Fips Gets Checked Out

We took Fips to Moraga to be checked out by Dr. Smith and to get his third DHLRP shot. Once he gets that, we can take him out in earnest, at least around the Lake. Smith has a very gentle manner and Fips seemed to like him. At least he did not quiver or seem ill at ease.

Everything checked out ok so far, although Fips’s umbilical cord protrudes. Smith doesn’t think it’s a problem for now. These hernias can self-correct, although there’s a possibility it might have to be reworked. According to Smith, Fips also has a slight overbite, but that too should not be a problem. Otherwise, he seems quite healthy.

Needless to say, Michael has been in doting mode, stocking up on all sorts of doggie accoutrements, from yeast pills to chew toys. He has bought nail clippers, brushes, flee combs and shampoos. He also bought a nice ceramic water dish and a lovely multi-colored wool collar which is quite dashing against Fips’ brown and wild boar hair.

I asked Michael if he was considering taking Fips to “obedience classes”. He gave me an impatient look. “What for?” “Just wondering,” I demurred. As far as Michael was concerned there was no need for such stuff as Man and Dog would reach their own ordained and natural equilibrium. The only thing a dog needed to be trained to do, he said, was to unquestionably give up anything he had taken into his mouth. This was necessary, Michael explained, because dogs had no way of knowing if that something was poisonous or hurtful.

I added that it seemed to me Fips also had to be trained to halt on command. Michael agreed saying that he already would not let Fips cross the street until told “jetz” -- German for “now”.

“So are we going to speak to him in German?”

“He’s a German dog”

“He was born in California.”

“I’m speaking to him in German.”

“Well please make sure he learns nicht zu pissen inside”

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