Nicole from the Cambridge Valley Vet called around 11:30 to say Gus’s surgery went well and quickly, he is out of the operating room, and awake and on his feet. I’m taking Red there to have his laser treatment at 4 p.m., and Gus is scheduled for discharge at 4:30.

(I called Robin Gibbon’s, Gus’s very conscientious breeder, and she told me Gus’s mother Hannah is coming into heat, and she is planning to breed her again, for one more time. Robin was impressive in her first breeding program, I would recommend her to anyone. She says she has a good long waiting list for puppies, that does not surprise me.

She was glad to hear Gus came through the surgery so well. Robin is what they call “good people” up here.)

When Fate was spayed, Dr. Fariello let me stand outside the surgery room and take a picture, and she graciously agreed to let me do that again. I don’t go into the surgical suite and try not to be intrusive, which is easier said than done.

It is good for me to see it, although I was queasy about getting too close. As a former police reporter, I’ve seen countless dead bodies, and many gruesome scenes, but I didn’t want to see this one too closely.

It was instructive to watch the surgery for awhile.

Dr. Fariello and a temporary vet tech (Cassandra is on maternity leave) took great care with Gus, and really took their time to prepare  him and do the surgery.)  Dr. Fariello scrubbed for a long time, just like in the movies.

And I love her surgical cap ,it’s the kind of thing Maria would put on her head.

Neutering at Cambridge Valley is more expensive than some other clinics, but I see it’s taken very seriously and they took  a long time for the procedure, which is often done quickly.

I felt good about it, Gus was in the right place. I’m glad it’s over, I’m glad he will be coming home tonight. I hate those hoods they put on, the border collies take them right off, again and again.

We’ll see what happens with Gus, he is not prone to being quiet for long. Robin says the neutering won’t change him much.