Returning to the Scene of the Crime.

On Monday, Ernie had an appointment at the Atlantic Veterinary College to check on his progress. What this also meant was that we had to return to the scene of the crime. It was the first time back since we had Rookie put down and I was not looking forward to going back by myself. I was dreading passing the room where we spent our last moments with Rookie but it was inevitable. Thank goodness, without asking, Ev said he would meet me there. It was a great distraction, much needed!

While we were sitting in the waiting room, one of the veterinary students who was in the room with us during Rookie's passing recognized us...okay Ev (he kinda sticks out like a sore thumb and the uniform doesn't help much either), but was kind enough to come over to see how we are coping. As a little bit of boredom set in, my dark sense of humour emerged, and don't know if you recall that Rookie was offered, and gladly accepted a last meal from the staff there. So I took the opportunity to tell Ernie, if they ever offer you a meal of canned dog food here, run away as fast as you can. It is never a good sign!

They ran some blood work and took a urine sample which is quite a feat in itself. You would think with all of the modern inventions and technology in this world that someone would have developed an appropriate method to collect a sample from a pet. The student vet took him for a walk, in the rain, in the courtyard outside the hospital so we had a front row seat to the show. Imagine. Little Ernie, who maybe stands a foot off the ground, but walks at a fair clip, being followed around by someone carrying a plastic bag to try and catch his pee. He pees so quick and it is so far down to collect, that by the time she'd bend over, he would be done. And then he spotted Ev and I inside staring out at him, giggling. He stopped dead in his tracks. So as not to embarrass the student, and to allow Ernie to do his business, we retreated. Besides we were making friends with Binky the pug.

Once Ernie had coughed up an appropriate sample he came out to the lobby to sit with us for a few minute and as he was checking out Binky, what comes around the corner but another little brussels griffon. Oscar! He was very sweet. He was quite a bit bigger than Ernie. Double his weight, but sweet nonetheless. For anyone who knows Ernie, he is not much of a dog's dog. The only dog he really felt secure around was Rookie. But Ernie greeted Oscar like they were long-lost brothers. It's not very often you get two of these adorable fellas in the same spot at the same time and they enjoyed each other as much as they could until Oscar had to go see the vet and Ernie had to settle his account at the front desk.

While we were standing there, the vet tech that was with us when Rookie left us approached to gush about Ernie's adorability (I do agree) and how much everyone there loves him which is not lost on us. There is always a small audience when Ernie is at the clinic. After the crowd cleared and it was just her and I, she quietly approached me and asked how we were doing. She respectfully said, "I didn't want you to think I didn't know who you were, I just wanted to be respectful of your loss." The rest of our discussion will remain between her and I. I think some doctors out there could learn a thing or two about compassion from the veterinary staff at the clinic. Her words meant more than anyone could know. Not only are they caring for our furry babies, but they are also dealing with the emotions of their owners.

Oh...and the good news...later in the day, we received a call that Ernie's test results were fantabulous. His blood and urine were both in great shape considering he's functioning on one kidney. The vet even said that she was overjoyed with how well he is doing considering his situation. I'll take that! A clean bill of health and a pass on vets offices for another 3 months! Good job, Noodles!