Oh, have you ever seen the indignant butt walk of a greyhound? I did, and I was surprised it came from Mr. Mellow-Yellow George. George who is the epitome of calm and manners. George who wears his tuxedo to dinner every night, and would surely redecorate my apartment in stylish West Elm minimalism; a place where James Bond would look comfortable. Sweet George who stands by me as I put my shoes on to ensure my balance, and at 80 lbs of muscle waits calmly at the door to go for a walk. He doesn't push his way forward; he waits with the patience of Job.
It's August and George needed his shots. I made the appointment and today 8.20.2020 we arrived at the vet, but not before I bungled getting him into the car.
I live in an apartment complex, and as such have an assigned parking spot mid way down a row of about 10 cars. They aren't large spots, but my one neighbor has a relatively small car and parks considerately.
This day I was getting ready to leave, as I do from time to time, and George on his bed was watching me closely with his big milk dud brown eyes, a sorrow and forlornness slid across his face. Usually, if I am leaving alone and this happens, I sigh deeply, George sighs deeply and I step out giving him an approximation of when I'll be back. I leave wishing I could take him with. This time I picked up his lead, and he looked at me with surprise. Yup, here we go George!
He was absolutely elated. He knew it was different from his standard 100+ degree Arizona summer short walk. He was prancing along looking at each car until we arrived at our van. We were going for a ride and he knew it. I opened the door and George walked past it and came back he hesitated, he didn't want to get it...he didn't have the space-distance he was comfortable with.
I turned him around and he got his front up, but he slipped on his hind and froze. Didn't want to go forward or backwards. I was able to get his second half up then pushed him further into the car and he immediately laid down on his dog bed.
Poor George. He was panting, I put the AC on, he was starting to give me the eyeballs... The eyeballs happen when he realizes we may not be going somewhere fun. I was super excited, we were back on the road again - I was singing, great music playing - he wasn't buying it. And I might just add, that in the at least six months since we have gone on a joyride, I might have moved things around so his bed was at a bit of a slanty-tilt towards the front of the car. I pulled over a couple of times as he stood up to make himself comfortable.
Now I know the skeptics out there are thinking he would be find doing it on his own while the car was moving, but George is 11 soon to be 12 and has become a little unsteady on his pegs in a moving car, so I don't take chances. He made the best of it, but I did need to take care of his bed, blanket, pillows situation.
Anyway, we got to the vet. I gracefully got George out, well, he was graceful, my only function was to hold his harness and slow him down. We were cleared to enter the lobby, but walked around for a pee break before we went in.
George doesn't like visiting the vet even though everyone is stellar and kind and the Dr. is fabulous. I believe that dogs have a long memory, and George remembers getting his temperature taken...not the ear kind.
That aside, the appointment went well, he had blood taken, got his shots and it was time to leave. I asked if someone would hold him in the lobby while I adjusted the pillows in the back of the car. Told him I would be right back. When the time was right, the tech brought out my smiling George who had a spring in his step, and the anticipation of being reunited all over him. It's difficult for us to be separated by fifty feet, George my George.
So it was time to get into the van, and he stalled; didn't want to get in. I got into position his front goes up and I reach to lift up his hind part and realize I am standing straight up with my arms around him and can't lift him up. Not because I didn't have the strength but because I had no more lift - 5'2" with t-rex arms I was already fully extended. He gave a yelp and we both backed up out of the car.
Well that was it. He was walking away from the car, I at the end of his lead. If he had high heels on, he would have been snap-clacking across the parking lot. He was indignant and stomping towards a bush, I was watching his indignant butt the whole way, from the hand hold end of his six foot lead. He gave a pee, then walked us back to the van and then without hesitation, hopped in like a bunny.
So, I am guessing he was leaving a message to future visitors that this was not the party that owners were pretending it was going to be. One star from George, five stars from me, it really is a terrific vet office.
George got a puppachino on the way home, dried lamb lung and a brand new bully stick when he got home.
I am sorry George. I am caught between knowing you will do anything I ask and wondering if jumping into the van is too much, well today it wasn't. I just didn't line you up correctly. Tomorrow I go to Lowe's to get materials to build you a step, for my peace of mind. George!
Laura
psiloveu
