Ben

I apologize for not making individual replies to the outpouring of support y'all have given me. I just... find it hard.

Ben had a second bleeding episode the day after the trip to the vet, but I was able - despite his struggles - to dose him with the epinephrine, and the bleeding quickly subsided. The problem has not recurred since.

I'm a bit disturbed by quality-of-life issues. I mustn't let him get excited. That means I can't play with him; that means that, when I hear him barking at... at whatever, I have to hurry to him to calm him down; that means all kinds of things. Much of what he enjoys most is now taboo.

That's not enough to force my hand, but it bothers me.

I know that, someday soon, I will have to take him to the vet for the last time. What I don't know is, what am I watching for? What is it that will tell me that it's time? Right now, apart from slightly roughened breathing (he snores in his sleep, now), he seems normal. He isn't, I know. But....

I don't know.

Bad/Good/Bad

Tim F. of Balloon Juice called it: "Worst. Vacation. Ever."

Bad news: you and your friends have just been swept overboard in a region noted for treacherous currents and sharks.

Good news: after twelve helpless hours, you manage to scramble ashore on the last island before open sea.

Bad news: the island is inhabited by Komodo dragons.

Here is the whole story.