Sophie's Extreme Makeover

[Valarie]

Let me preface this post by repeating the words of Jeannie C. Riley from my favorite childhood song The Harper Valley PTA; "No, I wouldn't put you on because it really did, it happened just this way". Maybe I used just a slight bit of literary (I know this is a stretch) license.

I have worked in the medical field longer than I care to admit. Over the years I have honed a high but certainly attainable set of expectations for cleanliness that should be met by any establishment purporting to provide healthcare services. Simple things like less than six inches of debris on any flat surface, windows that actually allow light in, walking surfaces with more than just subflooring timbers, cabinet doors supported by two hinges or just cabinet doors at all. My mother-in-law's vet clinic didn't even rate on this scale!! The ramshackle outside of the building was only a scary prelude to the interior. As I entered the loosely hanging front door it would not close securely behind me. Sophie and I were in a dark cramped, tiny anteroom. Two doors presented themselves - which to choose? Barking from the left, I knocked. No answer. Tried the right - no answer. Sophie was getting a little antsy at this point - you know all the smells that waft from these establishments. Then a tiny crack in the door to the left - a cat darts out. I brace for the impact of Sophie's reaction - nothing. A large bearded man, takes up the rest of the anteroom - D--- cat, he says. Then he notices us - "Oh, come on in, but there's no place to sit. We're remodeling." We stand in an open area with a desk and two or three chairs under mounds of . . . stuff. I don't know what just stuff. Cats are climbing all over the place. He motions for us to come into another room and I am trying to deal with my fight or flight responses. He can't get the door open because something has fallen in front of it on the other side. Finally he forces it open. The room looks as if a cyclone has just blown through. There are dozens of pet carriers piled in the corner behind the door. He throws the one blocking the door up to the top of the pile. The counters are covered with . . .well . . . stuff. The cabinets mostly have no doors or shelves and have piles of . . . well. . . stuff. There is one rack curiously out of place with medications and specialized foods and apple bitter lined up neatly along the 5 shelves. Sophie is taking it all in. I am looking for exits but the windows are so covered in grime I can't see what I would fall on if I climbed out. Outside the door I can hear barking, meowing, chirping . . . Then in comes a young woman. The doctor. How nice, how professional , how caring, how knowledgeable - what is a wonderful vet like her doing in a joint like this? She explains that she is starting her own practice, they are remodeling, her husband (the bearded one) is helping her out. She gives Sophie a good going over. All the necessary shots, tests, pokes and prods. Little redness in the ears, little irritation in the paws - nothing serious. Thank goodness. "You can leave her with us, the groomer will be here shortly. Pick her up after 3:00." Tough decision - I look at Sophie. "What do you think, Big Girl? Okay then, be back later".

[Adrianne Matzkin]

seriously Valarie - how you can you leave us all hanging. NOT FAIR!!!
Post a picture!!!

[shelly]

And then.... And then.... AND THEN????? What did they do to her? Shaved??? Poodle cut?????
Jane - I too am the same with my boys!!! STILL never went away more than an overnight without them since they've been born - they are 16 and 12...huh.. hopeless??? NAH! Just can't bear to be away from them too long!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Next installment please......

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Oh no, you left Sophie. You're a stronger woman than I am. I still pay extra for the "zoom groom" at Petco, so I don't have to leave my Guinness. I know, way, way over the top. How will teach him true independence if I won't leave him? It was the same with my kids. Hmm, maybe that's why they still call me the minute anything goes wrong. I want pictures!
PS: I thoroughly enjoy your blogs.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I am greatly enjoying the saga!

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Well this is a teaser. We need the next chapter... quick!

[Carole (*Koda*Monty*Bindi)]

Ruh roh........

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

wait, i want more ..... where's Sophie!