One of today’s chores was taking Smokey to the vet. He was having his semi-annual check up which includes blood work so he wasn’t allowed to eat before we went. I made an early appointment but he was lying around the house before we left like he hadn’t eaten in a month.
He gets kind of nervous at the vet. It’s also where he went to doggie day care when we had our kitchen redone and that was a tough experience for him. They loved him and nicknamed him “Love Bug” the first day, but he wasn’t so happy.
First of all, he prefers humans to other dogs so being with dogs all days, wasn’t for him. If we go to the dog park, he runs with the dogs for a bit and then goes to the bench where the owners are sitting to get petted. Secondly, they did arts and crafts there. Yep, he brought home art projects. Like a lot of dogs, he hates having his paws touched and the day that they put the paint on them for the artwork, he was out of his mind when I went to get him. He was snorting and pushing me to get to the door while I was trying to hold on to his painting without getting the wet paint all over my clothes.
We finally had to give up on day care and ask the workers if it was OK with them to leave him home. He was so relieved. You could actually see him settle back down into the easy-going dog he usually is.
Today, he was OK at the vet, still a bit anxious but not too bad. The vet gave him treats which always helps. According to the chart in the vet’s office, Smokey is 61. A young 61, I must say, as he’s still full of energy and always ready to go with you for a walk
So, today from my IPod is Elvis’ “Ain’t Nothing but a Hound Dog” for my hound dog. We are lucky you are part of the family!
spooningwithsmokey 