howling anxiety
[Alt text: An 8-foot tall sculpture of a faceless Black woman, with her hands on her hips, in a raffia skirt.]
There's a dog right across the hall from me with severe separation anxiety. He cannot be left alone for more than a minute before he starts howling. The noise is heartbreaking. I've tried to get his owner to trust me and let him hang out in my apartment when she's out. Even told her how I spent a good chunk of my summer traveling to take care of other people's dogs.
I'm hoping like hell we get to a point where I can have him spend time with me; better to have him bored in my apartment than crying at his, right? Until then, when he's alone, I have to either leave my apartment entirely or retreat to my bedroom, turn on the white noise machine, and put in some earplugs.
The last couple days, when the howling got really bad, I went down to the basement to use the elliptical, which said my heart rate was at 190. Presumably from anxiety about this poor dog. It's all I can think about right now, so no stories this week, just some links. And if you know of some good DC-area dog trainers who don't cost a fortune, let me know? I'm wiling to pay the money and do the work — if she would just let me. Ugh. I really don't want to have to move again.
Links
The best thing on the internet in months: A golden retriever recreating Madonna's album covers. (Sad and Useless)
"Our acts of kindness have a far bigger impact on others than we realize. Kindness, even when it seems small and unimportant, matters a lot." (Lifehacker)
This article about Black flight and how it's not because of gentrification is frustrating, because we've all seen so many formerly Black neighborhoods gentrify. If you see a "counterpoint" article, please send it to me. (Atlantic)
Everything you ever wanted to know about Aloha shirts, including how they're being reclaimed by Polynesian designers, and a museum exhibit I'd love to see. (Seattle Times)
Last week I went to the Glenstone Museum. (Museum site) It's sort of like a mini Storm King with some indoor exhibition space, and that Simone Leigh sculpture up top was the best part (aside from the nature). Definitely worth spending a few hours there when it's not 90 degrees out.
United Airlines flight canceled after taxiing for 8.5 hours. (BoingBoing)
I used to listen to Chasing Shadows (YouTube) on repeat, even though she sings so fast I can't make out half the lyrics. I had no idea Santigold (Stereogum) was such a big deal.
Fun with '90s cursor effects. (Tholman)
Years ago, Paddie's dogwalker hired a professional photographer to take photos of the dogs playing at Fort Funston. The business is under new ownership, but I'm happy to see the giant portrait of her is still on their wall. (Instagram)
Greg Abbott fills last few open seats on migrant bus with Jews. (Onion)