2025 Life Logs, Day 265: First Day of Fall 2025
Date: Monday, September 22, 2025
Weather: Perfect Fall Weather; High Temp 69, Low 59 degrees F
Location: At Home on Lakeview Avenue with My Shadow, Falmouth, MA
I spent this first day of fall focused on Shadow. He was a slight bit better this morning than he was last night, but I woke up very early this morning worrying about my best buddy. When I finally got up, I put him in the car and went to his veterinarian’s office. It was 8:30 am and there was not one car in the parking lot and no one inside. I waited about 10 minutes, still no one, so I drove to Joanie’s house to pick up Archie to walk with me and my Shadow. We did a short walk and I called the vet halfway through the walk. I could not get an appointment for today, so I called a new vet in town. I was desperate to get a doctor’s opinion on Shadow’s condition today. Joanie had sent me the number of this vet after I picked up Archie. They could see Shadow at 2:30 pm, so I made the appointment.
I took Shadow home, delivered checks to the library as part of my job as Treasurer for the Board of Trustees, and went to the Coonemessett Inn to pin down details for the Encore Holiday Luncheon in December. At 2:30 pm, Shadow and I arrived at Vista, the new veterinarian’s office. After a multitude of tests, I learned that Shadow does not have Lyme disease, does not have an invasive blood infection, does not have heartworm, does not have . . . His blood tests were described as ‘perfect’. The doctor examined him inside and out. He does have swollen scent glands, but that is not the problem. Who knew dogs have scent glands? He tests as a super healthy dog. The doctor says it could be a pancreatic issue, inflammation of the gut lining, or that he strained for sprained something jumping and running while playing fetch. This first set of tests cost $600. So, he suggested a 4-day medication to calm his gastrointestinal system along with 4 days of rest, no long walks. After that, we can determine if an ultrasound is necessary. So this is a continuing story.
Tonight, I was sitting on the sofa talking to friend Lynne Kirwin and Shadow jumped up and sat on my lap for the first time in 4 days. I hope this means that whatever is wrong is righting itself. I hope, hope, hope, that is true.
Lynne is flying back to New Zealand on Wednesday, so this was our farewell talk. Of course, I can still talk to her once she is back in NZ. But that is so far away. Safe travels, Lynne. Shadow and I hope to see you next summer!
