A Combined Visit to the Vet

Emme and Rudy had their first combined visit to the veterinarian this week. We had gotten a postcard saying that both dogs were due for various annual shots so we made an appointment for both of them at the same time. Although Rudy goes to the vet with some regularity, Emme has only gone a few times in the past year. Even so, each dog reacted to the visit. As we entered the waiting room, Rudy pushed as close to Ken's legs and he could. He sat quietly on the floor, but he couldn't have gotten any closer to Ken. I held Emme in my arms and as soon as she entered the vet's waiting room, she began to shake. I don't know what she smelled or heard, but it obviously was upsetting.

After getting the dogs weighed and dropping off a stool sample, we went into the examination room and Dr. H. looked Rudy over first. He was very pleased with the condition of Rudy's coat and said that everything looked fine. After examining Rudy's body and taking his temperature, the vet gave him three shots. Rudy was a champ. No whimpering, no whining. Just a very clear desire to leave the room as soon as possible.

Next came Emme. The vet needed to draw some blood from Emme's leg for a test and Emme did not like that. She whined, and pulled back. I held her on the table while the vet took blood. I felt like whining and whimpering, but I kept quiet. After her examination, Emme got her shots and was very good about them. Dr. H. gave both dogs a dog treat. Rudy gobbled his up, but Emme was too upset to eat hers and we saved it to eat later in the car.

While Ken settled the bill, I took Emme out to the car and she calmed right down. She ate her treat and we waited for Ken and Rudy. When Ken got into the car, he said that the vet visit cost about the same as two tickets to Cirque de Soliel. It doesn't matter. I figure that we both worked hard for our money so we would have it for things that are important to us. The dogs are both important to us and worth every penny we put into them. We are blessed to have them.