Don't feel like writing today. But I'm sharing a piece I wrote a while back. It's about a trip to the vet. It's posted in my Blog call The SunDay Dog on Google Blogger. Hope you enjoy it.
Nico's Nails
Anyone who has ever met my dog Nico will know that she's the most gentle and loving soul a human could come across. No one is spared from a "hello," no one is spared a "please pet me," and no one is spared from a "please let me get at least one little lick to your face." I realize just about every dog who was raised in a loving home is like this, but Nico is mine. So I'm partial and will say what I wish. She also grew up in Austin where big city veterinarians pretty much deal with mainly dogs and cats. So imagine our trepidation when the vet I had to take her to down here in the small town of Cuero, while treating dogs and cats, also treats large farm animals. Quite a few actually. Upon my arrival there were three long trailers filled with cows and a few horses filling the parking lot. This did not put my mind at ease. I was only taking her in for a nail trim but you'll see what I mean shortly. Nico is twelve and a half years old now. The house she is staying in has hardwood floors so a nail trim is the difference between a swift jump up on "her" couch, or a swift slip and tumble in the attempt at jumping onto "her" couch. As she gets older it's harder to keep her weight down. And she has had a history of bad hips so any tumble to the hardwood is a chance at dislocation or even breakage. And that is something I just cannot abide. So regular nail trims, walks, and a strict diet are especially important these days. But our visit to the local vet left something to be desired. Nico has always enjoyed the vet as it's a chance to meet new people. Or see old friends. She has always been well behaved and fearless. Shots? No problem. Temperature? No problem. Nail trim? No problem. But as dogs are smarter than us in ways we don't understand, she was not happy to be at this particular vet at all. Trembling and whining lightly, she was lifted onto the exam table and immediately placed in a headlock by the vet's assistant. I was told I could not participate but fuck that. I grabbed her hindquarters and stroked her back. They were not happy but I didn't care. If there's one thing I'm protective of it's Nico and I was "helping" whether they wanted me to or not. Now I've seen nail trims in the past. The vet was always gentle, avoiding cutting the quick at all costs. And once finished a small fine file was used to rid the claws of any rough edges. We were both in for an unpleasant surprise however as this guy just started hacking away, cutting each nail like they were fucking tree limbs. As the blood shot out from each, a hot sulfur stick was shoved into each fresh cut to stop the flow of said blood. Burps, farts and heartbreaking whines followed each cut. And I felt myself growing very angry with every one. Especially when the mullet-headed assistant tightened his choke hold and I heard a very audible gasp and choking sound escape my dog. I kept my cool however despite wanting to let the fuckers know in no uncertain terms and no restraint of volume that my dog was not a fucking cow, nor even a farm dog and should be treated accordingly. After the cuts and bleeding was over the small electronic sanding tool was brought out and the loud filing began. The sound of that motor was just too much for little Nico and her attempts at escape were met with an even tighter choke hold and a hand clamp over her snout. At this point I was picturing myself laying a haymaker on both of the guys. But it was soon all over. I picked Nico up and gently put her on the floor. And as to be expected, because she is a dog after all, and she's NICO, all was instantly forgiven and each of the men received a nice little "hello" and brisk wag of the tail (which when Nico gets her tail wagging she can't help but put her entire ass into it and half her body sways back and forth. God I love my dog). It was as if the preceding 7 minutes never happened. Fired up and ready to go we paid, jumped in the truck, and we were on our way.
The ability to bounce back and forgive is a wonderful quality. Despite her pain, her fear, she just doesn't have it in her to remember to hold a grudge or sit around feeling sorry for herself. I like that.
It's a nice day. Think I'll take Nico for a walk.
Nico's Nails
Anyone who has ever met my dog Nico will know that she's the most gentle and loving soul a human could come across. No one is spared from a "hello," no one is spared a "please pet me," and no one is spared from a "please let me get at least one little lick to your face." I realize just about every dog who was raised in a loving home is like this, but Nico is mine. So I'm partial and will say what I wish. She also grew up in Austin where big city veterinarians pretty much deal with mainly dogs and cats. So imagine our trepidation when the vet I had to take her to down here in the small town of Cuero, while treating dogs and cats, also treats large farm animals. Quite a few actually. Upon my arrival there were three long trailers filled with cows and a few horses filling the parking lot. This did not put my mind at ease. I was only taking her in for a nail trim but you'll see what I mean shortly. Nico is twelve and a half years old now. The house she is staying in has hardwood floors so a nail trim is the difference between a swift jump up on "her" couch, or a swift slip and tumble in the attempt at jumping onto "her" couch. As she gets older it's harder to keep her weight down. And she has had a history of bad hips so any tumble to the hardwood is a chance at dislocation or even breakage. And that is something I just cannot abide. So regular nail trims, walks, and a strict diet are especially important these days. But our visit to the local vet left something to be desired. Nico has always enjoyed the vet as it's a chance to meet new people. Or see old friends. She has always been well behaved and fearless. Shots? No problem. Temperature? No problem. Nail trim? No problem. But as dogs are smarter than us in ways we don't understand, she was not happy to be at this particular vet at all. Trembling and whining lightly, she was lifted onto the exam table and immediately placed in a headlock by the vet's assistant. I was told I could not participate but fuck that. I grabbed her hindquarters and stroked her back. They were not happy but I didn't care. If there's one thing I'm protective of it's Nico and I was "helping" whether they wanted me to or not. Now I've seen nail trims in the past. The vet was always gentle, avoiding cutting the quick at all costs. And once finished a small fine file was used to rid the claws of any rough edges. We were both in for an unpleasant surprise however as this guy just started hacking away, cutting each nail like they were fucking tree limbs. As the blood shot out from each, a hot sulfur stick was shoved into each fresh cut to stop the flow of said blood. Burps, farts and heartbreaking whines followed each cut. And I felt myself growing very angry with every one. Especially when the mullet-headed assistant tightened his choke hold and I heard a very audible gasp and choking sound escape my dog. I kept my cool however despite wanting to let the fuckers know in no uncertain terms and no restraint of volume that my dog was not a fucking cow, nor even a farm dog and should be treated accordingly. After the cuts and bleeding was over the small electronic sanding tool was brought out and the loud filing began. The sound of that motor was just too much for little Nico and her attempts at escape were met with an even tighter choke hold and a hand clamp over her snout. At this point I was picturing myself laying a haymaker on both of the guys. But it was soon all over. I picked Nico up and gently put her on the floor. And as to be expected, because she is a dog after all, and she's NICO, all was instantly forgiven and each of the men received a nice little "hello" and brisk wag of the tail (which when Nico gets her tail wagging she can't help but put her entire ass into it and half her body sways back and forth. God I love my dog). It was as if the preceding 7 minutes never happened. Fired up and ready to go we paid, jumped in the truck, and we were on our way.
The ability to bounce back and forgive is a wonderful quality. Despite her pain, her fear, she just doesn't have it in her to remember to hold a grudge or sit around feeling sorry for herself. I like that.
It's a nice day. Think I'll take Nico for a walk.
lego:
This is so sad, but so amazing how you could see some beauty in the experience. I know you miss your Nico