So things were a little calmer today. We heard happy news that Taco and Alice were happy to be back home, safely away from mother and all her pinches and pokes. According to their parents, Taco is pretending like nothing ever happened, in case the story should get out and cramp his style.

Fluffy returned for more fluids, and I think her bandages came off for good. I was happy for her, but sad that I never got the chance to roll in those used bandages. That smell has been calling to me for weeks!

I did get to meet a very distinguished older gentleman dog. He came in chipper and wagging, although you could tell that he'd been around the block a few times. His name was Ernie and he was a Yorkshire terrier. You could tell that he came from somewhere far away because his bark had a different accent to it. He was a chatty fellow, with an upbeat way about him. “I've been in and out of these clinics a lot lassie, ever since I developed this pesky cough that wouldn't go away”, he started. I don't know why he thought my name was Lassie. His eyes had the cloudy look so I thought maybe I reminded him of a dog he used to know. Ernie's heart didn't sound right; it was extra loud with a sloshy vibration that could be felt clear through the walls into our villa. He had to stay for the day while my dad rubbed the goo covered stick all over Ernie's chest to watch his heart beat on the moving screen. I was impressed with Ernie, he didn't seem fazed by anything. “When you've been around as long as I have, love, you learn not to worry about the small stuff. I'll get to kick back later and take a rest.” he rambled on. Father completed all of the tests on Ernie and I overheard him later talking to Ernie's parents; “His heart is still doing pretty well. The coughing you hear is because his heart is so big, it's pressing on his windpipe from the inside. But otherwise his heart isn't doing too bad. There's medicine for the cough, and some to keep his heart from beating too fast.” dad advised. Even hearing the word medicine didn't bother Ernie. “Nothing I haven't had before”, he said “I thought it was bad when they took away me beggin strips, but I kind of like the cheerios I get now”. As I watched the old man dog trot out with his mum I got the feeling that Ernie's heart was still going strong because he wouldn't have it any other way; the power of positive thinking can be powerful indeed!