Saturday, November 13, 2010

Sages leave your contemplations.





It's back to summer after the chastening wind and rain of the last few days. Not a cloud in the sky and temperatures back above 20. This morning Wilf sat contentedly outside the cafe, basking in the warmth, his hair glowing in the bright early sunshine . For him the absinthe imbibing gentlemen on their motability scooters and the cheery peroxide waitress have now become a reassuring, hair tousling constant in his daily routine.

Onto the vets for a checkup. As I lifted the tailgate Wilfs face said it all - " I've had quite enough proding and poking to last a lifetime ". He sat immovable in the back of the car - " I ain't going !".

Isn't it amazing how dogs can manage to defy the laws of physics and convert themselves into a ten ton dead weight when they don't want to move ?.

The good news is that he's definitely not in any pain but his bi-daily dose of cortisone is going to be increased slightly. The young lady vet has clearly learnt how to deal with obdurate patients. She spoiled him rotten. A bisou, a cuddle and some sweet talk and by the time she'd finished the examination he didn't want to leave. The vet cheekily told me she deals with all males like that. Wilf lay on the surgery table looking infatuated - ' Tell me again that bit about me being handsome '. We'll go back again in four or five days to check on his lungs and the growth of the tumour to ensure there's no discomfort. The diagnosis is that as long as he's keen to eat he'll be just fine.

The three American lady professors and show tune loving Merv came for dinner last night. Wilf settled down under the table and was soon on his back snoring gently.They plan to head off in their rental car later today for a weeks sightseeing. Four people - four entirely different proposed itineraries. Listening to the ever lengthening list of 'must see' destinations I decided that it would be churlish to point out that France is bigger than Delaware. Merv is going to be working the stick shift for all its worth if they want to do a tenth of what they've got planned. The line from the old hymn 'sages leave your contemplations' lodged in my mind as I dreamt of our four friendly academics hurtling across the plains of Picardy in their little Renault.

23 comments:

  1. It's best to list everything, and pare down the list to what is doable. Hope they get to see some of it.

    What a great vet. We still have to be dragged in, even with the promise of liver treats. AND our exits are spectacular.

    XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

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  2. Happy to have good news form the vet, sweet boy. If you are a true "gourmet", i am now pretty sure, you are too a "séducteur", and like the lady vet, my secret thought is to give you all the bisous i can on your lovely head, Wilfee. Enjoy this day good boy. Thanks for sharing the photos Angus.

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  3. I thought only cats could do the "weight like dead body" trick!
    Happy to know Wilf is in no pain and still enjoying life.

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  4. I'm glad to read that it was a good check-up for Wilf! No pain or discomfort is indeed a blessing at this part of the journey--You will also have to let us know how the journey goes for the Lady professors and show tune loving Merv!

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  5. love the Vet story of Wilf's infatuation....a little sweet talk, belly rub, and treats go a long way....even with the human male....:)
    xoxo

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  6. I think Wilf's smile could make the whole world happy too. Just think of what the two of them together could accomplish... :)

    Blessings and Love,
    Janelle and Maggie Mae

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  7. The Vet sounds very smart. Not as smart as Wilf, though, who knew exactly what to do to get that kind of treatment.

    lotsa licks, Lola

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  8. Everytime I get a chance to use the internet, I find I am holding my breath checking on dear Wilf. Yay I can breath again now for Wilf is hanging in there. God Bless all of y'all taking such good care of him and Thanks be that he is such a fighter. Please give him a belly rub(or whatever he likes best) for us in Texas keeping him in our heart always. Digby will have to wait awhile longer to greet his brother.
    I know he is happy to wait.
    I feel such relief. Until next time dear ones.
    Jamie & the Texas Sundogs

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  9. Your vet uses the same techniques as ours. I love the vision of Wilf's infatuation. Glad to hear that he's not in pain. You two have been making the very most of your days together.

    When our dog S was 14 years old, he used to occasionally wake up barely able to walk due to arthritis. Our vet would take him as an in-patient for the day and give him multiple acupuncture treatments. He'd be a new dog by the end of the day. However, we always debated whether it was the ministrations of the almost completely female staff or the acupuncture that cured him! Whichever it was, it was worth it.

    Your new banner photo (it is new, right?) is stupendous! It captures Wilf, our glorious friend, so perfectly.

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  10. If Merv were present at the vet clinic he might sing (from Mary Poppins, Lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman):

    Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down

    In a most delightful way!

    Happy travels to Merv and the ladies!

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  11. Happy Saturday and another day of grace for OUR Wilf !!! My lady vet give me treats, belly rubs and sweet talk too !!! I love my lady vet.

    Zach

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  12. We are happy about your post today and Wilf's smile sure makes him a happy dog too.

    Another day of grace is a reason for celebration.

    Thank you, Wilf and of course, Angus! =)

    Love,
    Piappies Fudgie, Princess, Frappie, Mocha, Sugar, Wai-Pai & Wai-Max

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  13. Our vet actually gets down on the floor to do all of his examinations. At first I thought this was odd, but the patients really seem to be much less stressed.

    I think it's safe to say that the hills, as well as the Renault, are alive with the sound of music.

    So happy to hear that you had a good checkup, little buddy.

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  14. I'm so glad that you are getting this time. You have shared so much with us!

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  15. Our vet is a similar sort of guy! The dogs all stare at him in adoration, even after he's done his worst to them. I wish that everybody had such great experiences with their vet.

    Here's what I know. That Renault is going to feel like riding in a shoebox by the time the show tunes turn on and everybody's agenda comes into play! It could only get better if Madame Bay were joining them!

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  16. it sounds like the nice vet has charmed Wilf. we're glad to hear that he is doing well.

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  17. Happy there is no pain, a good appetite, and human companions so skilled at meeting all Wilf's appetites.

    Abby will walk into the vet's waiting room, but goes down & rolls over on her back when it's time to enter an actual exam room; 75 lbs. of dead weight with four feet in the air.

    Jed & Abby

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  18. Oh dear Wilf...you know how to work the system, dear boy...

    Treats...scritchies...the total adoration of France...

    All our love,

    Lacie Cakes!

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  19. Hehe. The image of your visitors "hurtling across the plains of Picardy in their little Renault" made me chuckle, remembering days such when we lived in Belgium ... years and years ago. In those days we traveled with our little Belgian born poodle and stacked up many many lovely memories. We are so glad those memories continue to mount for your familly and Wilf. One day at a time ... with hopes for many many more to come.

    Fondly
    Sally (yep ... I hijacked the blog for the evening, with Jake and Fergi's permission)

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  20. Good news Wilf, you have the best expressions
    Benny & lily

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  21. Yea Wilf...we love to hear that you had a good report at the vettie........cyber dog hugz and kizzez to you!
    xoxox
    Beckaroo and G-dog and the crew

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  22. Great pictures of Wilf today.

    My dogs hate to go to the vet and always pull that same dead weight routine. They're always anxious to leave though, maybe their vet should take lessons from yours!

    Continuing to keep Wilf in my prayers.

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  23. So glad to hear the check up went well, I think perhaps darling Wilf knew exactly what he was doing at the vets. What a wonderful lad he is and would give him bisous and hugs by the shedload if I could.
    With Love
    Momma Tea

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