I knew something was wrong when Maggie refused her breakfast. She sat on my lap most of the morning, but was more than ready for her mid-day walk. Those of you with dogs probably know how ominous that raspberry jam looking diarrhea stool looks. Maggie had that symptom once before when I had wallpaper removed and drywall refinished. She licked the dust from her feet and became very ill.
I brought her back in the house where she begged for a treat. The treat came back up. I let her drink and she kept the water down. She walked around the house with droopy ears and a tucked tail. A trip to the vet was in order. She started trembling before we even got out of the car. I let her snuggle under my coat as we waited in the reception area.
Oh, the indignity of what a vet-tech will do: First the scales—10lbs-9oz, then the reluctant retrieval of a stool sample. Poor little Maggie, I’ve never heard her cry like that. A word to the wise: Take a sample with you to the vet’s office.
When the doctor came in he listened to her heart and gave her a basic exam. He recommended an allergy shot (she’s allergic to grass and budding trees and who-knows-what else) and a bitter-tasting pill to be taken twice a day. He tried to make amends by offering her a soft chew treat, but she was not going to be wooed into forgiveness so easily. She will never take treats while she’s in the office even if all she’s been there for is a nail clipping.
Exam finished and pill bottle in hand we stopped by the receptionist’s desk to get a treat from the biscuit jar. Maggie nosed it from my pocket as soon as we got in the car. I went by McDonald’s and bought a plain cheeseburger. She ate a bite of burger and bun, medication hidden inside, with relish. I let her have a few more bites. Her ears perked up and her tail waved.
Eighty-four dollars and a cheeseburger later she’s right as rain.
Jan!!! Had you on my mind this morning & thought I’d ck your blog! Poor Mags! Gracie is in my lap as I type, watching the snow, knowing I’ve got to walk her soon! Donning long johns in late March? !! Glad Maggie’s better. How are YOU? Miss you!
We’re well. Maggie is much better and busy bossing me around. We saw sunshine today! Can spring be on the way? Sure hope so.
Had to tell you: my father had to make a quick overnight trip to Central Baptist Hospital last Fri./Sat. He’s fine–the dr. here just wanted to be “more safe than sorry.” During some down time I visited the gift shop and was delighted to find your books! The clerk and I had a good discussion about . . . you! Hope all is well.
Carlton, Thanks for doing some good P.R. for me at CBH. I hope your dad is well. I’ve just signed a contract for book 8, now I have to come up with a 100,000 words or so. Yikes. My latest, “Tattler’s Branch,” comes out in September. It might be my favorite. Let me know about your writing and your family. I cherish our friendship.
Thanks, Jan! My father is doing fine. He has a chronic neck condition that sometimes mimics heart pain. Family is great. My sons kept me on the road this spring with their sports–Noah in track, Ethan in tennis. Noah just qualified for the state track meet, so I’ll be on the road again to Louisville on Friday! Writing has taken a bit of a backseat, but I have lots of ideas brewing. I have been doing freelance sports writing, covering my sons’ events for the local newspaper and a couple of websites. I see it as honing my skills! Can’t wait for the new book, and praying blessings on the next one. Let’s get together sometime, maybe lunch in Lexington or something!
Hi Jan, I was checking your website to see if you had any new books coming out! I was glad to see that you do! I enjoyed reading your “Word in Season” stories! I hope everyone is doing well in your family!
Pat, So good to hear from you. Maggie and I are well. Thanks for reminding me I need to keep up with my blog! Maggie has lots more stories to tell.