Asa here. First off let me begin with the good news, before I get to the more embarrassing part. I went for my 6 month check up for my eyes and I’m happy to report all is well! The ophthalmologist said nothing has changed with my iris cysts, there’s no signs of sticking that would lead to problems, and Mom just needs to continue putting my eye drops in at night. So happy tail wags there! Now on to the more embarassing part of the appointment, that hopefully Mom and Dad didn’t notice.
Before leaving Chuck Billy sat me down to remind me that since he was not coming along, it was my responsibility to make sure Mom and Dad behaved. He then went over their training rules with me. Mom and Dad needed to walk on my right side at a perfect heel, no drifting, no pulling. So as not to make either of them jealous, I had to curb my enthusiasm if any fans approached to pet me. This meant I had to remain in one spot with my butt on the floor. And finally, I needed to set a good example by not accepting treats from strangers. These appointments make Mom nervous, so as much as I love treats I didn’t want to encourage her stress eating. Everything Chuck Billy said seemed like common sense. Therefore, I promised I wouldn’t let him down and headed off with Mom and Dad for my eye appointment.
During the long ride there I kept chanting in my head, “heel, butt, treat,” to remind me of my responsibilities. However, when I arrived all that went blowing out of my mind similar to the big tuft of fur that blew out of the car when Dad opened my travel crate. Dr. Marion has a brand new office since my last visit, and this place is awesome! I was totally distracted by all the new sights, sounds, and smells! Thankfully though, I think I managed to cover up my training mistakes so Mom and Dad didn’t notice.
When we entered a really friendly receptionist greeted us. I don’t know what came over me, but I immediately surged forward to greet her and…I can’t believe I did this…I jumped up and put my two front paws on her desk! I’ve never done that before! Sure I’ve seen Chuck Billy do it countless times at the pet supply store, but I tend to be a four paws on the ground kind of fellow. Instantly I jumped back down as if her desk was on fire, while hoping Mom didn’t notice as she answered the receptionist’s questions. Dad gave me one of his looks. But he always does that, so I’m guessing neither of them saw my jump. However to be on the safe side, I tried to play it off as no big deal, as I sat smiling at my new best friend the receptionist.
Next we headed to the waiting area. Remembering my instructions from Chuck Billy, I made sure Mom and Dad were seated, before taking my place in a down/stay in front of them on the floor. But that’s when my social compass went haywire. I couldn’t control myself as I started spinning faster and faster, with my belly still on the floor, to see everything going on around me. There was a waiting room just for cats, people coming and going from all directions, and even a guinea pig checking in to see the vet! That’s when I noticed a couple sitting in the waiting room with me. They both looked kind of sad, but the woman had a little smile as she watched me. I instantly knew she wanted to meet me. So I started crawling in the down position, with my belly still on the floor, over to her. Dad was about to reel me in, when the woman bent down to hug me, while thanking me for making her laugh. It turned out her pup was in an accident and was in surgery. Ok, so I broke the stay in one spot and let fans approach me rule. However, I knew that woman needed me. I’m sure if Chuck Billy was there he would have agreed it was ok. Besides, Mom and Dad stayed seated, and that’s all that matters, right?
Just then a happy-go-lucky yellow lab came bounding into the office. He immediately noticed me, and dragged his Mom over to say “hi.” I smiled. I remember the days when I had to drag Mom places. I’m so glad she walks better on a leash now. Anyways, excited by the prospect of playing with my new friend, I jumped up. Then as if he was there with me, I heard Chuck Billy’s voice in my head reminding me to sit. Down went my butt. Then down onto my belly I went for good measure. I figured if I did a few sit/down push ups Dad wouldn’t notice that I almost broke the rules and ran off to play. He totally fell for it, and never said a word! However, it was Mom who was giving me a look this time. She must have been admiring my core strength.
As I did a few more sit/down push ups for good measure, I watched as my new best friend the lab headed over to the scale to be weighed. That’s when it happened. His owner misjudged the “good boy” treat toss, and the treat bounced off his nose before falling under the scale! I know Chuck Billy said don’t accept treats from strangers, but this was clearly different. This was a treat rescue! I instantly jumped to my feet. But alas, the treat rescue had to wait because Dr. Marion appeared out of nowhere to take me to my exam room. Again I played it off like I knew she was coming, so Mom and Dad totally didn’t notice I almost broke the treat rule. Thanks Dr. Marion for covering up my mistake for me!
However, what I did next couldn’t possibly be missed by Mom and Dad. I was so excited to see my best friend Dr. Marion and her assistant, that I lost my mind and started jumping and spinning with excitement. It’s been six whole months since I last saw her! So of course I was excited! But that made it rather hard for her to do my eye exam. Sensing I needed to compose myself, she offered to leave the room for a few minutes so I could collect my thoughts. When she returned I did a much better job, but have to admit I still flopped around like a fish when she shot that puff of air into my eye to check the pressure. Chuck Billy never mentioned what the rule was for that, so I think I can’t be held accountable there.
Anyways, my trip to the ophthalmologist was certainly an eye opening experience. There’s a lot of responsibility making sure Mom and Dad behave. Thankfully my next check up coincides with Chuck Billy’s annual eye exam, so he can be in charge. I’m just happy that this time I was able to cover up my embarrassing behavior so as not to affect Mom and Dad’s training.
