When you can still bounce back from the aches and pains of aging, that is something to cheer about. Helping Doc every day at work gives me something to look forward to, makes me feel needed and motivated me to get better. So, I was so happy to hear what the veterinarian said when we went to visit her for a re-check on Monday, but I did have a bone to pick with her during the appointment about something she had Doc buy for my rehabilitation.

Even though I don’t like all the prodding and probing, I still like my veterinarian. She is kind and caring and had good news for me today. After examining my neck, she was happy to report that the muscles were no longer tight, I had good range of motion and Doc told her my pain was gone All good news, but I did want to question her about this stupid harness she told Doc to make me wear. It’s embarrassing. I know, I know, it’s suppose to take the pressure off my neck so I don’t hurt it again, but it just looks and feels stupid. This is the kind of apparatus they put puppies in to teach them how to walk and not pull on the lead, not for a distinguished, grown therapy dogs with perfect behavior! In exasperation I said to Doc, ” Why don’t you just put me in a wheel chair and push me around? ” She just told me I was being dramatic and that I would get use to it after a while. With both Doc and my veterinarian teaming up against me, I knew I would not win, but I still felt I needed to make a stand.

Life can be challenging at times. Learning to accept changes in your life, letting go of your ego so you can do what is best for yourself and realizing that the choices you make don’t just affect you, but also affect everyone that cares about you.

So. I will be compliant for now, but as time goes on and I am back to my old self again, I will renegotiate with Doc about this harness, and if that doesn’t work, I will go over her head. Yes, this old dog still has a few tricks up his sleeve. Our medical director Dr. Agra, really likes me and I bet he would have a word with Doc on my behalf. So until next week, everyone take care of yourself I am on my way over to have a talk with Dr. Agra, give him a few extra doggy kisses and tail wags to see if he can help me out.