Taenzer visits the doggy-doctor

It was Taenzer's turn at the vet this morning. She was NOT a happy camper. Timber is stressed, but he wags his tail and visits with people and is excited and social. Taenzer--not aggressive, but massively unhappy.

When we first went in, she wasn't interested in treats at all, but as we sat waiting I got her to start looking at me, and then got her to do some things, and then started tossing my wallet onto the floor and asking her to bring it to me--she enjoys that and it makes her feel happy and confident, so by the time the vet came in, she was eating treats and wagging her tail. Only problem was that I didn't bring enough treats and was flat out when the vet came in. She took one look at the vet, recognized her immediately, and tried to climb onto the built-in seat and hide behind me. *sigh*

One of the vet techs had given her a chewie thing, which much to my surprise and pleasure Taenzer took and started chewing on. That's when I expended the last of my treats, because I noticed blood on it, and wanted the vet to see it, so I took the chewie away from her and swapped it for the last of the treats. We're worried about her teeth, but there's nothing I can do about them--root canals and extractions are prohibitively expensive. Poor girl. She said her gums aren't inflamed, and wasn't sure where the blood was coming from--so at least it's good that her gums aren't inflamed.

They're so good about letting me hold my pets during exams, despite the big yellow sign that says "For your safety and ours let us hold your pets during exams." :) It makes me feel good, and I think it helps the dogs (I don't think cats care one way or the other). Karen was a little cautious with Taenzer to start with, but relaxed once she realized that Taenzer was unhappy but wasn't going to be struggly-growly-bitey. Though, when she went to check her rear joints and lymph nodes, Taenzer tried to sit down and stiffened up so she couldn't bend her toes, which is what she does with me when I'm brushing her butt or clipping the claws on her back feet. I had to stick an arm underneath her to get her to stand up--good thing she's not a BIG dog! (67 pounds this time--that's her winter weight; she'll weigh less in October)

Karen gave her a mini-milkbone as a treat, which Taenzer took, then dropped on the floor. So I asked her to give it to me, thinking I would stick it in my pocket and give it to her when we got home. Well, as soon as I said, "Taenzer, give me that," she pounced on it and crunched it right up--no doubt remembering that I had taken the chewie treat away from her earlier! (even though I *did* offer it back to her during the exam) It was very funny, although it means we'll have to work harder on the hot-dog retrieve I'm thinking about teaching her. :)

Taenzer never did give kisses and wag her tail like Timber, but she did sniff Karen and let Karen pet her, so I figure that's good. All things considered, she was *very* good, and she and Timber are both healthy--well, except for his allergies and her teeth. So they can start on their heartworm/flea prevention meds.

Today I still have to visit a knitting friend (with loads of yarn and projects to show), stop by the drugstore, stop by the bank to get refinance application papers, and stop by the optometrist to pick up my new hard contacts. I hate being so busy on such a warm, sunny day! I'd rather stay home and sit outside with the dogs!