Dean went to the vet for his rabies and other vaccines. He definitely has a heart murmur. Which the vet said could be serious or it could be something he could live with fine. His heart maybe enlarged but the only way to find out is with an ultrasound, which is like $300-$500 and even then there's no real treatment for heart problems in cats, it would be more informational.

I do not have that money to spend for information. Also he lost 2 lbs, but that's because I've been lax about keeping him away from human food and he's got diarrhea again but I think probiotics should help. And keeping him out of milk, chicken, and other things.

That's great, smonster! Traditional circus dog [link]

Smonster, that's wonderful!

Traditional circus dog [link]

Why is that dog smoking a pipe?

Smonster, that's terrific!

Askye, I hope that dietary stuff makes Dean feel better soon.

Circus creatures live dangerously.

smonster! That is so cool . I can't wait to see you two. Had my ejg & ct scan. & also some broth & cranberry juice but still no doctor.

My dad just called me to tell me he's going to the hospital because he's having chest pain (he's actually calling the ambulance instead of driving himself).

And it occurred to me that it's been so long since he's had any heart problems that I'm no longer blase about it. For a long period, his twice-a-year hospital jaunts were stressful but pretty much routine, and they didn't freak me out so much as make me wonder "Well, what NOW?"

But it's been 3 or 4 years, I think, and in the interim, 2 of his brothers have died, and he's 70 now, and I'm -- not freaked out, but worried.

But he sounded fine (which I know is no guarantee of anything other than maybe a career in radio), and the pain only started today (unlike his usual M.O. of waiting a few days before going to the hospital), and he's actually called the ambulance instead of driving himself.

So that's all in the "good" column. But I'm still worried.

And I remember when M and I got together, I really *did* like just chatting a bit with him whenever we were both online, because I wanted to know more about him. So I'm guessing if that's not the case for you with this guy, he's probably not someone you're all that interested in. Uh, not that that conversation is any easier to have...

Yeah. I'm figuring I'll go on a second date with him, since everyone is telling me not to judge too quickly, but so far, I'm just not seeing much there.

I hope everything is OK, Steph.

Being concerned is totally legit, Steph. I hope you get some calming news soon. For you and for your dad.