable briefly hugging again. 
-----

There is so little I can do about this ridiculous "Do Not Touch" stance in the world around me, except to try to find a way to somehow couple every small touch with a reassurance of its benign nature. Fortunately, as I age, I am much less likely to be perceived as a possibly sexual human being (for middle-aged women are usually treated as asexual creatures), and thereby I am more likely to be allowed to bestow a platonic gesture of tenderness or warmth.

Perhaps this is one of the benefits of very young, or very old, age -- to be able to touch people, unquestioned.

Although I am not particularly fond of getting older, perhaps this is at least one thing to which to look forward.

In case you need this sign, it can be found here: 

https://www.amazon.com/Touch-Warning-Bumper-Sticker-Decal/dp/B00HSIAF7A

Say Cheese

I made a cheesecake. And it turned out quite pretty, if I do say so myself.

Flashback: Plaque

Spotted some eight months back in Points North, in an obscure place like a bus stop shelter or a sign post or some such, on a main thoroughfare where such a plaque must be, no doubt, woefully underappreciated.

Sporty

Elderly three-toothed dog sports a Hawaiian shirt.