02/11/05 6:53 PM

Hi Rebecca,
This is quite an impressive place! It certainly has all the bells and
whistles, and I think it should do just fine for you and Holly. Some of
the veterinary relationship is about services, and some of it is
comfort and chemistry. It is very important that you and Holly feel
welcome there, have your questions answered, and that you get
information and education when you go there as well as a bill for
services rendered. I can share a lot about my recent vet experiences
lately when I see you.
I am starting to wonder how we are going to get it all in... Wish we'd
arranged for a sleep over! Just kidding!
We just got back from a big trip to the dog park with a running path.
Holly was off leash, and she ran up and barked at a guy on a bike, with
her roo, roo, roo (who are you, what are you doing) bark. I gave him
the "therapy hot dogs" to give her, and she took them easily, and was
fine. Same thing with a runner and a big guy in a parka. The hot dogs
do the trick- in fact, smart girl that she is, she began to look at me
first, then bark, than look for the treat.
But, there is something scary to her about people if they stare at
her at first, have their hands behind their backs like they are hiding
something, or if they raise their hands to her. I hope you aren't put
off by this, but I must be honest with you. I have been working with
her every day on this, and anything else that seems to unnerve her
(like the suitcases), but she will need some more time to finish her
healing.
So, when you come, I will ask you to look past her at first, and keep
your hands out front and relaxed. We will make it special and fun and
low key for everybody. And full of her favorite treats, too.
In the pictures I sent you, Iggy is carrying a baby around. He takes
it everywhere now- even on walks and to the park. It is one of his
stages in development. Holly has a baby doggie in her crate, but she is
not attached to it like Iggy is to his. He is 1 month further down the
development line than Holly, so in a way you can see where she will be
in the near future. Holly does like squeaky toys. Her favorite one
right now is a large red tomato with 6 squeakers, and she does like
soft squeaky balls. What Holly really needs now is her new home and her
new Mommy and Daddy- something I can't give her and you can. The toy
development should flourish once she settles in with you.
I am so greatful to you for this opportunity for Holly..
Hope this helps!