A yelp was followed by a face rubbing on the grass along with a little drooling.  In a few minutes all appeared well and she returned to exploring the yard.  However, when we came inside for the night I noticed Gretchen’s lip was just a little off. The wasp got her good…

As they sat silently watching, their emotionless faces soon turned to shear excitement as I reached for the garage door.  Just one more action is required before their eyes indeed believe what they are seeing.  And in a moment I signaled them to the truck which sealed the deal.  But it wasn’t a long ride and it did not end at a park or the beach.  In fact, it was a mere parking lot, but to both Daisy and Gretchen this still seemed exhilarating.  They pulled with excitement and finally we entered the Vet’s office.

The smells of an assortment of felines, canines, and a red tailed boa were complemented with the bright yellows and blues of a few tangs in a saltwater aquarium.  In less than 30 seconds of taking our seat the house cat wandered over to take a gander at Daisy and Gretchen, using my wife and I as stepping stones.  All was well in the German Shorthaired Pointer world.

Until…we were called into the ROOM.  At that point all hell broke loose as Daisy realized exactly where she was and all her past experiences proved this place was no fun at all.  As we sat waiting for the vet to make an appearance, both Daisy (especially) and Gretchen pawed at the exit door as if we were at home and we would actually let her outside.  Daisy obviously forgot that she is not in charge, which does seem to be the case at home according to her.

Daisy and Gretchen trying to escape the vet

As the vet kneeled to begin a routine exam of her teeth, Daisy transformed into a bucking bronco and was ultimately escorted to the way back room where her parents could no longer be seen.  Yep, Daisy was quite pathetic that morning and we heard her crying as the needle delivered her rabies booster.  Which by the way was quite surprising considering she is typically thick skinned and has never made a peep when getting previous shots.  And all this time Gretchen sat tilting her head in response to the unseen commotion unaware that she was up next.

And when all was said and done, a clean bill of health, a loss of 4 pounds each (Yay!), the door was opened and they bolted from the confining space. Whew!!! Disaster averted.

Daisy recovering in mother's arms

Her fortress of solitude, our bedroom, was the place Daisy wanted to be and that is exactly where we retired early for the evening. 

As a note of potential interest for those who also have dogs sensitive to fireworks, we are testing Rescue Remedy as a means to calm our two shorthairs.  So, I’ll let you know my findings after the true test tomorrow…the 4th of July.

By the way, we have a multitude of new updates including pictures, stories, and videos that will be posted upon our return.  Stay tuned…

Heather-

Gretchen continued the pursuit, but Daisy, perhaps realizing the futility of her efforts, had become preoccupied with a nose to the ground. “Daisy,” I exclaimed, as she thumbed her snout at me and managed to continue chomping on her newly discovered prize. I expected to force the release of a petrified squirrel, but was surprised (not pleasantly) to see a cats hind leg drop to the grass-sprouting ground.  Well, it appears we have not completely driven off the coyotes with urban sprawl.

But that was not all.  As we readied to leave, Daisy at a distance of 100 yards, managed to ignore our summons and continued to explore the brush.  Suddenly, she proudly began running with a large object protruding from her jowls.  “Not again!”

The very happy German shorthair brought us what she assumed was a great gift, but from our point of view was nothing more than a decomposing jack rabbit.  No kisses from Daisy tonight was the rule.

Plus, we thoroughly enjoy two pooches completely worn out for the night.