It was bound to happen. Today was pup’s first trip to the vet. Taking your pet to the vet here is quite different than what I am accustomed to. First of all, I have seen more veterinarian offices and animal hospitals here than doctor’s offices!  Pet ownership is serious business here, plus it’s not just the usual dog and cat vet like back in CA. How was I going to pick one? Choose one close by? Ask people for referrals? I don’t really have time for that. Choose the one with the best sign on the highway?

I called this morning hoping that I could get her in right away (the one close by won!). A very nice lady answered the phone and so I went through my “I just moved here, need to make an appointment, my car is dirty because I still haven’t found the car wash blah, blah, blah”.

Let me tell you that this vet’s office was more thorough, more helpful, and more knowledgeable than most doctors offices I’ve called! I was sure I’d made the right choice. She said I could come in right away, but she must have  sensed my hesitation (there were carpenters here doing some work and I couldn’t leave right away) and what she said next was music to my ears! “Or, you can come in this evening.”

What? This is too good to be true! Not only are they close by, nice, knowledgeable, and had openings, but they are open in the evening too? I couldn’t believe my ears – I hit the mother load of vets offices!

Hold on – because here is where the rug was yanked right out from under me… “this evening you can come in at 2:30 or 3:30. Which time would you like?” I’m really hopeful that the look on my face did not make it’s way to the tone of my voice. To quote my granddaughter…”Wait – What?” You’re telling me that 2:30 or 3:30 is in the evening? No – that’s the afternoon where I come from. First you put the eight o’clock shows on at seven o’clock, and now you’re telling me the evening starts at 2:30? [Sigh] I still have so much to learn.

BTW, after a very thorough exam, lots of questions and answers, a rattlesnake vaccine, and three different kinds of meds, we went home. I’m not sure which one of use was most tired. But she did come home with a new bandana!