Fridays are Golden

Lucy and Ellie went to the doctor this week. No, they weren't sick. It was time for their annual physicals. We moved to the mountains two years ago, and well before we sought new doctors for ourselves we looked for a veterinarian for our girls. We have always taken our dogs for annual physicals.

So their physicals were due again this week. When we called for the appointment, the assistant misunderstood and thought we only wanted to come in for their immunizations. "No," I told her, "we want them to see the doctor as well." Apparently, it is rather unusual in this area for people to bring their dogs to see the doctor when there isn't a problem.

So, they saw their doctor (whom we adore) who examined them thoroughly and pronounced both of them in excellent condition. They had gained a little bit of weight which is not surprising. We've had a hot summer and they haven't done as much trail running. But the doctor advised us not to be concerned; that each of them was "within a pound of perfection."

Although we have a nice trail in our backyard, our dogs get their best exercise on a little-used trail in our community. Almost every day during fall, winter, and early spring we hike and they run the trail. We don't take them there during the summer, because there are copperheads around. We have boots and stay on the trail---the girls do not. If they are going to get bitten, we want it to be in our yard and not so far away from the house.

Here they were last winter:




Lucy is a sprinter. She takes off like a rocket and does not pace herself at all. As a result, she is exhausted by the time we get into the car. Sometimes we even have to stop for a breather on the trail.

Ellie is a marathoner. She paces herself quite well, running along at a steady clip. She could keep going for a long while.

Here's what they have done most of the summer. Lying around in an air-conditioned house. We take them for two long walks every day and let them run on our little trail, but it's nothing like the REAL trail.

The total bill for the exams, including lab testing and two immunizations each, was over $250.00. Why, you may ask, would anyone pay that much for two healthy dogs to be seen? We are not veterinarians and the health of our dogs is very important to us. We see our own physicians yearly, why would we not do the same for our dogs?

-----Veterinarians may be the most under-appreciated doctors around except in times of crisis. We saw two different ones to talk with them before we selected one for our dogs. We feel blessed to have a veterinarian who is so capable and reasonable. If you have a good veterinarian you are lucky indeed, and so are your animals. Let him or her know how much you appreciate their wonderful care.

On this Friday, we are having some rain. For that we are extremely grateful. (Although I really did want to go to the fair today.) We are grateful for our healthy dogs and wonderful veterinarian and so many other blessings in life. Spend a few minutes this weekend to think about the things for which you are grateful. And have a wonderful, fun-filled and safe weekend.