until I get to bring Happy home.

I just talked to the vet. Happy’s doing “really well.” Her heart size is better. (I didn’t know that could/would happen, but I guess a stressed and swollen muscle gets better with treatment.) They’re slowly weaning her off oxygen, and I can get her at 7pm.

I’m a little nervous about it. What if something happens while I’m asleep? (Maybe I shouldn’t do that.) I told the vet I miss Happy and she wants to come home, but we don’t want to rush this, if it’s best that Happy stay for observation. The vet said no, it’ll be fine.

You know, taking care of someone small and helpless, especially one who can’t tell you where it hurts, it’s an enormous responsibility. I’ve done it before — with Tasha for 14 years — but it still takes great focus and determined love. It’s still not easy. So those of you who are good parents — of children or pets — have my unmitigated respect.