Which is why I'm always so thankful that Dahlia can walk into the vet's office so calmly. Granted, she usually hesitates at the door, but she often does when I'm struggling with a heavy door with one hand and trying to get her to go through. She doesn't like the movement. I think she's worried it's going to close on her.
We had to visit the vet last week as Dahlia has developed a lump between her shoulder blades. First she was taken back for weighing and while she hesitates because she wants to stick with her mother, she went back easily enough. The vet tech returned her to me and said "What a sweetie!"
The vet came in shortly thereafter and squatted down to talk to Dahlia. She petted her for a moment and said "What a nice girl she is!" and then finally found the lump. Dahlia stood there, patiently allowing her to move it around, feel around it, and generally check it out. A fine needle aspirate was suggested and off she went to the back for that.
The vet returned with her and told me she was fantastic. "She took it like a pro!" She showed no fear, no stress, no worry, and happily accepted her ear scritches afterward.
While standing in the office paying for the visit and lab work, one of the techs came up to pet Dahlia, told me what a pretty and nice dog she was. She asked if she could offer her a treat. I acquiesced and she fed her a few small treats. As she was doing it, she said "Wow she takes them so gently!"
I imagine that vets and vet techs often see animals at their worst: when they're in pain, sick, or just generally stressed. Everyone in the office was completely enamored of Dahlia and it was so nice to leave there knowing everyone cares about her and thinks she's a wonderful dog.
She is, really. Some of it is her personality, some of it is her training, but much of it, I think, is how secure she feels in her home.
The diganosis, by the way? Benign, though removal has been recommended. We may or may not pursue the removal aspect. At this point, we're waiting to see if anything happens to it and waiting until we're done with our current agility class before taking it more seriously.
