Life is never dull at a veterinary clinic. Sure sometimes all I do is lie here and daydream about chasing lizards. Other times it is my sole responsibility to protect this clinic from all intruders. Today, two men came to fix the rumble machine in the back; the one the technicians put all the wet clothes in. I warned him when he came in that I was watching him. But I waited until all his work was finished and he was walking back by me to let him have it. My timing was perfect, and my voice hit just the right note to make him jump straight in the air! As expected he quickly left my domain, so I would not have to repeat myself. I honestly don’t know what they would do here without me.

Sometimes, I think they should let me help more. One of the pets that came in today was not as happy as most. It was one of those cats. Now, I don’t profess to be very knowledgeable about cats the way I am about most things. But this one was especially difficult to figure out. He began yelling at mother and sweet Sally from the moment they entered the room with him. Sally must have been especially concerned because she layered on some thick green hand coverings before going in. I don’t know why the cats would prefer those to being petted with bare hands, but then again cats don’t make a lot of sense to me. One time, a wise old cat came in to the clinic. I tried to play with him and he just wanted to smack me in the face. Now I like a good game of face smacking as much as anyone, but I sensed that his intent was different.

Anyway, I don’t speak cat very well, but I can discern a lot just from how things are said. That cat was yelling at the top of his lungs all sorts of things like: “Get your hands off me”, “I didn’t say you could touch that”, and “Just wait until you take those gloves off”! I just knew that if I had been allowed in that room that I could have straightened the whole thing out. You see, most pets don’t realize that mother doesn’t really want to hurt them. It just looks that way. Finally, the visit ended without incident. The cat crawled back into his mobile home and didn’t say another word. Sadly he did not leave behind any of those tasty nuggets that they make. Oh well, maybe next time.

Monday August 31st

I had a great weekend! Usually I just hang around the large den mother calls home; lie around, chase Bea until she hides under the bed, eat, sleep and hunt for lizards around the small blue lake behind the house. This weekend, I actually got to leave the den and go somewhere other than the clinic. Don't get me wrong, I love the clinic, but if I can sniff out new territories to conquer I gladly accept the challenge. Admittedly, this challenge proved difficult.
We went somewhere called the PetExpo. It was in a big building I've never been to before and was filled with more dogs than I had ever seen together in one place. I was sporting my school girl outfit that everyone seems to love to see me in. Of course the scary part was that I was there without my best friend, Bea. Since Bea came to live with us about 9 months ago we've been literally inseparable. That's in part because Bea has what mother calls “separation anxiety”, which just means she gets terribly upset if I get to go somewhere and she doesn't. But this weekend, my sisters Becky and Tara were staying over, so Bea could stay with them. I know that they're not a real substitute for me, but Bea doesn't always pay attention to the details.
With Bea at home, that meant that I had to tackle the PetExpo by myself. So I tried to put on a brave face, but mother must have known that I was scared and carried me around instead of making me walk. I think that she was afraid that some of the big dogs would think I was a squeaky toy by mistake. The PetExpo had dogs, dogs, dogs, and more dogs. It also had a few of those short-haired whiskery things with the humming machines inside that Bea calls “cats”, along with feathered creatures, cupcakes, fancy outfits and comfy beds; so many things to sniff and investigate it was a true pet paradise.
I got to meet quite a few people too, everyone always going on and on about how cute I am and what a fascinating dog mixture it took to make me. I would be lying if I didn't admit to loving every minute of it. I just wish those people would show their love for me with treats instead of rubbing my head. Don't get me wrong, I like a good head rub as much as the next dog, but treats people, treats -- that's what I live for.
After awhile my buddy Ruben (of my previous post Broken face Ruben) showed up and I was SO glad to see him. My tail came up and I jumped right out of mother's arm to bite his fluffy head. I can't really explain why I was so happy to see him, but I knew everything would be alright with him there. I guess maybe Bea isn't the only one with the separation anxiety. Just don't tell my mom.

Monday, August 24th

So, I've been coming to work with my parents for almost a year now.
Me and my best friend Bea have an apartment at my parents veterinary clinic. Our pad is the best seat in the house to watch life in a pet hospital. Most dogs and cats seem scared to be here. I can't figure out why. Pretty much I just lie here, clean Bea's ears faithfully twice a day, bark a greeting to all that enter, go for walkies and eat yum-yums.
Now that I'm a year old and have everything under control, I thought I'd blog about what life behind the scenes at a veterinary clinic is like. Maybe if the other dogs and cats read it, they won't be so afraid.

Today, was a weird day for me and Bea. It started normally enough. It only became strange when there were no other dogs in the clinic. Even with no other dogs around, my mom and Sweet Sally, one of my mom's technician helpers were busily setting up for a "procedure". That's what they call it when they make a pet sleepy. I don't really know how they do it. It only happened to me once, awhile ago. I felt a pinch in my back and the next thing I knew I was chasing pink bunnies through the clouds. I must have really chased them far because when I woke up my belly hurt a little.
Anyway, Bea and I soon realized that we were the only dogs in the clinic.
It was Bea's turn to feel the pinch. I admit, I was nervous to see her asleep on the special table, covered in tubes and wires, with the special machines that make the beeping sounds. But Sweet Sally was so gentle with her and made sure to hug her the whole time while she woke up. Bea told me later that she was chasing rainbow colored lizards and that explained why her mouth was a little sore when she woke up. All I can say is her mouth smells so much better now, I even let her lick my ears now, sometimes.