January 12, 2021

White Dog stretched up to touch muzzles with her sister, riding in Steve's arms. "Think of this as an adventure, sister," White Dog told Bella. "Dad will be right there with you and everyone at Dr. Julia's office is extra nice."

Bella was not so sure she wanted an adventure but she felt safe and secure in Steve's arms; she also knew she would get extra treats when she returned. So she took a deep breath and leaned against dad.

When they arrived, Bella and Steve were shown into the small dog VIP room; the one with the painted ceiling light. "Oh," Bella exclaimed! "Cane we see any of the Rainbow WDA?"

She was amazingly brave, my Little Girl, as she asked for permission to explore until the vet came in.

I had cautioned Steve to expect that our Healer would want to put Bella, the littlest chowhound, on a diet. When the tech took Bella to the back to draw blood, Steve messaged "She is 15 pounds, Dr. Julia says her weight is fine. Woohoo!"

She wasn't so easy on the second point. "Sweet Girl, your teeth need cleaning and you have bad breath. Let's see when your dad can bring you in and let's get that cleaned up." In response to my phone connected concern about sedation and Bella's age, I was reassured that the blood workup will reveal any issues but that Bella seemed a fine candidate. (Note: She is scheduled for a dental a week from this Friday).

The rest of the exam showed Little B to be healthy for an older lady. Her eyes are clouding but she already receives multivitamins that include those for eye health. Her diet is healthy; her muscle tone good. And "unless she is showing anxiety there is no new magic for her canine dementia. You already give her a melatonin based sleep aid to avoid midnight pacing, right? Give that as needed; even every night if it helps her settle down and sleep." Dr. Julia gave Bella a "Good Girl" cookie and said "See you next Friday."

The second Steve set her down back inside our house, Bella zipped past her curious siblings to dive against me and burrow between the backs of my legs at the edge of the bed. "Let me kiss my Brave Girl," I cooed as I picked her up in my arms and held her pressed against my heart until she stopped trembling. "You are home now and are VERY healthy, Sweet One. I am so proud of you!"

After dinner the excitement of her big adventure caught up with Bella. "I am just going to rest my eyes until walk time," she told White Dog.