I took Red to the vet this morning, he is due for some shots and I also wanted Dr. Fariello to take a look at his legs and  hips, he is walking more stiffly and slowly than usual after working with the sheep. She thinks he has some arthritis in his hip and right shoulder, we’ll do more tests later this month.

Dr. Fariello likes to work on the floor because it makes the dogs more comfortable. Red is a gentleman, he is gracious and generous when examined, but we could see  he was a bit protective of his shoulder, Fate crawled right into the middle of the examination to comfort him, lick his nose and offer moral support.

Fate is a handful, but she reminds me of Lenore in some ways – I don’t like to compare my dogs to other dogs or other people’s dogs, they are all different. There is a sweetness and generosity about her that is compelling, if Maria sounds upset, Fate will come rushing over to her, and she adores Red and always keeps a close eye on her.

I appreciate vets like Dr. Fariello and the staff at the Cambridge Valley clinic. The Internet has spawned legions of computer vets, but she went to school for six years and sees all kinds of dogs every day with all kinds of issues. I trust vets, they work hard and are most often drawn to their work through a love of animals and a desire to ease their suffering. I am often puzzled as to why some people forego the advice of vets and accept the advice of untrained strangers on the Internet.

She and I both think it is good to keep Red working, that is good for his limbs and shoulder and muscle tone.  She said Red is in amazing shape, as most working dogs are. She said he is one of the sweetest and most gracious dogs she has ever known and Fate one of the most fun and most endearing. It was a good visit, I’m glad Red can keep on working. He is nine years old,and that is often an age with the bones and limbs of border collies who have worked all of their lives start to cause trouble.

Arthritis is quite common in border collies, I just wish to stay ahead of it. He’s on some joint medication.

Border collies are notoriously stoic, they do not complain or let you know when they are in pain. So I want to be pro-active with Red’s work and limbs, I want him to live a long time and in good health, and I want him to work to the last, if it is possible, though the therapy work may be a good backstop if we need one down the road.