My coworker just returned from a two week business trip in Central America and brought everyone back a worry doll from Guatemala. Very cool.

I might put it to use in the coming days as I think about Louis. For the few of you who don't read Leon's blog, his guinea pig Louis (formerly, our guinea pig Louis) is probably going to die soon. I support whatever decision that Leon makes because I know that he has already given the matter great thought, and I certainly don't envy the position that he is in.

Leon put Louis on his webcam last night so that I could see (and hear) him for, presumably, the last time. I cried, of course.

I know that Leon has been an excellent owner (and pig daddy) over the last five years. I asked him to make sure that Louis is comfortable and given lots of attention in his last days, but there was really no need for me to say that. I already know that Leon will be wonderful, because he always has been.

Louis has been a lucky pig with lots of attention and care, a huge cage, and companionship. Even though he often seemed like a curmudgeonly little fart, he had to have been happy--in whatever capacity a guinea pig can be, at least.

I love him, of course. He has been a damn good pig.