Dog days

Our Moe is as sensitive as they make 'em. He's rough and tumble, just as he ought to be. He loves dogs. So when we chose novels from this year's second-grade reading list, Stone Fox -- a story about a boy who competes with his beloved dog Searchlight in a sled race -- seemed like a perfect choice.

He settled down Wednesday after lunch to read it. He kept popping in on my lessons with Larry and Curly Sue to tell me all the exciting things happening in the race. Then he walked in with his best I'm-a-big-boy-trying-not-to-cry expression and said in a trembling little voice, "You do NOT need to read the end of this book. Searchlight dies."

Then he burst into tears.

Then I burst into tears.

Then he had an asthma episode. (And he's not our asthmatic child!)

I read the end of the book and it was extremely sad. Too sad for a second-grade dog-lover, too heavy a suitcase for my little guy to carry. Another in-my-face reminder that I just can't take someone else's word for what's appropriate for my children to read.

No more dog books for awhile, unless it's Walter the Farting Dog -- that one has a sequel, so I know Walter must make it safely past the end.

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In other news, we are going to the inauguration in January. Larry's teacher in Georgia Virtual Academy has put together a trip for students that will allow all five of us to go, and we are pretty excited. We know regardless of who wins the election, it will be historic and we hope to have a great experience.

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In other other news, we took a field trip to the remains of a Georgia gold mine yesterday. It was a really neat tour!

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In even other-er news, yesterday's checkup at the allergist did not go well for Moe. Larry came through with flying colors and remains off all asthma medications except one shot each month (praise God!), but Moe's came up a little short on his breathing function test. Dr. H. wouldn't have worried, he said, except that the abovementioned Stone Fox-related breathing difficulties concerned him.

Moe got some Xopenex and another test, after which he got three days' Orapred, instructions for nebulizer treatments and a follow-up appointment.

I have been dreading the day we start down that road, but now that it's here, I guess I'm a little relieved. At least he's already on an immunotherapy regimen.

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If you feel so inclined, prayers for Geddy and the rest of the team of volunteers from his company would be appreciated. They are headed to Texas to help with hurricane relief efforts in one of the small coastal towns.