It's a tumor, but it's benign. Even so, it has to come out. Surgery is scheduled for Friday morning. Bao is unperturbed. I -- of course -- am a quivering wreck.

Amanda (our veternarian) has persuaded me to allow her to neuter Bao, as well. The tumor is of a sort that's fuelled by testosterone, and we don't want it to recur. Also, Bao's prostate is slightly enlarged. So even without the tumor, the family jewels would have probably had to go. Poor little guy!

And as if all this wasn't bad enough, Bao has also developed a small heart murmur. Pretty much par for the course for little dogs when they start getting old, Amanda told me. She's prescribed Benazepril. My mother used to take Benazepril.

I think I'd rather be looking at something herbal and homeopathic, but first we've got to get past Friday.

Meanwhile, I'm giving Bao all his favorite foods, and lots of cuddles. And trying very, very hard to keep my mind full of positive thoughts.