For those of you who have a dog, you already know. One big expense in your budget is your furry friend, especially if you are a widow. Oliver is my link between the W’s. Wife. Widow. Woman. If you are not a pet owner, please indulge me and try to understand that, to NPOs, it must seem that we PO’s have lost our minds.
My discount puppy was quite possibly the most wonderful Christmas present VST ever gave in his life. Although Oliver wasn’t a present, because you cannot make a present of perfect and pure love and friendship, Oliver was delivered into my arms in a snowy parking lot at the Atlantic Casino in the middle of an intense snowstorm on Christmas morning, 2018. That, in and of itself, spoke to VST’s determination to fill my arms with this little ball of fluff. He drove us carefully off the mountain in a blizzard. We both noted that at 4 months, Oliver wasn’t very small. Abominable Snowman Feet. Not Dachshund-ish at all. Not in any way except the stubborn one. Oliver was a unique and special puppy.
It wasn’t many hours before VST was the one asking if Oliver had enough toys. Over the next few days, VST selected the station that played Oliver’s favorite music, which was left on when we went on errands. It was VST who set the surveillance camera at the right angle to watch him as we had lunch at our favorite restaurant, making sure the camera had speaking options to calm Oliver if he was scared. VST made sure Oliver had the best bed. The comfiest blankets. Throughout their time together, the best walks.
So, in my “Wife Life”, Oliver became a link we didn’t even know we needed. We BOTH doted on this dog. He drove us both nuts. Potty training was a joint effort. We became a little triangle of a family, exchanging love at every angle. Oliver was trained to the rig, and a Rig Dog he became. He was faster than I at gas-guzzling pit stops with his bathroom breaks. A clean pee pad and a closed door were his only requirements. Oliver loved the beach as much as our own living room.
If you are considering a pet, start saving now, because having one can be quite expensive. It depends on your willingness and need to find ways to spend money on them. Most things are NOT necessary. Your pet will never know they are deprived unless you tell them, unless you deprive them of their meals and love. The rest is gravy. Oliver gets lots of gravy.
Yesterday’s vet appointment is a perfect example. I could take Oliver to the local Humane Society on Thursday. There, they give shots for a nominal fee. A vet is present and will answer questions. The documents are proof, and you are good to go. I could do that. There is one very close to the vet we visited. Many people also leave their dogs at home when they travel, paying the neighborhood kid $ a day to feed and play with the pooch. I have two neighborhood kids who would happily oblige.
When needed, Oliver goes to Doggie Day Camp in Carson City. His Doggie Hotel is more than an hour from here. I justify this because the kennel is as clean as my house. The guests are quiet and content. It is not a jail, but a respite from owners that can be quite annoying. I know Oliver will be safe and happy when I pick him up; hence, I don’t worry when he is there, and I am elsewhere. There is one more reason. Oliver’s vet is in the same building. So, if there WERE a problem, they would contact me immediately and provide necessary care. To me, this is a huge comfort, even though Oliver is 2 years old, healthy, and won’t be getting sick any time soon. Just in case, I chose this place, because in 2020, I had to use up my “Just In Case”-s on many unexpected horrors.
Due to COVID, the vet experience in Nevada is as follows. You drive up and phone the vet’s office. They answer and ask you for the patient’s name and a car description. A tech arrives at your car at the scheduled appointment time and asks many questions about COVID and your possible exposure. They take the dog. You wait in the car. When the appointment is done, you have the option to FaceTime with the Vet on an iPad a tech will bring to you. The exam is discussed.
Results of Oliver’s exam.
1. He is overweight. Now, he devours 1/3 cup of food 2x a day. Then, he eats his daily 5-calorie treats, fallen apples, my solar pathway lights, any bones lying around, his disposable water dishes, blankets, envelopes that might have fallen on the ground, and dust bunnies for dessert. He is better than a vacuum. What will happen when I cut down the portion to 1/4 cup, which is about 10 pieces of kibble? I bet I will look pretty darn enticing to the little dog. No can do. Oliver has lost 2 pounds to have a current weight of 23 pounds. He is not losing anymore.
2. Oliver growled at the vet as she was staring into his eyes with a bright, blinding, irritating, nasty exam light. I don’t blame him. I say this as a retired teacher, with no disrespect intended. REALLY????? This would be like me finding a parent in the parking lot to tell them their child growled at me with attitude four hours earlier in the classroom. Deal with it, Ms. Vet. That is why you get the big bucks. Did he bite you????????? She blabbed on about how Oliver’s eyes were exactly the same shade of green as her dog’s, except her dog weighs 100 pounds. Hey, Ms. Vet. Diet? I suggest you put those chubs on a diet. Growl on puppy.
So, after all the driving and waiting, I get the bill before I get Oliver back. $70 for a healthy dog exam, including the actual vaccination fee of $17.85. Go figure.
Bottom line. Oliver has been a bridge from Wife to Widow to Woman. As a widow during the last seven months, he has been my constant companion and tear mitigator. He is my blog editor. He makes me laugh when it seems I have forgotten how, and he snuggles and listens to my deepest secrets, which he will never share with anyone unless, of course, I cut his food to 1/4 cup twice a day. We shook on that deal. Whatever he needs, I will provide until our days on Earth together finish.
If you have a pet, go out today and get them something unexpected. It will be great for you both. Dollar Store has a great selection of all kinds of goodies, and of course, the sky is the limit from there. Spend time outside, but watch the solar path lights. They can slowly disappear. I have now found that they are a three-step adventure. The top provides yummy wires. The supporting tube full of squishy deliciousness. Then, for a little digging fun, the yummy stake.
Oliver. VST, you fill my heart, still, through the best gift ever given. Sending love your way, VST. Your Darlin’, Mrs. H