Normal (but in no way average)

Greetings friends! 

My human has always advised me to avoid allowing medical issues to dominate my blog. (Apparently she learned from her own experience with Human Granny and Grandad that lengthy and repetitive descriptions of every single symptom experienced, no matter how personal and embarrassing, are not a good way to engage another's attention...).  

But I do want you to know that the results of last week's blood tests all came back as absolutely 'normal'. The vet also assured Gail that my daily water intake of 500-600 ml is well within the expected range. The current theory is that a slightly enlarged prostate might be contributing to my occasional 'accidents' in the house.

So the way forward is that Gail will continue to monitor my fluid intake, noting any changes, and will be more attentive when I indicate I would like to go outside.

On to cheerier matters. I was thrilled to meet up for a walk with my WFT group for the first time in six months. There was a bumper turnout (ten of us wiry guys plus one smooth-haired fox terrier) and we enjoyed a glorious romp on Balmedie Beach, with a modicum of merry terrier mayhem, as you can see from the photos below.

I think you'll agree that my blood might be normal, but in every other way I am well above average.

A lazy dog?

Sunday morning in Duthie Park is 'meet and greet' time and this week I was introduced to a grand new pup called Dexter. 

Can you believe that Dexter is only 14 weeks old and already bigger than me! 

He is, of course, an Old English Sheepdog, a breed we rarely see in these parts. (Gail thinks that might have something to do with the label 'English'.)

When Gail was herself a youngster - actually a stroppy adolescent - in Nottingham, her mother's friend Angela owned an Old English Sheepdog called Nell.

Gail, age 15, and Nell 

I know Gail was very fond of this dog, but still I am thinking that her imitation of Nell's hairstyle was ill-advised. Gail asks in her defence asks how many of her readers can offer photos of themselves as teenagers which feature well-advised hairstyles...

Nell and Angela

Angela herself (a consultant geriatrician) was rather better groomed. 

Nell was a calm and gentle character. She was apparently a reluctant walker, who after about half a mile would tend to sit down and refuse to move further. Worried about this, Angela once took her to the vet to have her checked over. Following a thorough examination, the vet pronounced that there was absolutely nothing amiss with Nell, and added "I'm sorry Dr Truman, I think you've just got a lazy dog"! 

Nell lived on to a ripe old age so we guess the vet was right.