‘Heroic Measures’ a tale of couple’s love for dog

Young performers held to high standards in Saturday show
11/20/09
Oakwood grad takes second on Project Runway
11/20/09
5 Thanksgiving movies to make your holiday
11/19/09
The best of what’s happening this week in Cincinnati, Columbus
11/19/09
Despite Christmas rush, ‘Spectacular’ pretty good
11/19/09
> More headlines

By Vick Mickunas, Contributing Writer 7:15 PM Thursday, July 2, 2009

Millions of Americans enjoy relationships with companion animals. Dogs and cats are the most common nonhuman family members. For those of us without children of our own, these wonderful companion creatures can be almost as dear to us as any child could be.

Jill Ciment’s latest novel, “Heroic Measures,” is the story of one such family. Alex and Ruth have lived in the same New York City apartment for 40 years. The apartment cost them $5,000 when they moved in. Those five flights of stairs are making them consider finding another building with an elevator.

Their realtor has convinced them they might be able to sell their place for $1 million in Manhattan’s overheated real estate market. They never had children. Their special friend is Dorothy, a 12-year-old dachshund. She is getting a wee bit long in the tooth herself.

Dorothy is the center of their universe. Alex continues to create art in his studio. Ruth has retired from teaching school. This childless couple lavishes their affection upon Dorothy and that little wiener dog trusts them completely.

“Heroic Measures” takes place during one exciting weekend. Alex and Ruth are nervous about the open house their realtor has scheduled for Saturday morning. As they scramble to make their apartment presentable, they fail to notice their little dog is in some pain.

When they observe Dorothy has lost her ability to use her back legs they rush her to the animal hospital. Traffic is a mess. The congestion is being caused by an accident. A fuel tanker truck has jack-knifed and blocked a tunnel.

They carry Dorothy across town on a breadboard, fearful for her and also for their chances of selling their apartment. As they pass through the city, they get a stream of updates about this tunnel incident. Was it the work of terrorists? Nobody seems to know.

This sweet story is told from three viewpoints, that of Alex, Ruth, and of course, Dorothy. The vet informs them Dorothy will need expensive surgery and there is no guarantee this procedure will help. They have to make some tough decisions. Do they love her enough to try to save her?

“Heroic Measures” operates on a couple levels. It is the story of how a marriage has succeeded. At one point, Alex notices Ruth is asleep. He observes that “he has loved her for so long he can no longer distinguish between passion and familiarity.”

And it also is the story of Dorothy’s unconditional love. She endures her ordeal with undying faith. And like those canine companions so many of us know and cherish, when Dorothy is reunited with her people, she is always happy to see them.

Dorothy trusts they will return for her.

“She curls up as best she can, but she can’t find a comfortable position; she’s too despondent. She misses her spot on the big bed, Alex in the middle, she and Ruth on either side.”

Contact book reviewer Vick Mickunas at vick@vickmickunas.com.

Share this article