The fine weather of the last few days had come to an abrupt halt. Big puffed rain-filled clouds were scuttling across the sky, with short and sharp showers interspaced with the sun peeking out from behind the heavy grey curtains.
Stella is taking car travel completely in her stride. No more woebegone Beagle misery in the car. Not a hint of carsickness. This is such a change. We had been unable to take Ruby anywhere, due to her discomfort. Suddenly, I was partnered with a joyful and utterly chilled black puppy who snoozed most of the way en route to meet the vet.
We arrived in Northam just a trifle late. I led Stella into the waiting room after the failure to induce widdling. By Stella, not me. Liam, vet nurse and ultra courteous reception staffer was immediately concerned for Stella's wellbeing...apparently Parvo is so infectious, she should have been carried into the surgery.
Huge pang of guilt at this moment. I confessed we'd been walking Stella to our local oval. In the nicest possible way, I was firmly told this was Not On and Stella should have no further outings until a full week after her vaccinations.
Thoroughly put in my place, Stella then charmed the pants off everybody in the hospital. Rachael, the vet student was entranced. Renee, no-nonsense vet nurse was putty in Stella's paw. Liam, once he had finished with his Parvo lecture, then proceeded to make sure that I had Stella's best interests at heart. Ingrid, who had already met Stella, blew copious kisses down the hallway, as she was not seeing people due to a nasty virus. And then Graeme met Stella...
Graeme Penno would have to be one of this world's nicest human beings. Graeme is a vet in the mould of a gentle and thorough and somewhat accident-prone James Herriott. He has suffered a variety of injuries thanks to his patients. On their first meeting, Pip chose to use diarrhoea as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Since then, Pip has mellowed to at least allowing both Graeme and Ingrid to examine him without too much angst.
Stella was a completely different kettle of fish. Our Carnarvon Special showed every bit of her beautiful nature. For a puppy whose pedigree might include Kelpie, Staffy, Labrador and probably Banana, given her birthplace, she just is, after Anh Do, the happiest refugee.
And Graeme was smitten. The consultation passed with all the elements of a mutual admiration society. Stella behaved in an exemplary nature. She sat with grace for her injections, worming tablets, examination, temperature taking and nail clipping. Graeme fell in love with Stella in a nanosecond.
We waved goodbye after a very agreeable hour and headed for home.
Stella's only challenge is her love/hate relationship with Madame Cat. She loves Ruby. Stella's affection is not reciprocated. In any way, shape or form. Stella can't understand the antipathy. She keeps trying to engage the cat. Her Feline Majesty reiterates her desire for Stella to F*#k Off. Detente is tenuous. Stay tuned for further updates in hostilities.
A low-key evening in Station House. The Cat is perched on her stool, blowing invisible raspberries at the Enemy. Stella is still attempting to forge a friendship. Pip is exhausted from the evening's play and has retired to bed. The Pirate Parrot is covered and silent.
All is well in our world.
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