"Can You Come Get the Dog?"
Told in the fashion of the NPR Program, This American Life I am not Ira Glass. Act 1. "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." John Lennon Friday, February 11th: a quintessential Florida beach day. I had parked my chair (and butt) on the beach to take advantage of the warmth and sunshine. Dan was taking our beagle puppy, Benny, for a walk. We have adopted the mantra, "A tired dog is a good dog" and Dan, daily, did his best to wear out the energy filled Benny with multiple walks, often including a stint at one of the local dog parks. When my phone rang and the display indicated it was Dan, I wondered if he was going to describe his walk with the dog. Maybe tell me he would be joining me on the beach. The voice responding to my hello was not Dan's. I think this is how the conversation transpired: Male voice: "Is this Dan's wife?" Me: "Yes?" Male voice: "Are you Mary?" Me: (anxiety increasing) "Ye...