Fate used to love going to the vet, but she’s too smart a dog to love it for too long. She got a bunch of needles and blood drawn – a new Lyme disease shot and some heart worm tests.

She offered Fate a treat as a make-up and they were friends again.

Heart worm used to be rare up here, but it is more common since so many rescue dogs began coming up from the South. I’ve had one dog with heartworm,and I don’t wish to repeat the experience.

I always squawk about the tests and the pills, but Dr. Fariello tells me I need to do it, and we have been through many dramas together, I trust her completely. I can talk to her openly and easily.

Gus is being neutered on November 2, and her clinic charges $400 plus for the procedure, it is more than many clinics charge. I asked her why and she explained that her surgeries take more time than usual, involve at least two people the entire time – her and a tech – and they don’t leave the dogs alone until it is done.

She doesn’t want to do back to back surgeries, as some clinics do. She wants to do it her way, carefully and cautiously, with the dog getting their full attention. I guess I like the sound of that, even though the lesser bill is tempting.

She has some other good explanations, but they are technical and I don’t remember them. She has my complete trust and confidence – and friendship as well. We had a long talk about the emotionalizing of dogs and the role veterinarians play in dealing with the emotions of people.

She pointed out that Fate has changed and matured, and I can see this is so. Sometimes, when you live with a dog every day, it’s easy to miss these signs and symptoms. She sleeps downstairs at night these days, mostly by herself, she is calmer and more focused.

She is no longer puppy-like, really, although she is quite beautiful and alert. She listens to every conversation as if all of them are directed at her, and she loves playing with Gus, who loves playing with her.

I loved the photo, it was kind of Norman Rockwell-ish to me. Monday, Red goes into see Dr. Fariello to check on his arthritis and general health. He is looking very good.