Sep 17 - the cone of shame

Poor Abby.  Because she won't let that thing on her face heal, constantly rubbing it, she came back from the vet wearing the cone of shame.  Being a big dog, the cone too is big, and she's constant bumping up against things and then stands there, not sure what to do next.  She can go downstairs but not up.  She hits every stair and then waits for me to lift the cone.  Poor Abby.  She just stands there and looks at me -- "why Dad ?".  We have to take it off so that she can eat or drink.  Outside, she can't even smell the ground ... perhaps we could reduce its size a little ?

The vet changed antibiotics and took another biopsy.  We still don't really know if it's simply an infection or something more serious.  It doesn't go through to the inside of her mouth so if it has to be removed, vs simply healing on its own, it's still shallow.  It's not a tooth abscess or anything like that as its in the soft flesh at the side of her mouth.  Time will tell.  She'll be back at the vet next week.  In the meantime, the cone of shame ...

I went into town for mail, really didn't do much else aside from answering emails about the Sunshine 1200k.  I've got lots of work to do once back from Tennessee.  That trip down is pretty much set -- here to Dick's in Sarnia; then to Ken's in Monroe OH, then to Nashville.  I'll likely stop at Stef's on the way down; it's time to see how they're doing with the hardwood installation !

Ideally I would ride today but the HIGH is supposed to be 8C.  That's 46F, give or take.  That's not fun, in my book.    Whatever I do today, packing is then in order.  This is five days of riding, 120 hours, 1500km.

One of the items in the mail was a notice that our GP had left the practice in New Smyrna Beach.  We had her initially in Winter Park (Orlando area) and rejoiced when she was almost within walking distance.  I tried calling the Coopers (next door neighbors) who might know what's going on, since their daughter lives beside Dr. Keller and Kim (Dr. K) attends their church.  There was no answer.  I tried the Dr's office a few times, each time getting the answering service.  I finally got through and they were nice enough to tell me that she'd gone to Florida Hospital -- we're assuming that it's the new facility at SR44 and I95.  That's not quite as convenient, but certainly better than Winter Park !  I'll call to make an appointment when we have our travel plans set and then of course I'll have to call the old office to forward my file.

One thinks of doctors being pretty stagnant in their professional lives but not this one.  I guess she's not old enough for stagnation yet :).

So that was the day.  Jason is supposed to arrive today and I'll turn on his heaters mid-day unless he tells me otherwise.  I've got a fire going; it's 37F outside. 

Onward ...