Thunder's Visit to the Doctor

 

                              Thunder was an older dog when he made an appointment for a check-up at the 

doctors.  It was a warm day in September.  He got into his van for a 2:30 doctor's appointment over

on Washington Street.

                            The first thing he did once he got there was go to the restroom.  They had an out 

door theme to them, with the odor of rain in them.  Thunder liked the odor because it covered up the

smell of his bowel movement.  He then washed his paws, and went to see the receptionist Mrs. 

Squirely.

                             He then checked in with Misses Squirely (a red-haired squirrel), giving her his

current address, phone number, and insurance information.  He then told her the reason he was there 

was to get a check-up.  He figured if any other problems appeared it would be taken care of by the 

doctor.  Thunder had perfect faith in the medical team at the Pet Vaccination Clinic.  

                             Thunder was shown to a seat in room number three where he could wait for the 

doctor.  Doctor Wise Old Owl came in and listened to his heart, check his teeth, and looked at his 

paws.  Doctor W.O. Owl then took a deep breath in and said, "Well, you won't die, but you have tarter

on your back teeth which need to be cleaned.  You have a heart murmur, and nothing much can be done

about that.  Then you have allergies, and I can give you an allergy shot for that."

                              Thunder agreed to the allergy shot, but the teeth cleaning would have to wait until

October.  Dr.  W.O. Owl put his wings up and said, "Well it is your teeth.  After all I would have to say 

you're in pretty good shape for a dog of your age.   As far as your heart goes, stop smoking, no more 

alcohol, decaf drinks only, and cut back on steak and eggs.  Do that and you might just live to be 

twenty.

                 Thunder did not know what to think about that since all Bichons he knew of lived to be 

between the ages of twelve and fifteen.  He just went with Dr, Owl to get his allergy shot since that was

something he could do today.  He then went to the receptionist to pay what was left on the bill.  

Insurance paid $25 for the office visit, which left him $63 to pay for the shot and taxes.  He paid it 

gratefully for the relief the shot gave him.

                Thunder went home recalling everything Dr. Owl had told him.  Knowing what he knew 

about the Bichon's that they only lived to be 15 not 20.  He thought Dr. Owl might know a lot but at 

best he could only live to be 15.  Oh well he was 9 now and if he lived to be 15 that would be 6 more 

years.

Paul D. Eccles