Today was a full day. We headed into the city to visit
Dr. Mitchell.

As you can see, we were anxiously awaiting her arrival.

Watching the door from her post under the bench,
Cali LOVES being under things!

Okay... some of us were anxiously awaiting her arrival.
I won't name names but someone was rather bored.
It was a pretty quick visit.
Despite fall allergies kicking in, Cali's lungs sound great! We're still keeping her on natural supplements for her mild arthritis, which is also good news! Dr. Mitchell even said that Cali looks amazing and doesn't look her age, which is nine. Mom told her to stop aging and I guess she did! She did get a little lecture on watching her figure. She was nice and trim in the spring (a first!) but the summer heat has had her less active so this fall it will be lots of chase and hiking! It's important for all of us to be within our healthy weight range but especially important for Miss Cali. Not carrying around that extra weight will improve both of her health issues: arthritis (not so much weight on those joints) and asthma (less fat around her lungs and organs). But despite the few extra pounds, her lungs sound perfectly clear!! GREAT news!

Phoenix skated by with a routine exam. She didn't even need any vaccines! Though it was probably the worst for her because she got carsick going there AND coming home. Poor baby. Her picture says it all... "Ughhh...."
I got my Lepto booster. Mom is a bit crazy about not over vaccinating us but this one is a necessity where we live. Then we turned our attention to my muzzle. We've tested for mange a couple of times before and it's always negative. We've done smears to check for bacteria and yeast - negative. We've evicted some hookworm hitchhikers who can cause localized itchiness. Nose - clear. Teeth and mouth - clear. Looking at my chart, I flare up in March and September, like clockwork. Prime pollen time. So.. we're thinking that's the problem. Considering the circumstances and relatively mild nature (compared to Cali), Dr. Mitchell didn't think the allergy panel was necessary.
I have a new allergy medicine regimine for these peak months and some natural solutions for the rest of the year. I came home with a topical spray (I hope she doesn't spray it right on my face!!), special face wash and a new supply of allergy pills.
I also came home with a short dose of steroids. You thought I ran fast before? Now I'll be juiced up and you won't even see me pass you!!! I'll be so---- wait--- mom just told me that's not what they're for - something about my itchies and getting them under control quickly.


WHOOOSH!
This stuff is pretty much all for me! Though I'll share the Panacur. We're going to get quarterly treatments thanks to our penchant for tasting the culinary delights left behind by our various visitors here at The Park.
While mom and Dr. Mitchell got caught up and scheduled a visit and potential hike, I was getting an innocent pedicure and was taken on a nice long walk. I was anxious to get back to mom though so I didn't understand why there was such a long wait outside. When we FINALLY got inside, the rubber glove came out and I realized what they wanted from me but it was too late. I was violated. AND they stole from me. It was a disgrace. Apparently, they HAD to have a sample. I bet they're going to sell it on eBay and make tons of green papers. Isn't that what two leggers do when they get things from famous folks?
Anyhow... it was HOT here today. I had to look twice at the calendar. Take a look at the weather station...

100°! It's Northern Virginia in late September! Crazy! It's supposed to cool off for the weekend. We won't be here but I think Wally & Stella will appreciate the reprieve. Speaking of which, I'm off to make my packing list and get ready for tomorrow. You know what tomorrow is, right???