In Memoriam

I'd like to take a moment to recognize my dog Milou (pronounced Mee Loo. Got his name from the TinTin cartoon. He was TinTin's dog). He died on Tuesday, May 29, 2007. I'm not sure how old he was. When I adopted Milou, the doctor estimated his age at 6 - 8, but we're just not sure how old he was. He died too young no matter what.
Milou was a sweet little white-haired Maltese. He was found on Greenwell Springs Blvd. at the Captain D's restaurant, just wandering around. His original name was Captain D. His hair was matted so he looked like a Chihuahua at first. He was covered in fleas, but was very sweet and friendly. My work friend, Christy, found him and brought him to work. My coworkers took up a collection to get him neutered and cleaned up. I took him home and we lived together. When I bought a house, I had to leave Milou at my mother's house. She has a nice big yard and Milou would always have company. I would visit him a couple of times a week.
Milou didn't like to play very much. He loved to get on his back and flail his front paws up and down while rolling around in the grass. One time a few summers ago, we were wondering why he was doing that. Turned out he was rolling on a dead frog.
Milou loved to be scratched on the chest and on his ears. He hated taking a bath or being groomed. He really hated going to the Vet. He would scream if he thought we were taking him to the vet.
We're not completely sure why Milou died. The doctors say he had liver problems. He had also been bitten on the head a couple of years ago by my mom's dog. This year, after his problems started, he took a head-first tumble off the couch.
Last Tuesday, while I was on vacation in Florida, my mom found Milou unresponsive. She took him to the vet where he later died.
I will miss Milou. He was the love of my life. I'll never forget him.
Here's to you Milou. You were a great great companion and friend.
Goodbye.

Vacation Nightmare

I turned 40 last week, June 1. It was supposed to be a great week of relaxing on the beach and celebrating my first 40 years. Well, it started off with a bad omen. Susie and I noticed a large spider in my kitchen doorway. I got the Raid and sprayed it and immediately about 30 baby spiders started scattering everywhere. I think I got them all, but it was still very freaky.
The next morning we loaded up Susie'd newish convertible PT Cruiser. We pulled out of the driveway and hit the gas, the car died. So, we had to bring her car to the dealership and go in my car, which I hadn't prepared for travel.
The beach was nice, very relaxing. However, after getting there on Saturday we noticed there was a lot of construction. Monday came and the noise of construction began all around us. Also, the gulf water in Pensacola beach was very rough and red-flagged. So, we couldn't go in the water.
When I got back home, my mom informed me that my dog, Milo, had died. He had been sick, but I didn't expect him to die this soon.
My birthday went all but unnoticed. I didn't receive a cake. I got a couple of presents and cards and phone calls, but I didn't get what I expected for a 40th birthday, not even any black balloons or signs.
To top off this vacation week, my neighbor's boyfriend crashed his motor bike in front of my house. I called 911, but he got up and left on his bike and 911 wouldn't come out. He was gushing blood from his head wound and I ended up covered in blood and a nervous wreck.
I'm never going on vacation again.