[poleidopy]

I noticed a weird lump on Howies side the other day, about 2.5 inches down from his spine, on his ribs. It's like there's a marble under his skin, that size, only flatter. It's pretty prominent, you can see it sticking out. It's pretty solid feeling, though it can be moved around a bit since his skin is so stretchy. We really don't have money to take him to the vet right now. Is there any way it can be something NOT horrible & scary? I am such a hypochondriac.

Also, DH bought a $5 dog outfit from Big Lots because Howie has no clothes and he is too cold all the time. It was really soft, but had regular ribbed cuffs (like on a t-shirt collar) and even after just a few hours they chafed the skin right off the fronts of his legs. So, I have a fleece Spiderman blanket he chewed a hole through, and rather than throw it out I think I will make him a fleece poncho-type thing. I could make him some pajamas, but I have to hand-sew because I stilo don't have the energy to use a machine right now (or dig it out. ) SO I don't want anything too difficult. Does anyone know of any good websites w/free patterns for dog clothes? Or any good ideas to keep Howie warm without spending any money?