Fixing the Broken

My friend trippedbreaker came over today to help pull the engine on Echo's '98 Geo Metro. The clutch will no longer let go, and after checking to make sure the cable and the arm are moving as they should be, it's time to check the throwout bearing and related transmission-connection garbage. This is my first major car repair job, and so far my participation has consisted mainly of handing Chris tools, buying things at Auto Zone and Home Depot, and helping with the occasional nut. We've got the engine almost ready to lift out of the chassis.

In the process of doing this, I noticed Loki sitting in his crate holding his foot at a strange angle off the ground. Chris had said he was making unhappy noises outside earlier, and closer investigation revealed a major problem. A vet trip and $400 later, the bone of a transverse fracture is set, but not well enough to avoid the $1200 surgery that is probably the best option for a full recovery.

I've had the pet insurance flyer lying on my desk for weeks. God knows I'll be getting him insured now! Loki is stumping around like a pirate, and will be going into his normal vet tomorrow to get evaluated for surgery.

He's gotten out under suspicious circumstances recently, and I think he probably broke it trying to squeeze through between two fence boards a foot or more off the ground.

I also found exactly one flea on each dog today, and, 30 minutes later, they've had their first Advantage treatment of the season.

The Return of the Mangey Possum

After leaving Louie outside the crate last night to give Mr. Loki the Pegleg more space, I wasn't really surprised to find a small, dead possum waiting for me on the couch.

I *was* a little surprised that he hadn't eaten more of it.