A team effort and a question

Readers, I guess you might be wondering how things are going with my paws, after I had so many problems with painful interdigital cysts earlier in the year.

Well I'm delighted to report it's all good news!  When Gail took me for a follow up visit with dermatology specialist Peter Forsythe on Friday (in Aberdeen not Glasgow this time) he carefully examined the skin between the pads and said he was really pleased 'cos there were no signs of any soreness or infection and, basically, everything looked hunky dory.

I could claim the credit for the improvement, as I've been so good about tolerating all the paw washes and the poking around making sure not one tiny grain of dirt is left in even the deepest cleft between my pads.

But, I will concede, Gail is also to be congratulated on her persistence in making sure that every single day, even when she has to get to work early, she never omits to go through the now well established paw cleansing routine after my morning park walk.

And then of course, we have to recognise the contribution of Mr Forsythe, who took the time to consider my medical history, examined me carefully, and then applied his expert knowledge and judgement to work out the likely source of the problem.

So really, the fact that my paws are now in finest of fettles is down to a team effort - so often the best way of solving a seemingly intractable problem, don't you think?

Oh and talking of team efforts (or not..) I have a question for my readers in the USA. Watching the TV news this week, I am, frankly, puzzled.

You see, whenever Gail tells me about her time working in your country, and about the friends she still has over there, she says how almost all the Americans she's met have been kind, polite, considerate and gracious in their behaviour.

So it is disappointing to find out that across the Pond there are several humans in positions of power  who are setting a very different sort of example.

How could this happen? I am, I admit, confused.

Empathising with Human Granny

Friends, I have most excellent news to report. My paws are finally feeling a whole lot better. I even ventured to run a short distance on the grass a couple of days ago. Yes, I actually ran! For the first time in over a month. Gail caught in on camera and says it is the best ever video of me (albeit only eight seconds long).

This coming weekend, Gail and I are heading south on the train, as a visit to Nottingham is overdue.

Gosh I am so looking forward to seeing Human Granny. She suffers badly from arthritis in her feet. In fact Gail says that aching feet have been one of HGY's favourite topics of conversation for many decades now, and so I am sure she will be full of sympathy for my recent plight. Oh yes, we will have much to discuss.

Won't that be fun, Gail?

I've got spots too Katie!

There is this dearest little foxy terrier called Katie who lives in Iowa U.S.A. I think that many of you already know her. She's almost exactly the same age as me and, although we've never met and I'm told I'm too young for that sort of thing, I think of her as my very own sweetheart.

Well last week she posted a lovely picture on her blog, showing off her newly developed and totally adorable dappled look. Like sunshine on a forest floor. I do hope she doesn't mind me showing the photo again.

Hmm. So it seems that a pseudo-dalmation appearance is the in thing at the moment.

Well I don't have any cute little polka dots any on my back, at least not yet, but, Katie, I don't want you to go thinking I'm completely spot free. It's just that us Scots lads like to hide our light under bushel (and no I'm not talking about the kilt business.....)

Yes that's right, I have spotty paws!

Rather fine don't you think Katie?

Now Katie, I would like just a word in private.

A little bird has told me that you were flirting with your celebrity visitor Jake a few days ago. That's Jake of Two Special Wires fame.

Tell me it isn't true!

PS And Katie, something even more private. It's a bit, er, embarrassing but I don't want us to have any secrets from each other. How to put this nicely? Well, since we were on the subject of Scotsmen and kilts, you know what you see if the wind blows the kilt out of postion? Two round dangly 'boys bits'. Well so far it seems I only have one of them.

Please don't tell anyone else.