A Day in the Life: The Pack’s Vet Trip Adventure
Woof! Staying up to date on your vaccines and being neutered on time means you wag your tail through a long, healthy life while keeping yourself and other furry friends worldwide safe—because every pupper deserves to be happy and healthy!
From early morning preparation to a chaotic but memorable night, it was a day full of milestones, surprises, and lessons learned. Join me as I walk you through my vet trip and everything that happened!
The Morning Rush
Our day began with a whirlwind, picking up my grandma at the hospital in McLennan, Alberta. As soon as she was in the car, my dad hit the gas, and we were gone, heading straight for Grimshaw without a single stop along the way. The drive felt like a race against time, and we were cutting it close with every mile. Luckily, we pulled into the parking lot just in time—barely making it for our appointment, hearts racing but relieved we’d managed to stay on schedule. Sometimes, the morning rush lives up to its name.
We started the day early, as vet trips always require extra preparation. I, Dad’s loyal companion, was first on the list. Today was a big one for me—I was scheduled to get fixed. But that wasn’t all. I had also been dealing with an ear infection that needed attention, and after some trial and error with different foods, my dad suspected I had food allergies. Additionally, a good nail clipping was long overdue.
Meanwhile, my sisters Karma and Sierra also came along for the adventure. Karma, always the social butterfly, needed her nails clipped. I could tell she wasn’t particularly thrilled about it, as she tended to be dramatic when it came to grooming; instead, she’d be giving hugs and kisses rather than cooperating… With her zest and vibrancy for life, she is used to turning heads, and the thought of having her purrfect paws trimmed was likely not appealing to her.
Sierra, on the other hand, was due for her updated shots. As an Australian Cattle Dog, she has a strong personality, and her reactions to new environments and unfamiliar people are often, let's say, talkative. I knew her tendency to create a scene, especially when uncertain or anxious. Just the thought of taking Sierra to the vet sent a shiver down my spine, knowing I would have to navigate through her typical drama…
At the Vet Clinic: A Brave Pack
At the vet, I was the main attraction, getting neutered, having my ear infection fixed, and getting my nails clipped. The staff was terrific, and despite the long list of tasks ahead, they handled everything with care. When the vet treated my ear infection, the vet confirmed what my dad had suspected—I have food allergies to both beef and chicken. While this means a dietary adjustment, having answers is a relief.
I handled the neutering procedure like a champ, not licking or biting at my stitches, so my vet didn’t even give me one of those ugly cones! My nails were clipped smoothly, making me wonder why I was scared to do it in the first place.
Next up was my sister Karma. True to form, Karma was calm and composed, barely flinching as her nails were trimmed. She’s the dog who seems to have mastered the art of staying calm under pressure and making friends with everyone in the process! Karma does need to learn how to ask to give kisses, though… that tongue of hers doesn’t slow down or stop; she might need a kissing speeding ticket!
Then came Sierra’s turn. If you know Sierra, you know that “calm” isn’t exactly her default mode when faced with new people. She’s loud, fast, territorial, and protective, making vet visits a bit circus. But today, something magical happened. Sierra surprised everyone, including me. Throughout her visit, she was a total sport, taking her updated shots like a pro.
Sierra’s excellent behaviour at the vet is undoubtedly due to Tara's exceptional care and expertise at Mighty Peace Vet Clinic in Grimshaw, Alberta. Tara’s gentle and patient approach made Sierra feel at ease, turning the visit into a pleasant experience. This clinic is a gem, offering fair and reasonable prices, friendly and compassionate staff, and outstanding pet care. Don't just take my word for it—my grandpa Fern has trusted Mighty Peace Vet Clinic with his cattle, dogs, and cats for over 20 years, and their dedication has never wavered!
Pet Health Matters
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Pet Health Matters 〰️
A Productive Pit Stop
While I visited the clinic for my procedure and recovery, my grandma and dad began running errands… without me, how could they do such a thing? They did all the grocery shopping, ticking off items on the list as efficiently as possible. After that, they made a quick stop to pick up my dad’s medical marijuana prescription, which has been a crucial part of managing his health due to having been diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD).
Next, it was time for my dad to pay the bills. We all know he hates paying the bills, but it must be done! My dad was satisfied with completing all those mundane tasks in one go, especially on a day packed with activity; I could tell because he wasn’t rushing and talking a mile a minute like the world was about to end!
The Journey Home: BP’s and Hockey Fever
Once Dad and Grandma finally arrived for me, they chatted with Tara about me, behind my back, of course… Tara let my Dad know about my allergies and different kibble options, and then we were set to go home, but not before I piddled on the floor in the recovery room! I was still dizzy but otherwise in good spirits, jumping up and down excited to see my dad, so he put my leash on, and we began the drive home. As we passed through Peace River, the familiar scent of Boston Pizza (BP’s) wafted. Dad and Grandma couldn’t resist. They grabbed a to-go order, and Karma, Sierra, and I got excited to have a comforting meal waiting for us at home, but we couldn’t have been more wrong… they didn’t even share one bite with us… just kidding, of course they did, they always share with us; we’re spoilt brats, and we know it! (sssh!)
Thankfully, the roads were surprisingly good for this time of year, so we made it home in the same time as usual. When we arrived back at the house, we settled in to watch the Edmonton Oilers game while enjoying our BP feast. Sensing that Dad and Grandma were relaxed, My siblings and I found our favourite spots and drifted off into our post-adventure naps. There’s something special about these moments—family, food, and hockey blended perfectly to create comfort and connection, making it easy to understand why hockey is Canada’s game!
A Not-So-Perfect Ending
As the night wore on, the celebratory mood took a turn. My Dad and Grandma decided to indulge a little too much, and well, let’s say the evening ended with both of them feeling worse for wear. The Oilers won their game, and that’s what matters, right?
Despite the rough ending, the day was a success. Karma, Sierra, and I got the care we needed! Sierra defied expectations, and we accomplished a lot in between. Sometimes, life is about taking the good with the bad—and finding joy in the chaos.
Don’t worry about me, I’m doing great! Lounging on the couch after a day at the vet! Heck, I’m not even sure what happened…
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Reflecting on the day, a few key takeaways stand out:
Health First: My ear infection and food allergies had to be addressed to ensure my long-term well-being.
Patience Pays Off: Sierra’s calm demeanour at the vet was a reminder that even the most energetic and protective dogs can surprise you when given the right environment and support.
Celebrate Small Wins: Whether you get through a vet visit without drama or watch your favourite team win, celebrating the little victories makes life enjoyable.
Balance and Moderation: Maybe Dad and Grandma should ease up on the post-game drinks next time!
Looking Ahead
My recovery is underway, and we’re exploring new food options to find something that accommodates my allergies. Karma and Sierra are back to their usual antics, and the house feels as lively as ever. The day may have been a rollercoaster, but these experiences make life with furry children like my siblings and me rewarding! Here’s to more adventures with the Pack—hopefully with fewer bumps and more wins along the way!
“Celebrate the small wins—they’re the stepping stones to your most significant victories”
