Shadow’s Dental is Done

We had a busy morning around here yesterday.

I had to drop Shadow off at the vet’s by 8:30 am for pre-op. And to keep Ducky from waking their daddy on his birthday, I had to take her along for the ride.

Shadow wasn’t happy about being at the vet for the third time in as many weeks.  Especially since I wasn’t staying with her for moral support. But I told her Callie would be watching over her, which helped her relax a bit.

When Ducky and I got back home, Ducky was walking all around looking for Shadow with her tail down and half-way between her legs. 

I was getting her breakfast ready, but she came in the kitchen several times. I swear the look on her face was one of deep concern. “Where’s Shadow, Mom? Why didn’t you bring her home?” The same look I got from Shadow the morning Callie went to Heaven.

After she finished eating, I let her run around the yard for a few minutes so she could digest her food some. Then I took her to daycare. She needed to play with her friends to get her mind off Shadow. 

After cleaning the house while hubby finished reading one of his many books, I went to get Ducky at daycare. I left her here with her daddy and went to get Shadow.

Poor Shadow was still sleepy from the anesthesia; and while I paid the bill – and we waited for the discharge instructions to come up on the front-desk computer – she slid down onto the floor. Too tired to keep sitting. Bless her heart.

When we got home, hubby helped me get Shadow out of the car and up the stairs. Ducky was happy to see her older sister, but was very gentle with her greeting. The demon was possessed by an angel. And all night, Ducky was a very good girl.

This morning, Shadow is still a bit “out of it”, but more awake. And Ducky is still being good.

I’m sure Shadow will be more herself as the day wears on. And Ducky will become more mischievous as well. For now, though, I’m enjoying the peace and quiet. (Hubby is still asleep.)

February is Pet Dental Month

I’m not promoting any pet dental products. I’m just gently reminding my readers that this is a good time to have your pets’ dental health checked by their veterinarian. Our vet – and maybe yours, too – is offering a discount on dental cleanings this month.

Last week, after Shadow’s annual exam, I realized that with everything else we were talking about – including Ducky – the vet and I both completely forgot to check Shadow’s teeth.

So, I lifted her lips and looked at them myself. And instantly felt guilty, like a horrible dog mom. I called the vet and made a new appointment to have him check them. 

The good news is that her teeth look pretty good for a dog her age (12). She has a little calcification, and a teensy bit of gum inflammation near the worst tooth. But the cleaning next week will take care of that; and then I will make myself be a better mom. For Ducky, too.

Who knows? Maybe the cleaning will help relieve some of her reflux as well. Then she’ll be a really happy girl, like in this photo.