These are worrisome times.
Amongst the grey days, and lengthening nights a degree of anxiety has entered the Rankin household regarding the health and wellbeing of one of its members. Namely, Bonnie Rankin.
The dog.
Barking Mad
Now, Bonnie is a pooch whose name has come up more than once in this blog. She is, and I’m sure Tina will correct me if I’m wrong on this, about nine years old, and has been with us pretty much that whole time (we bought her when she was a tiny pup, possibly slightly younger than should really be sold).
As a Springador (that’s half Springer Spaniel, half Labrador), she is a creature of slightly mad, barking, equipped with seemingly boundless amounts of energy (which would be the springer), scary intelligence, a more than healthy appetite for things not traditionally classed as food, and, conversely to some of the above, the ability to sleep most of the day (I’m guessing that’s the Lab).
Which makes the current bout of ghosting around the house with a hang-dog expression less than typical.
(Bald) Spot The Dog
It all started a few days ago, with what seemed at the time to be an inordinately itchy posterior (hey, we’ve all been there). This led to much licking and nibbling at a patch of fur on her right thigh (so not really the posterior, I guess), and the subsequent development of a small bald patch, perhaps two or three inches in diameter.
As doting parents to our fur-baby, we were understandably concerned, to the point we went out and bought ourselves some anti-nibbling and licking stuff which could be applied topically to the area. Apparently this contains Tea Tree Oil, and, as well as soothing the area, makes it a lot less appetising to doggy tastebuds. I couldn’t personally attest to its taste, mind you, although…
Which makes the current bout of ghosting around the house with a hang-dog expression less than typical.
(Bald) Spot The Dog
It all started a few days ago, with what seemed at the time to be an inordinately itchy posterior (hey, we’ve all been there). This led to much licking and nibbling at a patch of fur on her right thigh (so not really the posterior, I guess), and the subsequent development of a small bald patch, perhaps two or three inches in diameter.
As doting parents to our fur-baby, we were understandably concerned, to the point we went out and bought ourselves some anti-nibbling and licking stuff which could be applied topically to the area. Apparently this contains Tea Tree Oil, and, as well as soothing the area, makes it a lot less appetising to doggy tastebuds. I couldn’t personally attest to its taste, mind you, although…
Anyway, where was I?
The balm (not a cream, more in line with a solid deodorant stick) has had an effect of sorts, although it’s clear Bonnie would still like to scratch the itch. More worryingly, a degree of lethargy seems to have creeped over her, along with a sorrowful expression that seems specifically designed to tug on the heart strings. Whether this is due to the malady or the treatment I’m not sure.
The Vetting Process
Obviously the whole affair is less than satisfactory, so, with money being increasingly tight, the PDSA were contacted, Bonnie signed up for the service, and, as of the time of writing, a phone consultation is in the process of materialising (a consultation with us, you understand. Bonnie’s not much good on the phone).
The balm (not a cream, more in line with a solid deodorant stick) has had an effect of sorts, although it’s clear Bonnie would still like to scratch the itch. More worryingly, a degree of lethargy seems to have creeped over her, along with a sorrowful expression that seems specifically designed to tug on the heart strings. Whether this is due to the malady or the treatment I’m not sure.
The Vetting Process
Obviously the whole affair is less than satisfactory, so, with money being increasingly tight, the PDSA were contacted, Bonnie signed up for the service, and, as of the time of writing, a phone consultation is in the process of materialising (a consultation with us, you understand. Bonnie’s not much good on the phone).
We will, of course, await this appointment. As part of the form to enable it, a picture of the affected area has been sent, so hopefully, with one look, they can tell us it’s a tick bite or something, prescribe some cream or ointment, and we can have our barky madam back in double quick time. Anything else does not bear thinking about. A decent sign, and a ray of sunshine in what has been a slightly negative blog post, is that Bonnie did take her usual affront at the garden waste bin lorry as it made its way down the road outside our house, and responded to being asked not to be so loud with a waggy tail and trademark look of idiotic ignorance (which fools no-one).
Here’s hoping for a lot more of the same PDQ!
Until next time…
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Hey, there! If you enjoyed reading any of the above, why not take a look at some of my published work? Below you’ll find links to a number of short stories I’m lucky enough to have included in anthologies. I’d love to know what you think
New Tales Of Old
Death Ship
Pestilence: Drabbles 1
Reaperman: Drabbles 3
The Musketeers Vs Cthulhu
Eldritch Investigations
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