The Price We Pay for Love: A Tribute to Matrix, Honoring the Pack and Looking Ahead to Morning Radio

The Price We Pay for Love: A Tribute to Matrix, Honoring the Pack and Looking Ahead to Morning RadioNOTE:  This is a deeply moving and heartfelt episode. The dedication it takes to care for a dog with megaesophagus for a decade is remarkably clear from the transcript.  RIP Matrix!Show Introduction and PremiseShow Mission: Explanation of the "Up the Middle" concept, focusing on bringing opposing viewpoints into the room to arm listeners with strong arguments.Host Introduction: Brief introduction of the host, Yurgs, and the show's live broadcast schedule.Dog Tributes and BirthdaysShady's Birthday: A shoutout to the host's current dog, Shady, turning three years old.The Pack: A brief tribute acknowledging the host's past dogs: Raquel, Anton, Moby, and Matrix.Matrix's Health and Daily CareThe Diagnosis: Recounting Matrix's diagnosis of megaesophagus at 9 months old.Feeding Routine: Detailed description of the intense daily routine required to feed Matrix upright on a stool for ten years to manage his condition.Ongoing Complications: Discussion of the constant risk of aspiration pneumonia and the eventual weakness in his hind legs.The Fainting Spell and Emergency SurgeryThe Fall: Description of Matrix's fainting spell and falling backward off his feeding stool due to age and deteriorating heart/lung conditions.Community Support: Acknowledgment of the door-to-door fundraising and community donations that covered the $10,000 emergency surgery, back when they lived in LA.The Procedure: Explanation of the successful surgery that secured his stomach to the abdominal cavity, preventing a fatal twist.Saying Goodbye to MatrixHis Passing: The announcement that Matrix passed away on Thursday the 18th after gaining ten extra years of life.Reflections on Grief: A poignant discussion on the nature of grief, referencing comedian Jimmy Carr's quote that "Grief is the price we pay for love."Future Announcements and RecommendationsNetwork Expansion: Announcement of the new Mastiff Media Morning Show launching on August 3rd, covering Florida markets from Tallahassee to Fort Myers.Book Recommendations: Plugs for Lovecrafting by Craig Cassady and The Broken Mirror of Memory by Joseph Sol.Show Shoutouts: Promotional mentions for comedian Jeff Klein's "Beer with a Queer" tour and Bradley Schlegel's local news contributions.Episode 173Date 260628.6Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/up-the-middle-politics-for-the-rest-of-us--7030715/support.Thank you for tuning in to Up The Middle. We started this show because we believe the best solutions are found when we actually hear both sides, and we want to hear from you. What did you think of today's topics? Send us an email at [email protected]. If you know someone who is burnt out on the partisan shouting matches, share this episode with them. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss a breakdown. Thanks for getting off the porch and running with the big dogs! We'll see you next week on Up The Middle!For more information, please visit:www.Mastiff.MediaTo advertise with use, please write to:[email protected] The Yerger Group