Day 341

4/22/23

Going to the veterinarians is never a fun field trip, but today, we had ALL FOUR Goldens with us!!!! None of them were thrilled to be there, but we needed to get the Canine Flu vaccine into their bodies! What an experience!

Here is how it went down:

1. Katie, Asher and Mac boarded the Suburban with Gus and Sam.
2. With help, I loaded Lilly and Ranger into the Subaru.
3. We arrived at the clinic and were told to bring one in at a time.
4. Ranger first, followed by Lilly. Weight, shots, treats.
5. Loaded the seniors back into the car.
6. Sam third and then Gus. Weight, shots, treats.
7. Loaded the puppies back into the car.
8. HOME!

Now that doesn't sound too harrowing, but all four Goldens balked at entering the clinic, tried to cheat when being weighed (Lilly kept putting a foot on the floor, but women everywhere can relate) and attempted escape when any opportunity arose! Whew! Also, we need to do it again to get the booster in a few weeks! It is always worth the effort!

I am known to be overly worried about the health of my pups. It is true, but they can't really tell me what they need, so I have to be observant and proactive. When I heard about the issues at the Humane Society, and did some diligent research, I decided to pull Gus from his dog class until he and his siblings were vaccinated. I am probably being a helicopter parent, but Lilly and Ranger might have a hard time fighting off this flu, should they get it.

On our way home, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for the medical profession. Not only are my dogs taken care of, but our family has benefitted from Mercy Hospital numerous times. The Mother/Baby Center, The Heart Center and ER have all been part of our family experience. With the amazing doctors, nurses and staff at those facilities, our lives have been blessed many times over!

A grateful shout-out to the individuals who take care of our physical (2- and 4-legged) and emotional needs. They not only make us healthy again, but share their hearts as well.

As for the Goldens, they are a bit subdued tonight, but I already feel better knowing we did our best to protect them once again. They are simply family with fur.