I spend half my life humanizing Ellie B aka Dogamous Pyle. I admit it.
Our beloved rescue mutt is so dang smart. If she could talk she’s freely engage my dear wife Karen and I in conversation each night about the shows we watch, the Mets games. She’d discuss the merits of wine vs. beer with us in the backyard of the Little Bitty in the Syracuse city neighborhood of Eastwood and implore me to let ‘er at the animals awaiting her in the dark beyond our wooden fence.
I imagined her worry yesterday afternoon for her annual checkup a mile up the road at the vet’s office at Shop City. Two shots this time!
Can you get them to be quiet out there?
Not so much.
Once we got into the examination room, it was more like Curious Georgette trying to figure out from the sounds what she was missing back out in the lobby.
And once we got home, it took her one minute to pee in the backyard, one minute to look me in the eye and beg for some sort of food, and one minute to give up and take a nap.
Yeah, how stressful that shot on her paw that warranted a blue bandaid must have been!
Do you put thoughts and words into your pet’s personality? Does your pet seem to worry at the vet’s office? Who takes a shot worse, you or you pet, and describe the reaction, please.
Mark Bialczak 
i’ve always had pets shy away from the docs for the same reason that i am so scared when going to the dentist. i understand them and their reluctance. ellie b. is a smart girl in my book )
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She is pretty wise, Beth, like you. 🙂
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Aww, poor Ellie B! 😦 Why did she need shots? Is she okay? Why did she get shots in the paw and not the hiney? My cats HATE the vet, or worse yet, they hate the RIDE to and from the vet. It always elevates their blood pressure so much. 😦 Hug that Ellie girl for me. 🙂
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Ellie B got two shots she needs to get every year, and I think that they did the blood draw to test her for lyme disease in her paw, Rachel. I got the call. No heartworm or lime disease. For the dog. I’ll give her hugs.
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YAY! I’m glad she’s good! 🙂
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We went to the vet today with our dog. He’s absolutely terrified at the vets. It’s insane. (I didn’t even remember to take pics or document our trip for our dogs blog. I was to busy trying to keep said dog sane.)
Anyway I think part of the reason is he probably associates that place with pain an us leaving him there. He’s almost died on more than one occasion.
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Well with the circumstances you state, Gibberina, no wonder! Dog’s blog?
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Yes he has some survival stories that’s for sure.
I recently started a blog/website well our dog Lowryder does the blogging. 😉 http://www.lowrydersanimaltails.com
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I will make sure Ellie B checks it out, Gibber. 😉
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That’d be awesome. We can even showcase Ellie B. Lowryder shares. 😉
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Oh, you are one of the best sharers ln BloggyVille, Gibberina, and I mean EVER!
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Aww thanks Mark. I guess I believe that’s what it’s all about. Supporting our fellow bloggers. 🙂
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I just want to hug her. That is all.
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She’d hug you back, Kerbey. She snuggles back up against you and hugs that way.
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We used to as kids use different voices for our dogs, while my brother, Rich, still uses them. One is a slow speaking goofy sounding voice for his Newfoundland who is so relaxed, then there is a hyper voice for Mom’s dog Bella or Baya who is the rescue pup from the lake who has been residing with Susan and Rich. She is half weiner dog and half beagle. No way was she allowed over at Mom’s senior living place. Then he uses a fairly normal voice for his Golden Retriever. It is hilarious since there are often guest dogs at holidays, Mark!
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See. I knew MDW Karen and I weren’t the only ones, Robin! I like the sounds of what went on and still goes on in your family. 🙂
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Fun post Mark- Ellie B looks pretty laid back in your photos. It’s been too long since I’ve had a dog Now our cats were terrified of the vet’s. I got the impression that they associated the smell with bad things happening. Plus a lot of other animals are terrified there as well and whine or meow – that upset them as well.
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Group animal anxiety is pretty awful, Paul. It’s much like human emotion spreading throughout a room!
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I don’t have a pet. But if I had a pet it would be a dog. And if I did have a dog I’m not sure if I would humanize my dog, or my dog would dogize me. 🙂
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Ha! Woof, ruff, bow-wow, MBC. Roll-over!
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Ha! Okay, I can handle that!!!! Sounds like Miss Ellie has already started working on you!!!!! 🙂
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When I had a dog, I would imagine similar things Mark. But now I wonder if I just projected my fears onto him, you know like he sensed my anxiety about something and tried to comfort me kind of way? E is a brave girl, why didn’t you immediately feed her??? ❤
Diana xo
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She’s on a diet, and had to wait for her dinner time, Diana. The vet reitierated that to me! 🙂
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ooooh that vet is such a kill-joy! Seriously though, you’re a good puppy daddy. 🙂
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To try to keep the chow-hound away from our people food is a chore every day, my dear friend Diana! 🙂 ❤
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awh, she’s such a sweet face, Niki-no-pets, i just make sure that I only make friends with people that have pets! nearly true!
these days… they are the race horse type of pets, such brave beasts
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I gallop in my admiration for you, Niki-no pets. 🙂
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as, i you, for rescuing and loving sweet face
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Just look at her, Niki! 🙂 Thank you, Brighton friend.
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tis my pleasure to see x
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I love Ellie B! I’d love to introduce her to Macy (rat terrier) and Cleve (German Shorthair).
Both of our pooches feel human, too. I keep waiting for one of them to yell at the TV when the Royals are playing. Glad your four-legged girl is doing well.
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I’m glad you feel the kinship to canine personalities, too, Michelle. Our dogs love baseball! 🙂 Hot dogs!
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Our hamster has no idea what a vet is! Our old rabbit didn’t like the place at all – too many other animals around the place i think. Dogs become part of the family in a way that no other pet does – she can read your thoughts I’m sure 🙂
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When I take my cats, they always get their shots in the back of the neck… and even though they’re just going into a fold of skin the vet is pulling up, I can’t help but wince when I see it. You would have to tie me down to give me a shot in the back of the neck!
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I have to get blood tests semi-annually for my diabetes, Bill, and they practically have to tie me down to get that needle into the crook of my arm. Well, I do exaggerate, but I do not fancy it, so I empathize with you and your cats and that neck fold thing. Ouch.
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Sugar and Spice pull that too. Sugar has diabetes and must have two shots a day now. It is funny when Sugar gets her shot, Spice runs and hides. Sisters. They share everything. I love your sweet doggy girl. What a beauty!
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Sugar and Spice share the twin trait, Colleen! Holy cow!! Or should I say Holy Cat!! And of course, my dear friend, I must ask if you named Sugar and Spice BEFORE you knew that one of them had feline diabetes? Was that just a remarkable coincidence?
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Yes, they are Pomeranians and their names fit their personalities. LOL. All coincidence. My granddaughter said it was, “ironic.” 😊🐕🐕
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Smarty, she is, Colleen. ❤
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Super cutie she is!! Even we love to return to our sweet home from clinic as early as possible and doc is somewhat a fearful person even for us…So why would she be an exception???
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Our mutt loves our home sweet home as much as we do. You are right about that, soumicha! 🙂
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Ellie B is a gorgeous dog and I say this as a cat person. Poor lady dog. Such an ordeal. 😥
I hate taking my pets to the vet. I had a new rescue cat to the vet five months ago. He wanted nothing to do with those people that he climbed into the carrier with a look on his face that said, “Please. Can we go home now?”
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Poor rescue kitty, Tess! As a general rule, having owned several kitties here, I think the felines are wary of most strangers and unfamiliar indoor places. Thanks for your compliment on our good-looking canine!
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You are both welcome. 🙂
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I have to admit I have always talked to my furry four legged babies like they were really my babies, bro. Mark. They quickly learned the meaning of several words — food, eat, dinner, lunch, treat. It was funny how they knew exactly what I meant when I used those words. Tails would wag, eyes would light up, and they would beat me to the area where the food or treat was stored — separate areas, but they knew the difference. The cats always came running when they heard the can opener starting. That was funny at first, but after everyone and their great aunt Dodo started doing it when they came in the kitchen, or made special trips to the kitchen, it lost it’s appeal for me. A trip to the vet would have even the largest of the German Shepherds cowering in my lap though. 140 pounds of muscle sitting on 125 pounds of person was kinda funny, but I couldn’t seem to move them. The best vet experience though, was when I took my pig in for a checkup. People came over with huge smiles on their faces to see the —- pig??? I wish I had a video camera with me that day.
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Yes, Ellie B has a wonderful understanding vocabulary as well, sis Angie. She lights up at the mention that we are going to Cape Cod tomorrow, for example. Dogs are something.
Your pig should have been an attraction for wow factor, no doubt!
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bro Mark, yesterday one of my grand-sons died by suicide. The pain is numbing, but I still feel the reality. I need some hugs.
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Oh, no. I am numb to hear this news. So sorry, sis Angie. You have the hugs and condolences and prayers from myself and my dear wife Karen.
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Thank you bro Mark, and please thank Karen for me. I’ve discovered so many friends since this happened, real friends rather than the nosy people. It has helped me so much.
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You are a strong woman, sis. We love you.
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I’ve been finding love in so many places bro Mark. So many people who never spoke to me before are now offering support. This hits home for so many people.
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My dogs love the vet. So much attention there.
my husband and I are so guilty of having conversations on their behalf. They’re little guys with big personalities which makes it all too easy.
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Yes, I read about your guys here on your love list just yesterday, Jay. ❤ Good that you and hubby talk with them and for them, I truly believe, obviously. 🙂
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For the last two years, Mark, we’ve had vets who come to our home. This provides better, more patient-centered care for our cats Oscar and — especially — fretful Harley. They are not as chill as the adorable EB aka DP.
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That’s a good racket for your Boston vet, Ann. I bet they have a thriving cat practice. Goo for Oscar, and especially the equally adorable but more fretful Harley.
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I have a weird dog who LOVES to go to the vet. I think it’s because she remembers a vet once helped her feel better. (She was a rescue, and she came to me with a broken leg.) She loves to jump on the scale and she behaves very well. She doesn’t seem to mind the shots, but she yelps at the blood draw, which yanks my heartstrings. The thing that terrifies her is nail clipping. I’ve always clipped my dogs myself, but I can’t with Sadie. She’s so sensitive. She cries like someone is killing her. I have the vet do that, and I ask for her to be muzzled, cause it’s the one thing that makes her nip.
I do personify her. My goodness, our dogs are so expressive, their eyes speak volumes.
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That’s so interesting, Joey. We picked up our rescued Ellie B IN the vet’s portion of the Rome Human Society after her fixing operation, and she was scooting around that joint as if she owned it, no fear at all. But the only thing that give her pause (paws?) is the nail trim, just like your Sadie. Karen learned right off she couldn’t do that at home, and the techs at Pet Smart refused to try after one crack, so to the careful vet she goes for that. They tell us she’s better about it, but still.
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It’s interesting that they’re both so terrified of nail clipping. The vet does a much better job.
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We think the vet does the best nail job by far. Agreed, Joey.
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Oh she is adorable. Neither of our dogs enjoyed a visit to the vet. One would constantly attempt to jump off the examining table, the other would just drool the whole time. I spent 19 years anthropomorphizing my dogs- sure that their emotions, thoughts and feelings were just as real as mine.
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I give Ellie B a Brooklyn accent. That’s my real secret there, Lisa.
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LOVE IT!
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I never, ever anthropomorphize my pets. Just ask Cody.
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I never, ever try to type anthropomorphize, CM. I would so humanize Cody. You know I do in my comments on your blog already!
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I admit that I had to look that word up before I typed it.
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I can get close enough that spell check will give me the right spelling – this is me bragging.
Nah, Nah, Nah Nah Nah 😛
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My son used to find out that he would be having a shot at the doctor’s office for his next visit (a year later) and start worrying about it right away. I explained to him that it was just making it much worse. Glad those days are over. Since I don’t have a pet, that’s all I got!
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That’s a good story, Marissa. I want to go out there to LA and pet your son on the head. ❤
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He likes to get scratched behind the ears.
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Do you brush his coat, er, hair with a wire brush, too?
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Of course!
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Oh my God. So adorable!
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Are you going to hang out with Ellie B when you come over here, LR? She’ll jump up on you and try to love you to death. I warn you, that’s her lovey-dovey style!
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YESYESYES!!!!!!!!
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Beautiful dog!!! My dogs love going to the vet because they basically take over the whole waiting room (Great Dane and Golden Retriever). The Great Dane just puts his head on the counter and stares at the receptionist. The only thing they really hate is getting on the scale. It’s quite tricky with Mikey who weighs about 150lbs.
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Those two would take over a bus terminal, SD. 🙂 Thanks for adding such a weighty comment here.
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Anytime!!!
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What a cute face! You can just tell she knows how to work those eyebrows : )
I never had to take a dog or cat to the vet. Only bunnies and a duckling. And children. The worst there was holding my extremely needle-phobic screaming toddler tightly during a vaccination (BTW, I saw a study way back that linked NICU kids with frequent blood draws to lifetime needle phobia among many of them) while his younger Irish twin was, understandably, punching and kicking me: “Quit being mean to my brother!”
Broke my heart, the two of them, not understanding why Mommy was so mean.
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Yeah, that’s a bad one, Babe. Being double-teamed by twins mad about going to the doctor. Ack.
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At least they were healthy, Mark.
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Indeed, Babe.
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After an ordeal like that she needs her rest.
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The wait in the reception area with a handful of other stressed dogs was enough to make me need a nap, Scott. Oy.
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At least it wasn’t a pediatrician’s office.
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Yeah, the wait there is probably interminable, Scott. How many Highlights magazines can you go through?
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She looks so sweet and intelligent! My Vizsla is a rescue as well, wouldn’t have it any other way. Definitely talks and understands most language – it’s eerie at times! She developed a bladder stone last year from an extended stay at the kennel (“Paws by the Lake,” mind you – quite the pet resort), and I’m still paying for the vet bill! It was just like taking care of a person through the whole experience, and ever since then going to the vet is very traumatic for her. Love your stories about your little corner of the world, Mark. They warm my heart. 🙂
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Sorry to hear that Vizsla has been worried spiritually by her mending trip to Paws by the Lake, and you’re still paying materially, Kelly. Thanks for your kind words, my friend. By the way, have I missed a tale at your place about the rescue day and the selection of that wonderfully mysterious name? If not, HINT!
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No, you didn’t miss anything – maybe I can see what I can do 🙂 I’ve quickly learned you know a thing or two about what you’re doing – thank you!
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Poor pup. It’s so hard. Worst scream ever,either human or canine, came from my golden retriever mix while being treated for an infection. He not only feared the Vet, we had trouble getting him into the car after that.
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I suffer for the pup even reading this, Van. Sigh.
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Rex Butler is terrified of the vet. You’d think an 80 pound dog would be brave but he is a big baby. He tries to hide his head in my lap or crawl under the chair. He was in a lot of pain the last time he was in but when the vet touched him he remained stiff as a board, refusing to move (but at least didn’t growl or anything.) she said she’s not sure she’s ever seen such a stubborn dog, but she was so sweet with him. Since he was scared she did her exam plopped on the lobby floor instead of making him go back to an exam room.
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First off, Rex Butler is a great name, Hollie. Second, poor baby. Third, great vet you have. Very sweet indeed. ❤
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She is so cute. Taking pets to the vet is always awful. When I was growing up and we had dogs, they always seemed to know. With cats, there’s the ordeal of getting them into the cage. One of out cats, just walks in, but then cries once we lock the door, and he meows pitifully the whole way. The other cat will not get into the cage willingly–it’s a whole routine. He will run if he even hears someone bringing the cage up from the basement. I’m glad your girl is ok and just needed her shots.
As for putting thoughts and words into a pet’s personality–I have no idea what you mean. All of our pets have always been able to talk and have their own voices. 😉
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Yes, our past cats were not good vet-goers at all, Merril. Toby in particular dodged the travel crate at all costs. And once wrassled in and then let out in the examination room, he’d jump into the sink and lay low, thinking that would make him invisible to all.
Taunting “You can’t see me!” in his own voice, of course.
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Of course, Mark.
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She’s a cutey!
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Yes, Ellie B has me wrapped around her little paw, Vonita. 🙂
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I can see that 🙂 and so she should!
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