A Tooth in Need

A racing grey with pearly whites,

                                                                                                 A lofty goal for some to preach,

                                                                     Yet yearly care to keep them there,

                                                                            With brushing often, we should teach.

Resting

Another day in paradise; reclining on our soft beds, wolfing down sumptuous meals, and being unconditionally loved creates an aura of heaven on earth.  It has been a somewhat tiring day though, after running full tilt outside.  Emma and I are curled up on our beds as tight as caterpillars in a cocoon with only one thing in mind, and that is to sleep.  As we are just about to surrender to unconsciousness, Mom rushes into the room with excitement rolling off her like a wave.  We almost thought she had won the lottery.  She didn’t, but she has news to share.  Tomorrow morning, we are traveling to New Jersey to see her friend, Lori, and her grey, Winona.  (Nona for short.)  The excitement is contagious, and at once we are out of our beds frolicking madly around her.   

The next morning, we jump without hesitation into the back of the van.  Pressing our cold noses up against the chill of the windows, a foggy haze appears adding a dreamlike quality.  We roam from window to window inhaling the thrill of the unknown.  Soon, we settle with the soft rhythms of the road and the gentle sounds of the cars whooshing by, and before we know it, we have arrived.

The Three Musketeers

We feel it the minute the car pulls in, there’s another greyhound close-by.  It’s a  sense unique to us dogs, knowing each other.  Mom opens the rear hatch, and we exit checking our surroundings using eyes and noses.  There, behind the fence, are Aunt Lori and Nona!  Nona attracts our full attention.  After sniffing all parts of each other, leashes are released, and then we go.  All three of us streak around the yard; first, to sniff and go potty, then wildness begins.  We dart around the woodpile, fly past the trees, and zoom at high speed in tight figure-eights.  Finally, drained from this explosion of energy and sauntering over to Mom and Aunt Lori, we rest.

We pass the evening in familiar geniality, all of us reacquainting ourselves.  Plunking down on the living room floor, we hounds soon fall off into a deep snooze.  The next morning is an early wakeup, and soon we are in the van again, all five of us.  We hounds are unaware of our destination, but after a sleepy ride, we arrive in Philadelphia at the National Greyhound Adoption Program’s  Veterinary Clinic (www.ngap.org). 

It's Finally Over

We have visited this place before.  It is a large building in an industrial complex with spacious dog runs outside.  We spy no greys playing outdoors today, but we have seen them there before enjoying the space.  We know it because we come here each year to have our teeth checked and maybe some shots given.  Our moms like this facility because it was established to give vet care to retired racing greyhounds.  The doctors understand our particular anatomy, especially the type and amount of anesthesia we are allowed.  If we only need a cleaning, we are put in a light sleep, and sometimes if our teeth aren’t bad, we don’t have to sleep at all.  If teeth need to be pulled, the docs put us in a deep snooze.  

We three are sent in to see the vet.  The doctor gives us each an exam and checks out our mouths.  Poor Nona has to have teeth pulled this time, and it turns out to be 11.  OUCH!  Unfortunately, many of us tend toward problems with our teeth due to poor feeding and mouth care practices when we were on the track.  Luckily for Emma and I, all we need is to get our teeth cleaned.  I don’t know how they do it, but we go to sleep for a little while, and we don’t feel a thing.  The three of us finally come out from our visit with clean mouths, and a recommendation from the staff for our moms to cleanse our teeth with a special solution between brushings.

Nona Snoozing

    

As we pile into the car again, we are happy that we are on our way home.  We were not allowed to eat this morning so when we arrive at Aunt Lori’s, we are starving.  We all chow down, are blissfully happy, and are soon asleep!  

Next day, Mom, Emma, and I are on our way home.  We had a great visit with Aunt Lori and Nona, and hope to see them again soon.  I am not too sure how to rate the doctor visit, though.  It’s fine with us if we don’t go back for a while.


                                                                Respectfully Submitted:  Kiowa