I have no eloquence right now, but I do have lots of love, support, and respect for Erin, Ginger, and all the rest of you.

Vibes, hairpats, virtual bourbon, and absolutely non-virtual, 100% real and solid love and awe to both Erin and Ginger. The black dog is a terrible, relentless beast and I hate him, and I hate that he's sunk his teeth into you and won't be shaken off. And I can't be actually *there* to sweep up the dog hairs and empty the sink and give you a little bit of clean, empty breathing space, because that would actually be doing something and this is just words. But I would give you every word I've ever had to make it better for you both.

What JZ said.

{{Ginger}} I'm so sorry.

I am in a terrible sad mood right now. I was already not flying so straight, emotionally speaking, when I went to lunch. When I came back, I saw a German shepherd almost get hit (and actually got clipped a little) in a very, very busy intersection (S. Carrollton and Tulane). I was going in the opposite direction toward the bank to do some work business and while I was waiting I got more and more upset about it, and then after I was done, I went back to the parking lot where I saw the dog go last.

He wasn't there, so I swung back out to go back to the office, and there he was, crossing right in front of me! I got out of my car- fully in the street, green light, horns honking, and the dog went back to the same parking lot.

I got back in my car and went back to the parking lot, and the dog ran away from me and, even though I didn't pursue him after I realized this, he ran right back into traffic. AGAIN.

So I got in my car, crying, and called the LASPCA (someone else had also just called) and then I just started full out sobbing.

I am really, really worried about this dog.

Sumi, ~ ma for calm while you wait for your test results. May you hear easily fixable news soon.

{{Nora}} really you did all you could. I hope he is caught and protected quickly.

{{Ginger}}

{{Nora}}

{{sumi}}

Oh Ginger.

You will let us know if we can do anything, would you? Daily vibes of care and support are always sent your way.

Erin,

Lots of hair pats. You are extraordinarily brave. Don't forget that. Your post was wonderful.

Sometimes I dearly LOVE that we're all spread out geographically because it's so delightful visiting people all over.

But right now? I wish we were all neighbors so that we could just BE THERE for those we love. (Sometimes just having companionship is so nice.) I am sorry for all of the pain you beloveds are experiencing.

Hell, I'm impressed you wrote such a fancy-sounding eloquent plea while depressed. Even THINKING that is way beyond

me, in a similar place.

What JZ said, and javachik said, and Windsparrow, too.

Erin, Ginger, the rest of you are in my thoughts and wishes every day, even when I can't summon the will to type that out. You're what keeps me from giving up--knowing each of you is dealing with whatever helping of sadness or glee, satisfaction or disappointment, rage or pride in accomplisment. Whatever it is, that you share it here is a wondrous thing, and I'm humbled and honored to be privy to all that.

Nora, aside from worrying about the dog itself, which we all would do and be, that dog's fate can carry the emotional load of all you've dealt with for quite a while. I hope the dog's okay, and I hope things stabilize for you.