A Trip to the Vet

Ya know, I dunno how my flyball career is ever gonna take off. I keep missing practices, even though I'm totally a serious athlete! First I had that bout with ringworm, which by the way, wasn't really ringworm cause the culture came back negative. So, who knows what that was. Next C got sick and made me miss practice, and then she went to New York and made me miss again. So I was really pumped to go to flyball this past Saturday but when I got there someone noticed I was limping (thanks Mack!) so I didn't get to practice. Yeah, what a blast! Tethered to a tree watchin' other dogs practice!

I was limping because I've got an abrasion between two toes on my back left foot. Monday it was worse. It hurt, but no big deal -- I'm the fastest dog on three legs! But C made an appointment at the vet and so Tuesday we went to the Animal Hospital of Conroe.

Some of you know I lived there from the time I was one day old until I was six weeks when I went to live with M and C. So, I don't mind going to the vet -- it's old home week for me! Actually, I don't mind going anywhere! I'm always up for a ride in the car! My favorite destinations are Bed, Bath, and Biscuit where I go play with friends, and Petco, where we go get treats and toys. But the vet office is pretty interesting.

For one thing, they usually have cats in the waiting room. Some are in cages and some are just wandering around, and all are unfriendly. That's OK -- I'm totally used to cats with bad attitudes! Sometimes there are other dogs in the waiting room, and usually some humans who think I'm smart and good-looking! I love, love attention!

I usually see Dr. Pat, but she doesn't work on Tuesdays, so this time I saw Dr. Flood. I missed Dr. Pat, but it's all good -- Dr. Flood's a nice guy! Here I am waiting in the examination room for him to come in and take a look at my foot.

But first these ladies came in. At first I thought they were nice, callin' me "Mr. Sparky" and giving me plenty of treats and attention. Next thing I know, one of 'em's got me in a headlock and the other one's shaving the hair between my very sore toes! And C's standing there snappin' photos like it's a walk in the park!

This was no picnic, lemme tell ya! But, I'm no crybaby! They said I was a very good dog. And I don't hold it against 'em -- just doin' their jobs!

After they finished torturing me, then Dr. Flood came in and poked and prodded my poor toe. He said the abrasion is infected, and he gave me a shot. He also told C to give me antibiotics, painkillers, and sprinkle this powder on my toe twice a day after soaking it in water with Epsom Salts. C asked how long I had to soak it and he said ten minutes each time. Ten minutes -- do you know how long that is in dog minutes?? Really long.

Heh, heh, heh. That soaking isn't workin' out for C either. Today when she was sitting on the floor holding my foot in the pot of water I accidentally (I swear!) spilled the pot into her lap. We were almost done anyway. And by the way, my foot feels a lot better!

Before we left the vet office I had to say hi to a couple of my girls. They've known me since I was one day old and they think I've turned out to be quite the handsome dude! These two are Theresa and Candy, but I love all the women who work at Dr. Pat's! They're smart and caring and very generous with the treats!

After C paid the vet bill she said I have to get a job. Anyone wanna hire me? I'm really smart, fast, and friendly! Special talents include gathering sticks into piles; carrying the garbage can lid back from the road; and keeping the squirrels in the trees and off the ground. Gimme a call -- let's talk! Woof woof!