A Trip To The Vet

Last year when I brought Earl to the vet for his first time it was a new experience for me. I selected the veterinarian out of convenience (their office was a two minute drive from work). Earl had two visits to that particular vet, and I just didn't feel comfortable with the care he received. There was nothing bad about the care, just nothing special. And if I felt uncomfortable, I am sure earl felt the same way as he is probably more sensitive than I am.

This week I took Earl to a different vet, one recommended by a girl I work with. The difference was night and day. Whereas the vet last year had me hoist Earl up onto the exam table, this veterinarian got down on the floor and ran her hands all over him, checking him out thoroughly. He received two shots and did not even flinch. The vet was enamoured with Earl and told me about how when she received her training in animal acupuncture and chiropractic, they practiced on greyhounds because of their muscle definition. She also commented on how stoic the hounds were. She said they could do almost whatever they needed to do with the dogs and they never reacted negatively because they were so used to be handled.

Earl's weight last year after his second visit to the vet was 73.1 lbs. This year... 13 months later... 73 lbs. Looks like he has found his natural weight. I should be so lucky.

Another day at work.

Ever since Earl chose us, I have been bringing Earl to work. A few months ago my boss got a dog and started bringing "Apollo" to work. The dogs get along wonderfully, fortunately. Here is an example of some of their playtime activities first thing in the morning.

Running Circles!

Not sure if I have started a bad habit with Earl or if we are just bonding even more LOL. The other evening I was having a nice evening enjoying Earl's company, so when bed time came... I brought his bed into our bedroom and plopped on the floor next to my side of the bed. Earl and I both enjoyed a good nights sleep. The next night, after watching some TV, it seemed Earl was zonked out on his bed, this time in the middle of the living room. I turned off the lights and made my way to bed... but only seconds after climbing into bed I could hear the tap-tap-tap of Earl's nails on the floor as he followed me into the bedroom. I am such a pushover that when he looked at me with those beautiful brown eyes I went and grabbed his bed and put it next to me again. We have done this for a few nights now... uh oh....

Meanwhile... last weekend the weather was very beautiful and we were out puttering in the backyard, with some help from Earl. Here is a little video of Earl's activity level that day. My apologies for the quality of the video, it was shot with an inexpensive digital camera (not even a video camera).

Gay Paris.

I came. I saw. I peed on it. No big deal.

Kiss This!

Unfortunately Earl couldn't hang out at the Simmons house too long. Apparently Gene was getting jealous and was feeling a bit threatened. It seems Earl's tongue is longer.

Around The W-earl-D / Hollywood

Trying to steal the limelight from Brangelina... who wanted to adopt Earl (naturally). Too bad for them he is already taken!

Around The W-earl-D / Washington, DC

So it has been quite some time since my last post... but as you can see... Earl is doing well... and in fact, has been quite the tourist. Hitting nation capitals and hobknobbing with some pretty impressive people!