MONDAY NOVEMBER 13 2000 New Pup George goes for checkup, etc.

At 8:00 this chilly morning Big Chow Puppy George (our newest arrival) and I were at our clinic for George's checkup. This big, gentle Chow pup is also very timid, and it took a bit of coaxing to get him to walk into the clinic with me.

George weighed in at 50 pounds, and I was really surprised when the doctor said he is only seven months old! I figured this big pup to be at least a year old.

After George had his complete and thorough examination, including blood tests, all of which showed that he appears to be in good health (with his only problem being ear mites), the doctor said they would be able to neuter him this morning, so I hugged the fellow goodbye, and I'll pick him up tomorrow.

Someone recently asked me why our vet bill is always so high. Just take George's new arrival's checkup, for example, which is the same type of checkup that every dog and puppy get when they come to our shelter. The cost for George's vet care (so far) totals $233.16.

Every new arrival's checkup consists of the basic examination of the dog's eyes, ears, heart, temperature, etc., plus vaccinations for rabies and DHLPP (which includes parvo and distemper), the heartworm blood test, the intestinal parasite exam, the intestinal bacteria exam, the pre surgical profile blood test before neuter or spay surgery, and possible treatment for worms or ear mites, which most all stray dogs and puppies seem to have.