|
|
|
Last
Updated: Jul 8th, 2008 - 04:50:10 |
Hello, dear readers! The other day my mom came in from fetching the post (seems that sneaky fellow Bill is back up to his old tricks of hiding in the mailbox) and surprised us by saying, “Melody, Emma: you’ve got mail!” I was delighted (Emma was unmoved); fan mail perhaps? And then I saw it: a small, brightly colored postcard with a cartoon dog and cat on it. We get that postcard once every year and there is only one person who sends it. No, it’s not a fan. It’s…THE VET!
Initially, like most dogs, I get wigged out when I hear those three letters linked together. Typically it means I’m in for a long day of poking and prodding, and possibly a trip to the emergency clinic due to my vaccination allergy. I get my mouth probed, my belly jabbed, my ears inspected, and I won’t even mention the humiliating thermometer debacle. There are a lot of reasons a pooch would be apprehensive about going to see The Vet. However, when I give it a good, hard think, there are far more reasons to be willing, even grateful to go. I know it’s hard to see past your fears and the distasteful things you may be subjected to, so here is a quick list to keep in mind the next time you face a trip to the veterinary clinic:
They love animals: I know, I know. It’s hard to believe that someone who will stick you with a needle really loves animals instead of the direct opposite. But they go into the veterinary care business in order to help as many animals stay healthy as possible. That needle they’re sticking you with? It could just be keeping you from catching The Rabies. If they didn’t love animals as much as they did, they wouldn’t work so hard to help them out in every way they can. It’s easier to trust someone and take that quick poke with a needle when you know they have nothing but the best of intentions for you.
They help your human keep you safe and healthy: There is a lot your human can learn from The Vet. With his help, you can rest assured that you are getting the best possible care at home as well as in the office. The Vet knows all kinds of things about the best diet for you (hard to believe, but true), what you need to avoid ingesting (who knew plastic toy soldiers aren’t good for a pup’s tummy?), how to actually avoid having to go to the clinic more than necessary; all sorts of things! It was The Vet who first discovered that the reason I blow up like a Sharpei whenever I get my annual booster is because I am allergic to the shots! Neither my mom nor I would have ever imagined that was what it was. And, thanks to The Vet, we know how to avoid it as best as possible (with something called Benedril) and we know not to panic if it does happen. I get scared when my mom gets scared, so her peace of mind is my peace of mind too! And in the event that something unpleasant does happen, you know that…
You’re in the best of hands: Nobody likes to think an accident will happen or that one day you might get very sick. But these things are a part of life. It’s comforting to know that when something like this should arise, that you are in the hands of the most capable and knowledgeable people around. I’ve always thought The Vet must be a wizard or something and the jury is still out on that one as far as I’m concerned. My mom says they go to school and train for a long time in order to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to treat animals. Me? I still vote wizard on this one. How else could you explain that The Vet can see straight inside of you to see what’s wrong? They can see your bones! Or that they can remove bad things from your body, fix your broken bones, or discover that you have a condition that needs medicating or even an operation? And then they can perform that operation! Boy if that’s not magic then I don’t think magic exists! (And that’s just silly.)
They can prevent you from having to go back too soon: You’d think that they would want you to come back soon, since this is their job. On the contrary! As much as they love animals and enjoy seeing them, they actually would prefer not to have to see you more than once or twice a year. Because that means that you are healthy and doing fine, and that they have done their jobs well. If you go when you are supposed to, chances are that you can take care of everything right then and there. If you avoid going, issues that are relatively easy to care for could get out of control and become far larger problems than they need to be! Why not just cooperate and go the one time instead of having to visit The Vet unexpectedly or when you feel yucky?
A gentle touch: If any human knows how to handle a pooch, it’s The Vet. After all, they are wizards and their hands have the power to determine if something is wrong with you. They definitely know the best way to give a nice scratch behind the ear or a tummy rub! That sure helps soothe the sting of a shot.
It’s quite social: You’ll never want for company when you visit The Vet. You’ll meet all kinds of animals from all walks of life. And it’s a great place to puppy watch and catch up on all the juicy gossip!
Treats: Ok, so you shouldn’t need a bribe to want good health. But if it were offered, you’d be a fool not to take advantage of it. Vets have the best healthy snacks around! And they’re willing to share so long as you don’t bite (which is poor etiquette anyway).
Hmmm. Good health, lots of attention and yummy snacks. Not a bad deal, after all! I wonder if you have to RSVP. Now where did my mom put that postcard? I sure hope Bill didn’t take off with it…
Top
of Page
|
|
|
|
