Deflowered

Last Friday I tried to remove some of Molly's stitches. She had 8 separate incisions for the removal of her fatty tumors. I believe in baby steps when introducing something new to a high strung dog. I first showed her the scissors and let her sniff them. She didn't seem concerned. I touched them against her fur, then set them down and did something else.

Later, I picked up the scissors again and touched her with them. So far, so good. I touched some stitches with my hand (as I had been doing for days). I touched the scissors against the stitches. No problem. I did that several times.

I opened the scissors, and went to remove one of the looser stitches, and Molly gave me a look that indicated I was violating her. She huffily jumped off the sofa. I contritely put the scissors back down and went about my business.

Another try produced similar results. Molly tried to call the police to come get me for dog abuse.

I accepted the agony of defeat and called the vet's office on Saturday morning and requested an appointment the same day to get the stitches removed. I expected to be laughed at - holiday weekend? Want them removed on a Saturday? How about right now?

That is what they said. Come on in, we are here until 1:30 pm. No problem, no charge.

I dug out the cloth seat cover I used in the Highlander for the dogs. It was never really clear to me if I used the cover for the dogs or for other people. I just washed it now and then, and hoped anyone sitting there didn't get too covered with dog hair.

The Lexus has leather seats. It was pouring rain out. It was muddy. I put the cover on, and put the dogs into the car in the garage. Baby gets in on the passenger side, but Molly insists on getting in from my side, usually. For her first ride in the Lexus, she decided to get in with Baby.

I got in, drove us to the vet's office. Baby was so freaked out she was panting and squinting. Molly was enjoying the nicer ride. I know she was. She is still annoyed that I won't let her drive, but she proudly on the front passenger seat with Baby like she owns the place. Works for me - no stress for Molly.

We arrived at the vet's office and found the parking lot to be a bit wet and muddy. I dragged both to the grassy area and they peed. They pretty much will pee on command. At the same time. It's entertaining, OK?

A vet tech came right out and grabbed Molly and took her to the back room. I provided a container of the frozen treat I make them that is like Frosty Paws. Neither of them can be distracted from a container of that yummy stuff, so I thought she might sit still better for the stitch removal, since she had so many stitches. I gave Baby the other container while we waited. The dogs do not like to be separated. Baby inhaled her treat as usual.

Molly was back within a few minutes. I hadn't heard any screeching or swearing, so I assumed she had been licking her treat and being a Good Ggirl.

The tech handed me the container. It was full. She said Molly just stood still and let her remove the stitches. Must have been 25 or more of them. She said Molly didn't want the treat.

I then handed it to Molly, who inhaled it while we waited.

None of us could figure that out.

Molly smiled at me, and we went to the car.

Mud. Lots of mud. They get in on my side when we get back in the car so I don't worry about them crossing the seats and jumping out. Lots of mud. Lots. All over my seat. Eight paws of mud. Leather seats. Didn't sink in and dry. I had to sit in it.

Molly smiled again. She settled down, and gave me directions on how to get home.