I was always susceptible to common childhood illnesses, such as strep throat, tonsillitis, and earaches.
When I was twelve, I developed tonsillitis again. My doctor decided that it was finally time to take my tonsils out. He and Mom scheduled the surgery, but it was scheduled far enough ahead that I would have time to heal. He prescribed an antibiotic and we went home after Mom got the prescription filled.
I don’t remember exactly what time of year it was, but I think it was summer. I don’t remember having makeup school work. And since I was sick, Mom wouldn’t let me go outside.
So, I was stuck in the house with only TV and my dog, Spunky, to keep me company.
Spunky was a beautiful little blonde Pekingese dog with a sweet disposition and a strong preference for being wherever I happened to be.
Although he belonged to the whole family, Dad worked, Mom was busy taking care of us and the house, and my big brother was sixteen by then so he preferred to spend his time with his friends rather than his kid sister and the dog.
But, that was okay. Spunky and I enjoyed each other’s company.
A few days after I got sick, we began noticing that Spunky wasn’t acting like himself. He was lethargic and was barely eating.
After a few days, Mom said he needed to go see Dr. Beer, our vet. I was well by then, so I went with her.
After examining Spunky, Dr. Beer said he had tonsillitis.
Mom and I looked at each other in surprise.
That’s when Mom explained that I had just gotten over it.
Dr. Beer said that he caught it from me—and that’s what I have believed all these years.
He rarely left my side. We were up in each other’s faces all the time. I used to kiss him on the mouth, and I’d been known to share occasional lollipops and Popsicles with him. And Mom had bought me some Popsicles while I was sick with tonsillitis…
All these years later, I started wondering if it was really possible. I did some research and found that although it is rare, it can happen with bacterial tonsillitis.
They specifically advised to avoid face kissing.
Oops.
I suspect it was probably frowned upon to share Popsicles and lollipops, too.
At least Spunky didn’t have to have his tonsils out.
Through My Eyes, Gently 