This morning started with puppy kisses from Raizo, kisses from Chris and a text message from Holli stating that she arrived in Utah safely. It was a very good start to a day that will probably end sometime late in the night.
Our first assignment was taking Raizo to the vet.
I haven't been to the veterinarian that Raizo is familiar with, until today. And, as I sat in the narrow "waiting room" I guess you could call it, I realized I didn't like this establishment.
All of the women I interacted with at Pearson-Nespor Clinic were dowdy, nose-pierced and generally apathetic to the care of our dog.
Dr. Pearson, on the other hand, was kind but very business oriented. I couldn't get over her accent either. She sounded French, or Russian. Perhaps a mixture of the two. In either case, she was fascinating, if only for her mysterious ethnicity.
The meeting we had was brief, Raizo outwardly showing (if not for himself, then for me as well) his dislike with the place. He growled twice at Dr. Pearson, was tail-tucked nearly the entire time he was in the vet and was open-mouthed towards an assistant as they tried to shove our dog down the hall.
Raizo is a very stubborn pup. Perhaps too much like his doggy mom. :)
His bill of health was acceptable, though Chris and I are going to have more tests done once we return from the trip we are commencing tomorrow morning. Apparently, according to Dr. Pearson, Raizo's hips need to be examined and an x-ray taken to determine whether or not hip dysplasia is a problem.
Mostly occurring in elderly dogs (labs more often than not), hip dysplasia can be a serious condition especially in a "mutt" not even two years of age.
$98.00 for a picture. Say cheese, Raizo!
After the meeting, Chris and I took Raizo to Mission Animal and Bird Hospital, where they also have a boarding area named Bark Avenue Resort and Kamp.
B.A.R.K
The demeanor of our pup from Dr. Pearson's place of work, to Mission Animal and Bird hospital, was almost like night and day. Chris and I were treated very nicely, greeted by everyone who came into contact with us, and Raizo was welcomed warmly by kneeling doctors who didn't look him in the eye and outstretched a hand.
You can tell when an establishment values their "values" and upholds their standards. Chris and I have decided that Mission is the veterinary clinic we will be taking Raizo to from now on.
At Mission, Raizo was checked in, evaluated and taken into the care of cheery doctors and assistants. Boarding dogs nowadays is very different than I remember it from younger years. Raizo will be staying in a "resort", with play time and "at least three potty breaks." With his nylon blue bone, skulls and bones collar and plenty of treats.
$28.00 per day at "doggy daycare."
After we dropped our furry "son" off at his "doggy daycare", we decided to pick up my prescription at our Vista Way Wal-Mart. As usual, a man was stationed outside the automatic doors broadcasting "Donate a few cents or a dollar to help the homeless Vets!"
Every time I have been to Wal-Mart, I always see someone asking for something to help somebody else.
Needless to say, I do not feel embarrassed or guilty for not donating anymore. I believe Southern California has taught me that, to not feel bad about passing the "opportunity" to dish out coins from my purse to all the "homeless" signs and "homeless vets."
It's renown around this area that the majority of the homeless eat better than half the people here who aren't declaring "homelessness." But that's another story at another time.
Regardless, our trip to the great ol' beast known as "Wally World" was quite unnecessary. My prescription wasn't phoned in, a "reminder call" was needed on my part to situate the medicine at the correct location. Perhaps the words "I'm putting it in my calendar right now" wasn't reminder enough.
Dilly-dally shilly-shally.
Luckily for Chris and I, just across the road from Wal-Mart was a pizzeria, and it so happened to be lunchtime!
Brooklyn Boys Pizza
Probably the best thin-crust pizza I've had. And I've never been to New York. I ordered two slices and a drink, for $6.00...and it was worth it. Chris ordered a slice of Sicilian, a slice of Lasagna and a slice of pepperoni pizza. I ordered two slices of their pepperoni, sausage and meatball pizza.
Great atmosphere, great people and wonderful hosts who know customers by a first name basis. I believe we'll be going there again! If not for the garlic knots, then their wonderful pies!
