Miscellany

“Of concern”

Taking our dog to the vet today for her shots as planned, I was apprehensive of bad news regarding her ongoing nasal congestion. Bad news I got, but it came from left field: the doctor felt a mass on her stomach. So on Monday, she goes back in for an ultrasound.

mskatieThe mass was “of concern,” he said — enough so that he suspended her vaccines until we see its extent and location.

The thing about pets is that they never become truly independent. Unlike children, they don’t gradually learn to do things for themselves. They can’t let themselves out when they have to go. They can’t fix their own meals. Sadly, when something is wrong, they can’t describe it for us. They have to trust us with their most basic needs.

The bond is one of a kind, isn’t it? So is the love we receive in return. My social psych professor in college contended that dogs can’t love because they are creatures of instinct, not free choice. I don’t think I ever really bought it.

On the bright side, we came home with some drops for her nose, and they help a lot. I’m not sure how big of a deal the mass will turn out to be, but for now, she still has a pretty good quality of life. I think we should be able to treasure her for awhile longer, delayed shots notwithstanding. I’m thankful for that.

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