Fergi Meets Dr. Batch

It snowed today (Friday). Just like the weatherman said it would. But it didn't get so bad that Mom couldn't take us this morning to the birthday store (PetCo) and the party store to get ready for Saturday's celebration. The weather started getting bad, though, about 3:00PM. The snow really started coming down and the slush on the streets was probably 4" deep within an hour. It was wet, soggy and messy. But that didn't stop us from our next adventure! Mom had made an appointment for me to go meet Dr. Batch - my special veterinarian. I've heard about him for months now. My whole family really really likes him. He's knows Jake, and before him he knew Molly and Kizzy (Mom's first two wires.) My people told me that not only is he an exceptionally good doctor who works at an exceptionally good veterinary hospital, but he is one of the kindest and most gentle people that my family has ever known. I could sense that I had nothing to really be afraid of. I was a little anxious, but nothing in comparison to that of which I'm capable. I wasn't spinning in circles or panting. That was a good sign!

So, we bundled up (Jake came along) and drove to the hospital. We traveled on the highway to get there, and several cars blasted huge waves of slush up and over our car. That startled both Jake and me, and I pretty much had the shakes by the time we got to our destination. But we made it safely.

Here we were. Mesa Veterinary Hospital.

I could barely read the sign.

Nina carried me to the covered entrance

then pretty much drug me through the doorway.

This was brand new.

It was cold, wet and it smelled funny.

I really wasn't too crazy about the idea of going in.

Memories of the first few days on a leash returned to me.

The brakes went on.

And the first thing they made me do was step on a scale.

No lady likes to be weighed in public.

But nobody made a big deal out of it.

And I busied myself smelling where other animals had stood.

We had to wait for a few minutes.

I can't say I was too thrilled.

Down went the ears.

The tail had been down for a while

(and didn't go back up until we got home)

They decided to let me get used to the table while we waited.

I stood. That's all. I just stood.

Like a statue.

With my tail down.
And, surprisingly, I gradually started to relax.

Something told me this was going to be okay.
I even started to pick my head up just a bit.

I think maybe I smelled some treats.

Yep. There they were. Behind me on the counter.

Next to a bunch of pokey needles and other odd smelling stuff.

Then the door opened. And there he was. 

Dr. Batch, DVM.

He was smiling. He moved slowly.

He was every bit as wonderful as I had been told he was.

He understood that I needed a quiet voice, a gentle touch, and time.

I relaxed way more than Mom ever thought I would.

I even ate treats that he offered.

Again and again.

I trusted this man. I knew I was in good hands.

I liked him.

(I hope he realized that.)

He checked me over. 

He confirmed that I probably am truly nine years old.

He could tell by my eyes. They are starting to show some changes.

But they still see well!

He said I'm a very fit nine year old 

with a good heart, "well defined triceps"  and nice strong back muscles!

He talked to Mom and Nina.

He told them I have a medial luxating patella on my back left knee.

Nina even felt it. But since there are no clinical symptoms, 

it's nothing to be concerned about right now.

He gave me my shots (and even used a smaller gauge needle,

since I am such a sweet delicate thing!)

And he told me I'm a good girl.

We were all happy.

We were especially  happy to get home.

The roads had gotten bad and it was nice to pull into the garage.

We looked forward to a fun weekend.

Saturday's my birthday, 

and it will be my first birthday with my furever family!

I think it is going to be special.