Veterinary Adventures

Let's see if I can remember how to do this... I know it has been almost a year(eleven months to be exact) since I have written anything on this blog. I know some of you may have thought I ran away- but you are in luck- I'm back!

Today I took Baxter to the vet for a checkup and the dreaded shots. I hate going to the human doctor office's and feel the same about going to the vet. As we entered the "doctors office" we were greeted with "good morning" by someone who was a bit too perky for my liking, especially that early in the morning. Baxter seemed to be the star of the show with the receptionist oohing and awing over his tri colored markings. As I filled out the paperwork Baxter sniffed around curiously at his new, unfamiliar surroundings. There was a black dog waiting in line next to us, and I can only imagine what doggy conversation ensued.

The over caffeinated receptionist took Baxter for a picture for his file, I guess so they can keep track of him and show his progress. The attempts at trying to get him to "smile" made me laugh- with the perky gal saying to him "Smile, Baxter". Needless to say he didn't emerge with a happy face. We were escorted into the exam room to wait for the doctor.

Veterinarian exam rooms look exactly like doctors office exam rooms, except there are xrays of cats, tooth models of dogs, and various other critter medical paraphernalia around the room. A vet tech came into the room to inform me that the doctor would be in soon, and that Baxter would be receiving a senior exam due to his age. I almost laughed out loud when she said senior. I know my dog is older, but a senior? He is still a puppy!

I guess it is the same as parents referring to their children as their "babies". I expected a senior dog to act differently I guess, needing reading glasses, using a cane, and just being older. Baxter is the same dog he was nine years ago. He still likes to sleep in, bark at rabbits, people, the wind, etc, and go for car rides. I don't think his senior age status has changed him any, but I may try to use it for a senior discount at Pet Smart.

Baxter and Me

Tonight a friend and I watched "Marley and Me", a recently released movie about a dog named Marley. The movie follows the escapades of Marley and his family. The movie, especially the ending made me think of my dog Baxter.

This past week Baxter has been, as a friend put it, "a bad monkey'. While I was away for the weekend he decided to get his revenge by destroying the garbage, crapping in my office, and trying to destroy my house. When I returned home he appeared to be remorseful thus I forgave him. Boy did he fool me!

Before I headed to class Monday to learn (ha ha ha) I gave Baxter a dog treat, filled his water and food dish, played with him and let him outside to do his duty thinking that this would appease him while I was gone. When I returned home the trash can had been tipped over- spilling its grimy garbage contents, food particles littered the living room carpet, and Baxter was looking at me innocently.

I was pissed.

Baxter got the boot outside in the 10 degree weather while I cleaned up his mess and pondered what to do with him. I decided that he was no longer allowed in the house, or at least the kitchen and living room. I cleared a spot for him in the laundry room and set up his new home with his food, water, and bed. I barricaded the door with a couple of chairs until I could find a more permanent solution. Today I installed a child gate, the kind that prevents kids from falling down the stairs, in order to contain Jaws.

Which brings me back to the original inspiration for this post, Marley. The movie follows a newly wed couple who purchase Marley as a pup. Marley is a lot like Baxter with his puppy dog eyes, happy spirit, and knack for causing general chaos. Baxter isn't as bad as Marley- at least he hasn't eaten the couch, the toaster, the carpet, or anything else "edible".

(Spoiler Alert!)

The show ends with Marleys death and the family mourning for him. The family reminisces about Marley and shed a few tears which had most of the audience crying along with. The family reflects back on all the joy and happiness that Marley brought to their family. The show made me realize that while Baxter is at times trying, he is still my friend and loves me no matter what.

Well most of the time!