Mischief Monday -The Annual Day of Torture - by Zaphod

Dear pals,

You know I am a very good boy, so I don't understand why sometimes the Lady does the most horrible things to me. Last week, I was excited to go in the car with just her! But then I realized, no good was coming from this.

I had only thrown up a little, when we arrived at our first destination, Day Camp. I showed Lady my displeasure by peeing on a post in the store (even after she had me pee on 100 things outside of it). I tried to jump into her arms before being led to the back.

When Lady returned 87 million hours later., I was in a playroom, standing by the door. I was so excited to see her. Camp gave me a good report, so Lady was pleased I was not embarrassing, but is sure I just spent most of the day standing by the door. I don't really play with other dogs. 

This is when the day got worse. Lady took me to the V-E-T for my annual checkup. While waiting for my turn, a stranger with a cane approached. I did my best guard duties by moving between my Lady and her and trying to push my Lady away. As you know, I don't like walking sticks or canes. I don't remember why. Lady thinks it is because I was hit when I lived with the dragons, before my brave escape. At any rate, Lady told the stranger I didn't like sticks, so she hid it and kept petting me (which I tolerated). Lots of people were interested in me in the clinic, which Lady thought was weird because clearly I was stressed. Most of them were cat owners, so you would think they would understand pets being stressed at the clinic. 

Checking the peemail outside

Finally, it was my turn. I weigh just over 78 lbs. It is perfect. I seem in good health. At about age 8, I have another year or two before I have to move to senior food. Dr. W, swabbed my ear and looked at it under a microscope. My ear wax is yeasty.  He diagnosed "allergy ear" and gave Lady a heavy duty cleaner with cortisol. I have to clean my ears 2 times a day for a week, then once a day. Dr. W. said he hopes we can get to cleaning them every 2-3 days, and that may be the best we can do. I tolerate the cleaning and hate to admit but my ears are much better. I was brave for my shots too.

Waiting my turn

Lady was talking to one of the vet techs who she had not met (or didn't remember meeting), but had been at the clinic for 13 years. Lady said, "you must remember my first dog, Loki." She said "Of course I do." Loki had immune mediated hepatitis that caused psoriasis of the liver. He had 11 months of intense treatment before going to the bridge at age 8. They still talk about his case and his file still exists. He died over 9 years ago.  That is how weird a thing he had. 

So in the end, I got treats, and shots, and pets, had to protect my Lady and then we got to come home.

It was a very tiring day. I don't look forward to it next year.

Your healthy pal, Phod