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!Joe Flanigan (![[info]](http://www.journalfen.net/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} dr_dolittle) wrote,@ 2009-06-14 23:49:00 |
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Joe Flanigan, Mads Mikkelsen and Daniel Craig. Doctor's appointment with Dr. Joe
[Saturday, March 14, 2009]
Mads looks around the waiting room, holding Mindy's leash while he watches Daniel filling out the paperwork. Daniel has better handwriting than he does, and spells in proper English. Which is another thing that Mads is lacking. But Mads is watching the pen move across the page with avid interest, even with all the cats and dogs and... whoa, is that a lizard over there?! Mads leans forward to try and get a good look at the thing in the tank. It's moving, and he thinks it's green. But what is it?
"What are you looking at?" Daniel sees Mads' movement from the corner of his eye as he finishes up copying all of the information he has on hand, and adding his own knowledge, to the information sheet for Mindy's new vet. Kristin had recommended him, said that she'd bring Maddie to him if she didn't already have a relationship with Dr. Roberts. Dr. Roberts is nearing retirement and not taking on new patients, so since Mindy needs a post-adoption check-up, they're here at Dr. Flanigan's instead. The waiting room is warm and cosy, two other dogs and a box full of kittens waiting their turns along with him and Mads and their princess, who is laying across their feet and looking miserable.
"Something in a tank." Mads says, in a low whisper. "I think it's a lizard. But I'm not sure. It might be a frog. Or something." Mads can feel Daniel's eyes on him and he carefully looks at his lover, and he sees the way Daniel is looking at him. He looks around the room and sits back, almost like a contrite dog who's been scolded. "Well, it was just a thought...."
"No, I just wasn't sure," Daniel smiles and leans over and kisses Mads' cheek, oblivious to the giggles of the teenage girls with the kittens. He peers at the tank. "I think it's an iguana. Hmm, or maybe a skink? There was a bloke in my dormitory at university who had a skink. It got loose one time, somehow, and ended up in the showers. Sat there on the floor of a shower, just hanging out. It liked the humidity, I suppose. The guy came and got it and cradled it like a baby and was cooing at it, 'oh I thought you were lost and gone forever.'" Daniel laughs, trying to recall that fellow's name. Oh well, it's no matter now. "So long as it's not a snake, it's fine by me." Daniel does not like snakes at all.
"Snakes, cats..... is there anything else I need to know about that you don't like?" Mads looks at the form on the clipboard. "Are we done? Do we take it back up to the window now?" He reaches down to scratch Mindy behind her ears, gently. "Is there anything else we need to put down?"
"Just snakes and cats. The snake thing is much worse than the cat thing. Cats I just don't want to own. Snakes are... eww." He laughs and looks down at the dog, carefully sliding his feet from under her. "Yeah, I'll take this back up, then we just wait our turn." He carefully gets up and edges his way around Mindy and hands the clipboard to the receptionist, peering closer at the animal in the tank. He returns to Mads with a happy smile. "Iguana," he nods.
"Oh! Iguana!" Mads seems rather happy with that bit of information. "See, I knew you were brilliant like that." He leans over and kisses Daniel on the mouth, with a smile. "Brilliant, good looking, and incredibly English. I like your Englishness. It's very English." Mads knows he's just looking in Daniel's eyes and watching Daniel's face, but it's a weakness. He likes looking at Daniel. Mads lowers his voice. "And it's also very nice, having you in my shields. And always with me like that. That's good too."
Daniel laughs, the teenagers tittering once more. "You appreciate my English Englishness? I'll remember that if I ever think about trading it in for, say, Irish Englishness." He rests his head on Mads' shoulder for a moment. "I like being in your shields. It feels safe. Being in your shields and part of our little family." As if on cue, Mindy looks up and barks, just once, making her place in the family structure known. "Oh yes, we love you too, pretty princess, we do." Daniel leans down and scritches the dog's ears, smiling at her as her tongue lolls out of her mouth and she seemingly smiles back at him.
Mads chuckles and reaches down to pet Mindy as well. "Such a pretty girl, hm? Are you going to remember to introduce yourself, properly? You can say to the doctor that your name is Mindy Mikkelsen-Craig, hm? I'm sure you can say that, you're such a smart girl." He pulls a treat from his pocket and offers the small tidbit to her.
"Now why is she Mikkelsen-Craig, and not Craig-Mikkelsen?" Daniel teases, nudging Mads with his elbow. "The next pet we get is going to be a Craig-Mikkelsen." He shakes his head. Such silly things he comes up with, when he thinks about his household, the person and the animal who have his heart. "Can you say that, Mindy? Mikkelsen can be a hard name to say."
The door to one of the exam rooms opens, and Joe looks around, the clipboard in his hand. "Mindy? Bring your parents and come on in," he calls, a warm smile on his face.
I don't know about this, Mindy worries, but she gets to her feet and looks up at Daniel and Mads. Is he going to hurt me? I don't want needles. They stuck needles in my bum last time I was in a place that smelled like this.
Daniel leans down and ruffles the dog's neck. "It's okay sweetie. Dr. Flanigan is going to take good care of you. This is just a check-up. We'll be right there with you." Daniel takes her leash, ready to lead her into the exam room.
Mads gently pets her. "Come on. It'll be okay, I'm sure. We just want to be sure you're all good and healthy and everything up to date." He ruffles her ears, to encourage her to come along. He's trying to be supportive, but she looks worried. Or upset. He can't tell which.
"Hi there, Mindy," Joe says, crouching down at her level and letting her sniff his hand before he pets her. "Good to meet you. I'm Doctor Joe. Your dads look a little worried, but don't worry about it--this is all no big deal." Still stroking her fur, he looks up at the men and smiles. "She's a beautiful girl. I'm sure you tell her that all the time."
Mads smiles. "She is, very beautiful. She's very well behaved, too."
Mindy looks at Joe with big, puppy eyes. Are there going to be needles? I don't like needles. Do I need to have more needles?
Mads looks at her ears, lifting them to look inside. "I gave her a bath, but I don't know how to clean her ears out. She's not going to get an infection in there if I didn't dry her ears out, is she? I'd hate to think giving her a bath would ruin her ears."
Mindy looks at Daniel, then at Joe. You'll have to excuse him. Daddy Daniel hasn't taken him for regular walks this winter. He's not really very socialized.
Joe winks at Mindy, and avoids the needle question, for the moment. "I'll take a look at her ears, but I'm sure they're fine. Just avoid actually putting anything in her ears, or trying to reach inside them with anything--fingers, Q-tips, just no. You can almost always tell when an animal's got infected ears, but a bath's not likely to do it. Do you mind lifting her up onto the exam table? We're just going to look you over, Mindy... nothing scary," he promises, back to looking at Mindy again.
Daniel crouches down and lifts Mindy up onto the exam table. "Here you go girl, don't be scared, it's all okay," he croons, smoothing her fur once she's on the metal surface. "Sit, please, so Doctor Joe can have a look at you. He needs to see if Mads waterlogged your ears." He chuckles. He's pretty sure that if Mindy's floppy ears were waterlogged, they'd know about it.
"Thanks--just relax, Mindy, no big deal," Joe promises, ruffling her fur again. He takes a quick look in her ears--no surprise, no water damage--and gives Mads a reassuring smile. "She's fine. As long as you're not pouring water right into her ears, it shouldn't be a problem. So--anything bothering you, Mindy?" he asks, smiling up at her owners when he asks the question, but a lot more interested in her answer than theirs.
Not really. Sometimes my paws itch. I have to lick them a bunch to make them feel better.
"I've done a little reading," Daniel mentions, "she licks her paws after she eats. Is that a soothing habit, or might it be an allergy or something? I saw a mention of allergy but it seemed odd that it would just be her paws affected."
"It could be a reaction to food, and it could also be a soothing habit," Joe says, carefully reaching for one of Mindy's paws and taking a look. "Is it something that's always happened, or just since she's been on whatever food you've given her since you've had her?" This time, he's speaking to Daniel, but looking at Mindy.
It just makes me feel better, and feel happy, Mindy looks bashful. Aren't I allowed to lick my paws? Is it bad?
"Since we've had her," Daniel confirms. "We're feeding her, uh, what is it Mads? Nature's Balance? Natural Balance? Something like that."
"Natural Balance. I'm not sure what flavors she really likes, but she seems to have approved of the organic one. At least, she actually ate that one instead eating around it when we started uh..." Mads has to pause to think of the right word. "Weened? Or um...." He looks at Daniel. "What is that word you used, for what that switching was?"
"Mm, yes, weaning her off of the grocery store stuff that they were feeding her at the shelter. It was okay but," Daniel shrugs, "we can afford the better stuff. She's young, we want her to have a nice long, healthy life."
"The grocery stuff isn't terrible, but it's a lot better if you can feed them the better food," Joe agrees. "Plus, it tastes better. With that food, I don't think it's likely an allergy. There's no sign of it, and it seems much more like something she's doing because she likes it. Which is okay, if it's just sometimes," he adds, exchanging a look with Mindy and giving her a smile. "But if it makes her paws sore, or red, then she needs to stop, because that wouldn't be good."
"Should we put something on them after she licks them? Lotion or something?" Mads asks. He's never owned a dog before and he catches Mindy's look from the corner of his eye. "What?" He asks her, then looks at Daniel and Joe. "Did I say something wrong?"
I don't think lotion would taste very good if I licked it. Mindy looks skeptical of the idea.
"No--it's a good question, and I'm glad you asked," Joe assures him. "If they aren't red or irritated at all, I'd just leave them alone. But any chewing on them, anything that makes them look inflamed or painful, that's too much," he says, making sure Mindy gets the point. "If it doesn't get to that point, and she just does it once in awhile, it's not harmful. Sometimes, dogs who've been in a shelter need to hang onto those comfort things for awhile. She'll probably stop eventually."
I don't chew, just lick. Makes the itch go away and makes me happy, Mindy affirms, peering around the room. So far none of the scary instruments have been used. She's happy that way.
"We'll keep a close eye," Daniel promises. "She's our princess, can't have her having any problems." He soothes the dog with gentle scratches behind her ears.
"Good--if it's not chewing, just licking, and not making her sore, it should be just fine," Joe says, nodding approvingly. "Did they know how old she was at the shelter? What vaccinations she's had... whether she's been spayed?" He hasn't gotten personal enough yet to find a scar on her stomach, still taking it slowly.
Mads scratches his cheek. "Um..." That was his typical response, that and looking at Daniel to provide the answers. "I think she's... spayed." The word feels strange, and it slows Mads down some as he's trying to recall. "I think she's a year.. or two? A year or two?" He's confused now and watching Daniel.
Mindy watches him watching Daniel, then looks at Daniel. Then at Mads, and she finally gives Joe a look. I don't think he's quite all there sometimes. He talks to me in strange words, sometimes. And he relies on Daddy Daniel a lot. I think he gets nervous.
"Spayed, and they said she's about 15 months old. She was brought to the shelter because her family lost their house. Foreclosure." Daniel grimaces and rubs Mads' back. He knows it's hard for his partner to remember mundane details like that.
Joe understands nervous, and he gives Mindy a bit of a wink. Managing not to laugh at the 'not all there' part. "That's an absolute shame... better than what lands some animals at the shelter, but still probably hard for your Mindy," he says. "Do you have vaccination records, or do we need to make sure those are up to date? Physically, she's gorgeous, and not just in the sense of being a lovely girl," he says, smiling at them, then Mindy. "They're very lucky to have you, Mindy."
"The woman at the shelter said that they've been overwhelmed with pets from families losing their homes. We're glad we found her. We feel lucky to have her." Daniel sighs, it's so heartbreaking. Lots of those folks are turning up in his hospital too, anxiety attacks, heart attacks, suicide attempts. "But, no, no records, I'm afraid." Daniel shakes his head. He's slightly afraid of what comes next.
I had people before I went to the place with all the other dogs, but I like Daddy Daniel and Daddy Mads better. The kids at my other house were too rough with me all the time. Mindy remembers those boys who liked to pounce on her and didn't know how to pet. Her new daddies know just how to scratch and rub in all the right places, and Daddy Mads lets her jump on him instead of the other way around.
"The woman at the shelter said that her other family had children. She said that the boys were young, and I am a little worried about what might happen when my son comes to visit. I don't want anything unfortunate happening while he's here, he's very hyperactive. Do you think it's going to be an issue? He tends to run around a lot, and I know some dogs don't like that sort of thing." Mads looks at Mindy, gently petting her ears and chin.
I think Daddy Mads' son is a big kid. The kids at my other house were little. Little kids are mean. Mindy really doesn't care much for preschoolers.
"How old is your son?" Joe asks. "The age of the kids can make a big difference. Really little ones aren't always being mean intentionally, but they don't know how to be around animals, and sometimes they can get overly rough without ever meaning to be cruel. They just don't understand," he says, as much for Mindy as for them.
"He's ten. I was concerned, I didn't want her to be surprised or something and snap at him. He's rather hyperactive. Runs around, makes a lot of noise." Mads starts petting Mindy, rubbing her ears and scratching under her chin. "I've heard dogs sometimes have a startle reflex or something.
"Some of them do, yes... Mindy seems pretty calm though. I'd just have a talk with your son first about how Mindy needs to get to know him first. Like making a new friend--you need to start a little bit slower. But it doesn't sound like he's the type to pounce on her or try and scare her or anything like that--noise and running around and playfulness shouldn't be a problem. Actually, I think he'd be a lot of fun for Mindy," Joe says.
I like to play and have fun, Mindy confirms. I don't mind noise. Except that noise that happens sometimes when it rains. That's bad.
"We can talk to our kids, when they come to visit, about being appropriate with a dog, that's no problem." Daniel nods, not really worried about Carl's hyperactivity. He's a smart little boy, if... energetic.
"I think that's a good idea," Joe says, busying himself at the counter behind the exam table, putting together a booster shot for Mindy. "Most kids are great with animals, but a conversation about being gentle, especially with a new pet, is always worthwhile. And good exercise too," he adds. "I'd suggest giving her a booster, since you don't have those records for her," he says, avoiding using words like 'needle' or 'vaccination' for the moment.
Mads nods a bit. "You're probably right, if it's a good bet." He looks to Daniel, to affirm the decision with his partner. "Good bet, Daniel?" His eyes briefly flicker to one side, but only Daniel would notice Mads' brief distraction. The medicines and Daniel's influence have improved Mads' ability to deal with issues when they arise.
"Definitely a good bet, since she's mixing with other dogs regularly." Daniel nods and tries to catch Mads' eyes, wondering what he's seeing in the room. Moving closer, keeping a hand on Mindy, he whispers to Mads, "everything alright, kæreste?"
Mads blinks and nods, sightly. "Fine, just thought I... saw something. Nothing... solid, but it was enough for me to notice it." He whispers and gives Daniel a smile and kisses his partner's cheek. "Thank you for asking." He gives Daniel a loving look, and brushes a stray bit of Mindy hair from Daniel's cheek.
"Okay," Daniel nods, taking Mads' hand and giving it a squeeze. "Pardon us, Dr. Joe," he apologises to the veterinarian. "We're randomly shmoopy, we haven't gotten past that stage yet."
They touch all the time, they hug and kiss and they lock me out of the bedroom. Mindy shakes her head.
If Daniel and Mads weren't right there, Joe could tell Mindy that being locked out of the bedroom is sometimes a good thing. Instead, he hides a smile. "Don't worry about it. I've gotten threats about paralyzing amounts of sap from some of my coworkers before, when David's here. From his staff too, actually," he admits. "Mindy, I'm just going to check a few spots up here on your skin... I'll be giving the loose skin on your neck a bit of a pinch, just like this. No big deal, okay?" he says, demonstrating on the scruff of her neck, releasing the fold of skin, then doing it again, while his free hand casually picked up the needle and smoothly injected the vaccine. Since it didn't have to go into the muscle, he could get away with it without her ever really being aware of what he'd done.
Am I okay? No needles, right Dr. Joe? Mindy looks up at him. Pinches aren't nice, but they're better than needles.
"Oh, excellent technique," Daniel approves. "Uh, sorry," he grins sheepishly, "I'm an emergency physician, that wasn't random patronisation or something. Forgive me."
Joe flashes a grin at Daniel, and winks at him. "No patronization taken, I promise," he assures him. "And I think you're just perfect, Miss Mindy. Unless you're hiding anything from me, you seem to be in perfect health."
I don't think I'm hiding anything. Um, I hid my hoop toy. Under the little bed. And I can't reach it now.
"I don't think she's the type to hide. Though I wonder if she knocks her toys under things. I can't find her hoop toy anywhere. And I've looked everywhere I could think of." Mads reaches out and pets Mindy again. "David is your partner? What does he do that he has a shop?" Mads is curious, though they've not gotten into his own occupation yet.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Some dogs like hiding their toys, or they just get them stuck. Under toys... beds... I'd look there," Joe says. "David's my partner--David Hewlett. He owns and runs Wizard Computers," Joe explains, unable to help but look rather idiotically proud whenever he talks about David. "He's a professional computer geek, basically."
Mads nudges Daniel. "We'll have to remember that, next time I think I've moved your computer memory." He looks at Joe. "I absolutely hate trying to use his fancy computer. He's always telling me I can use it to check my internet mail. And I'm always certain that I'm going to clean the screen or something. Of course, he's always worried I'm going to get hit by a car when I go out running." He can also match Joe's pride with his own in Daniel. He gives Daniel a slight warning before saying it. "Daniel works at a major hospital in the ER, and sometimes takes care of patients in his own clinic. It's very impressive, very handy if I catch a cold or something." Mads is very proud of Daniel, and can almost match Joe look for look.
Daddy Mads always does this. He tells people all about what Daddy Daniel does with that happy sounding voice, Mindy looks at Mads then over to Daniel, and makes Daddy Daniel turn that funny color.
And Daniel is blushing, red and hot. "Uh, yes, well, anyway..." He scrubs a hand over his face. "Anything we should know, or anything else our Princess needs, doctor?"
Joe hides a laugh in a cough when Mindy spills all her information... not that he could really miss what she's talking about. He wouldn't comment anyway though... he's pretty sure his black pot is a match for their shiny black kettle, when he gets talking about David. "David handles all computer related things in our house. I'm not really allowed to touch the electronics unless he's supervising. Everyone has their own gifts, right?" he grins. "And I think that Miss Mindy is about perfect, actually. Very glad to have met you, Mindy. You stay healthy and take care of your daddies, okay?"
Mads smiles a bit. "I'll remember that, in case I ever wipe Daniel's mothership or something." Mads nods.
Mindy looks at Joe, somewhat doubtful. It takes a lot to take care of them. They're high maintenance.
"Um, I think that's a motherboard, kæreste." Daniel shakes his head. "Um, so we're all set? Wow. And you were such a good girl, Mindy, you really were." He ruffles the dog's ears before lifting her from the exam table back to the floor. "Thank you, Doctor. Can you say thank you to the nice doctor, Princess?"
Joe winks at Mindy when they're not looking. But... isn't it mothership? Damn, now he can't remember. "Thanks for coming by. You'll get an update in the mail when it's time for her to come in for another check, but just let me know if anything comes up. Good luck, Mindy," he adds.
Mindy wags her tail and gives Joe a doggy smile. Thank you, Doctor Joe.
Mads reaches down and pets her a little on the head. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll be sure to ring if anything comes up. I hope nothing does, though. Oh... can we get flea medicine for her as well? So she can continue to play with her friends at the park, of course."
"Absolutely--here, this is the stuff you want," Joe says, writing the brand down on a piece of paper and handing it to Mads. "The girl at the desk will sell you three months worth. It's easy--just follow the directions, put it right here, at the base of her neck where she can't lick it off," he says, gesturing. "Works like a charm. Just come back in when you need more, so every three months or so. Just start with the smaller supply, just in case there's a reaction."
Mads takes it, handing Mindy's leash to Daniel. "Thank you very much." He gives the vet a smile and goes with his lover and furry child back out of the exam room and into the waiting room to leave.
"Thank you, Doctor!" Daniel calls over his shoulder as Mindy pulls him out of the exam room.
[Saturday, March 14, 2009]
Mads looks around the waiting room, holding Mindy's leash while he watches Daniel filling out the paperwork. Daniel has better handwriting than he does, and spells in proper English. Which is another thing that Mads is lacking. But Mads is watching the pen move across the page with avid interest, even with all the cats and dogs and... whoa, is that a lizard over there?! Mads leans forward to try and get a good look at the thing in the tank. It's moving, and he thinks it's green. But what is it?
"What are you looking at?" Daniel sees Mads' movement from the corner of his eye as he finishes up copying all of the information he has on hand, and adding his own knowledge, to the information sheet for Mindy's new vet. Kristin had recommended him, said that she'd bring Maddie to him if she didn't already have a relationship with Dr. Roberts. Dr. Roberts is nearing retirement and not taking on new patients, so since Mindy needs a post-adoption check-up, they're here at Dr. Flanigan's instead. The waiting room is warm and cosy, two other dogs and a box full of kittens waiting their turns along with him and Mads and their princess, who is laying across their feet and looking miserable.
"Something in a tank." Mads says, in a low whisper. "I think it's a lizard. But I'm not sure. It might be a frog. Or something." Mads can feel Daniel's eyes on him and he carefully looks at his lover, and he sees the way Daniel is looking at him. He looks around the room and sits back, almost like a contrite dog who's been scolded. "Well, it was just a thought...."
"No, I just wasn't sure," Daniel smiles and leans over and kisses Mads' cheek, oblivious to the giggles of the teenage girls with the kittens. He peers at the tank. "I think it's an iguana. Hmm, or maybe a skink? There was a bloke in my dormitory at university who had a skink. It got loose one time, somehow, and ended up in the showers. Sat there on the floor of a shower, just hanging out. It liked the humidity, I suppose. The guy came and got it and cradled it like a baby and was cooing at it, 'oh I thought you were lost and gone forever.'" Daniel laughs, trying to recall that fellow's name. Oh well, it's no matter now. "So long as it's not a snake, it's fine by me." Daniel does not like snakes at all.
"Snakes, cats..... is there anything else I need to know about that you don't like?" Mads looks at the form on the clipboard. "Are we done? Do we take it back up to the window now?" He reaches down to scratch Mindy behind her ears, gently. "Is there anything else we need to put down?"
"Just snakes and cats. The snake thing is much worse than the cat thing. Cats I just don't want to own. Snakes are... eww." He laughs and looks down at the dog, carefully sliding his feet from under her. "Yeah, I'll take this back up, then we just wait our turn." He carefully gets up and edges his way around Mindy and hands the clipboard to the receptionist, peering closer at the animal in the tank. He returns to Mads with a happy smile. "Iguana," he nods.
"Oh! Iguana!" Mads seems rather happy with that bit of information. "See, I knew you were brilliant like that." He leans over and kisses Daniel on the mouth, with a smile. "Brilliant, good looking, and incredibly English. I like your Englishness. It's very English." Mads knows he's just looking in Daniel's eyes and watching Daniel's face, but it's a weakness. He likes looking at Daniel. Mads lowers his voice. "And it's also very nice, having you in my shields. And always with me like that. That's good too."
Daniel laughs, the teenagers tittering once more. "You appreciate my English Englishness? I'll remember that if I ever think about trading it in for, say, Irish Englishness." He rests his head on Mads' shoulder for a moment. "I like being in your shields. It feels safe. Being in your shields and part of our little family." As if on cue, Mindy looks up and barks, just once, making her place in the family structure known. "Oh yes, we love you too, pretty princess, we do." Daniel leans down and scritches the dog's ears, smiling at her as her tongue lolls out of her mouth and she seemingly smiles back at him.
Mads chuckles and reaches down to pet Mindy as well. "Such a pretty girl, hm? Are you going to remember to introduce yourself, properly? You can say to the doctor that your name is Mindy Mikkelsen-Craig, hm? I'm sure you can say that, you're such a smart girl." He pulls a treat from his pocket and offers the small tidbit to her.
"Now why is she Mikkelsen-Craig, and not Craig-Mikkelsen?" Daniel teases, nudging Mads with his elbow. "The next pet we get is going to be a Craig-Mikkelsen." He shakes his head. Such silly things he comes up with, when he thinks about his household, the person and the animal who have his heart. "Can you say that, Mindy? Mikkelsen can be a hard name to say."
The door to one of the exam rooms opens, and Joe looks around, the clipboard in his hand. "Mindy? Bring your parents and come on in," he calls, a warm smile on his face.
I don't know about this, Mindy worries, but she gets to her feet and looks up at Daniel and Mads. Is he going to hurt me? I don't want needles. They stuck needles in my bum last time I was in a place that smelled like this.
Daniel leans down and ruffles the dog's neck. "It's okay sweetie. Dr. Flanigan is going to take good care of you. This is just a check-up. We'll be right there with you." Daniel takes her leash, ready to lead her into the exam room.
Mads gently pets her. "Come on. It'll be okay, I'm sure. We just want to be sure you're all good and healthy and everything up to date." He ruffles her ears, to encourage her to come along. He's trying to be supportive, but she looks worried. Or upset. He can't tell which.
"Hi there, Mindy," Joe says, crouching down at her level and letting her sniff his hand before he pets her. "Good to meet you. I'm Doctor Joe. Your dads look a little worried, but don't worry about it--this is all no big deal." Still stroking her fur, he looks up at the men and smiles. "She's a beautiful girl. I'm sure you tell her that all the time."
Mads smiles. "She is, very beautiful. She's very well behaved, too."
Mindy looks at Joe with big, puppy eyes. Are there going to be needles? I don't like needles. Do I need to have more needles?
Mads looks at her ears, lifting them to look inside. "I gave her a bath, but I don't know how to clean her ears out. She's not going to get an infection in there if I didn't dry her ears out, is she? I'd hate to think giving her a bath would ruin her ears."
Mindy looks at Daniel, then at Joe. You'll have to excuse him. Daddy Daniel hasn't taken him for regular walks this winter. He's not really very socialized.
Joe winks at Mindy, and avoids the needle question, for the moment. "I'll take a look at her ears, but I'm sure they're fine. Just avoid actually putting anything in her ears, or trying to reach inside them with anything--fingers, Q-tips, just no. You can almost always tell when an animal's got infected ears, but a bath's not likely to do it. Do you mind lifting her up onto the exam table? We're just going to look you over, Mindy... nothing scary," he promises, back to looking at Mindy again.
Daniel crouches down and lifts Mindy up onto the exam table. "Here you go girl, don't be scared, it's all okay," he croons, smoothing her fur once she's on the metal surface. "Sit, please, so Doctor Joe can have a look at you. He needs to see if Mads waterlogged your ears." He chuckles. He's pretty sure that if Mindy's floppy ears were waterlogged, they'd know about it.
"Thanks--just relax, Mindy, no big deal," Joe promises, ruffling her fur again. He takes a quick look in her ears--no surprise, no water damage--and gives Mads a reassuring smile. "She's fine. As long as you're not pouring water right into her ears, it shouldn't be a problem. So--anything bothering you, Mindy?" he asks, smiling up at her owners when he asks the question, but a lot more interested in her answer than theirs.
Not really. Sometimes my paws itch. I have to lick them a bunch to make them feel better.
"I've done a little reading," Daniel mentions, "she licks her paws after she eats. Is that a soothing habit, or might it be an allergy or something? I saw a mention of allergy but it seemed odd that it would just be her paws affected."
"It could be a reaction to food, and it could also be a soothing habit," Joe says, carefully reaching for one of Mindy's paws and taking a look. "Is it something that's always happened, or just since she's been on whatever food you've given her since you've had her?" This time, he's speaking to Daniel, but looking at Mindy.
It just makes me feel better, and feel happy, Mindy looks bashful. Aren't I allowed to lick my paws? Is it bad?
"Since we've had her," Daniel confirms. "We're feeding her, uh, what is it Mads? Nature's Balance? Natural Balance? Something like that."
"Natural Balance. I'm not sure what flavors she really likes, but she seems to have approved of the organic one. At least, she actually ate that one instead eating around it when we started uh..." Mads has to pause to think of the right word. "Weened? Or um...." He looks at Daniel. "What is that word you used, for what that switching was?"
"Mm, yes, weaning her off of the grocery store stuff that they were feeding her at the shelter. It was okay but," Daniel shrugs, "we can afford the better stuff. She's young, we want her to have a nice long, healthy life."
"The grocery stuff isn't terrible, but it's a lot better if you can feed them the better food," Joe agrees. "Plus, it tastes better. With that food, I don't think it's likely an allergy. There's no sign of it, and it seems much more like something she's doing because she likes it. Which is okay, if it's just sometimes," he adds, exchanging a look with Mindy and giving her a smile. "But if it makes her paws sore, or red, then she needs to stop, because that wouldn't be good."
"Should we put something on them after she licks them? Lotion or something?" Mads asks. He's never owned a dog before and he catches Mindy's look from the corner of his eye. "What?" He asks her, then looks at Daniel and Joe. "Did I say something wrong?"
I don't think lotion would taste very good if I licked it. Mindy looks skeptical of the idea.
"No--it's a good question, and I'm glad you asked," Joe assures him. "If they aren't red or irritated at all, I'd just leave them alone. But any chewing on them, anything that makes them look inflamed or painful, that's too much," he says, making sure Mindy gets the point. "If it doesn't get to that point, and she just does it once in awhile, it's not harmful. Sometimes, dogs who've been in a shelter need to hang onto those comfort things for awhile. She'll probably stop eventually."
I don't chew, just lick. Makes the itch go away and makes me happy, Mindy affirms, peering around the room. So far none of the scary instruments have been used. She's happy that way.
"We'll keep a close eye," Daniel promises. "She's our princess, can't have her having any problems." He soothes the dog with gentle scratches behind her ears.
"Good--if it's not chewing, just licking, and not making her sore, it should be just fine," Joe says, nodding approvingly. "Did they know how old she was at the shelter? What vaccinations she's had... whether she's been spayed?" He hasn't gotten personal enough yet to find a scar on her stomach, still taking it slowly.
Mads scratches his cheek. "Um..." That was his typical response, that and looking at Daniel to provide the answers. "I think she's... spayed." The word feels strange, and it slows Mads down some as he's trying to recall. "I think she's a year.. or two? A year or two?" He's confused now and watching Daniel.
Mindy watches him watching Daniel, then looks at Daniel. Then at Mads, and she finally gives Joe a look. I don't think he's quite all there sometimes. He talks to me in strange words, sometimes. And he relies on Daddy Daniel a lot. I think he gets nervous.
"Spayed, and they said she's about 15 months old. She was brought to the shelter because her family lost their house. Foreclosure." Daniel grimaces and rubs Mads' back. He knows it's hard for his partner to remember mundane details like that.
Joe understands nervous, and he gives Mindy a bit of a wink. Managing not to laugh at the 'not all there' part. "That's an absolute shame... better than what lands some animals at the shelter, but still probably hard for your Mindy," he says. "Do you have vaccination records, or do we need to make sure those are up to date? Physically, she's gorgeous, and not just in the sense of being a lovely girl," he says, smiling at them, then Mindy. "They're very lucky to have you, Mindy."
"The woman at the shelter said that they've been overwhelmed with pets from families losing their homes. We're glad we found her. We feel lucky to have her." Daniel sighs, it's so heartbreaking. Lots of those folks are turning up in his hospital too, anxiety attacks, heart attacks, suicide attempts. "But, no, no records, I'm afraid." Daniel shakes his head. He's slightly afraid of what comes next.
I had people before I went to the place with all the other dogs, but I like Daddy Daniel and Daddy Mads better. The kids at my other house were too rough with me all the time. Mindy remembers those boys who liked to pounce on her and didn't know how to pet. Her new daddies know just how to scratch and rub in all the right places, and Daddy Mads lets her jump on him instead of the other way around.
"The woman at the shelter said that her other family had children. She said that the boys were young, and I am a little worried about what might happen when my son comes to visit. I don't want anything unfortunate happening while he's here, he's very hyperactive. Do you think it's going to be an issue? He tends to run around a lot, and I know some dogs don't like that sort of thing." Mads looks at Mindy, gently petting her ears and chin.
I think Daddy Mads' son is a big kid. The kids at my other house were little. Little kids are mean. Mindy really doesn't care much for preschoolers.
"How old is your son?" Joe asks. "The age of the kids can make a big difference. Really little ones aren't always being mean intentionally, but they don't know how to be around animals, and sometimes they can get overly rough without ever meaning to be cruel. They just don't understand," he says, as much for Mindy as for them.
"He's ten. I was concerned, I didn't want her to be surprised or something and snap at him. He's rather hyperactive. Runs around, makes a lot of noise." Mads starts petting Mindy, rubbing her ears and scratching under her chin. "I've heard dogs sometimes have a startle reflex or something.
"Some of them do, yes... Mindy seems pretty calm though. I'd just have a talk with your son first about how Mindy needs to get to know him first. Like making a new friend--you need to start a little bit slower. But it doesn't sound like he's the type to pounce on her or try and scare her or anything like that--noise and running around and playfulness shouldn't be a problem. Actually, I think he'd be a lot of fun for Mindy," Joe says.
I like to play and have fun, Mindy confirms. I don't mind noise. Except that noise that happens sometimes when it rains. That's bad.
"We can talk to our kids, when they come to visit, about being appropriate with a dog, that's no problem." Daniel nods, not really worried about Carl's hyperactivity. He's a smart little boy, if... energetic.
"I think that's a good idea," Joe says, busying himself at the counter behind the exam table, putting together a booster shot for Mindy. "Most kids are great with animals, but a conversation about being gentle, especially with a new pet, is always worthwhile. And good exercise too," he adds. "I'd suggest giving her a booster, since you don't have those records for her," he says, avoiding using words like 'needle' or 'vaccination' for the moment.
Mads nods a bit. "You're probably right, if it's a good bet." He looks to Daniel, to affirm the decision with his partner. "Good bet, Daniel?" His eyes briefly flicker to one side, but only Daniel would notice Mads' brief distraction. The medicines and Daniel's influence have improved Mads' ability to deal with issues when they arise.
"Definitely a good bet, since she's mixing with other dogs regularly." Daniel nods and tries to catch Mads' eyes, wondering what he's seeing in the room. Moving closer, keeping a hand on Mindy, he whispers to Mads, "everything alright, kæreste?"
Mads blinks and nods, sightly. "Fine, just thought I... saw something. Nothing... solid, but it was enough for me to notice it." He whispers and gives Daniel a smile and kisses his partner's cheek. "Thank you for asking." He gives Daniel a loving look, and brushes a stray bit of Mindy hair from Daniel's cheek.
"Okay," Daniel nods, taking Mads' hand and giving it a squeeze. "Pardon us, Dr. Joe," he apologises to the veterinarian. "We're randomly shmoopy, we haven't gotten past that stage yet."
They touch all the time, they hug and kiss and they lock me out of the bedroom. Mindy shakes her head.
If Daniel and Mads weren't right there, Joe could tell Mindy that being locked out of the bedroom is sometimes a good thing. Instead, he hides a smile. "Don't worry about it. I've gotten threats about paralyzing amounts of sap from some of my coworkers before, when David's here. From his staff too, actually," he admits. "Mindy, I'm just going to check a few spots up here on your skin... I'll be giving the loose skin on your neck a bit of a pinch, just like this. No big deal, okay?" he says, demonstrating on the scruff of her neck, releasing the fold of skin, then doing it again, while his free hand casually picked up the needle and smoothly injected the vaccine. Since it didn't have to go into the muscle, he could get away with it without her ever really being aware of what he'd done.
Am I okay? No needles, right Dr. Joe? Mindy looks up at him. Pinches aren't nice, but they're better than needles.
"Oh, excellent technique," Daniel approves. "Uh, sorry," he grins sheepishly, "I'm an emergency physician, that wasn't random patronisation or something. Forgive me."
Joe flashes a grin at Daniel, and winks at him. "No patronization taken, I promise," he assures him. "And I think you're just perfect, Miss Mindy. Unless you're hiding anything from me, you seem to be in perfect health."
I don't think I'm hiding anything. Um, I hid my hoop toy. Under the little bed. And I can't reach it now.
"I don't think she's the type to hide. Though I wonder if she knocks her toys under things. I can't find her hoop toy anywhere. And I've looked everywhere I could think of." Mads reaches out and pets Mindy again. "David is your partner? What does he do that he has a shop?" Mads is curious, though they've not gotten into his own occupation yet.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she did. Some dogs like hiding their toys, or they just get them stuck. Under toys... beds... I'd look there," Joe says. "David's my partner--David Hewlett. He owns and runs Wizard Computers," Joe explains, unable to help but look rather idiotically proud whenever he talks about David. "He's a professional computer geek, basically."
Mads nudges Daniel. "We'll have to remember that, next time I think I've moved your computer memory." He looks at Joe. "I absolutely hate trying to use his fancy computer. He's always telling me I can use it to check my internet mail. And I'm always certain that I'm going to clean the screen or something. Of course, he's always worried I'm going to get hit by a car when I go out running." He can also match Joe's pride with his own in Daniel. He gives Daniel a slight warning before saying it. "Daniel works at a major hospital in the ER, and sometimes takes care of patients in his own clinic. It's very impressive, very handy if I catch a cold or something." Mads is very proud of Daniel, and can almost match Joe look for look.
Daddy Mads always does this. He tells people all about what Daddy Daniel does with that happy sounding voice, Mindy looks at Mads then over to Daniel, and makes Daddy Daniel turn that funny color.
And Daniel is blushing, red and hot. "Uh, yes, well, anyway..." He scrubs a hand over his face. "Anything we should know, or anything else our Princess needs, doctor?"
Joe hides a laugh in a cough when Mindy spills all her information... not that he could really miss what she's talking about. He wouldn't comment anyway though... he's pretty sure his black pot is a match for their shiny black kettle, when he gets talking about David. "David handles all computer related things in our house. I'm not really allowed to touch the electronics unless he's supervising. Everyone has their own gifts, right?" he grins. "And I think that Miss Mindy is about perfect, actually. Very glad to have met you, Mindy. You stay healthy and take care of your daddies, okay?"
Mads smiles a bit. "I'll remember that, in case I ever wipe Daniel's mothership or something." Mads nods.
Mindy looks at Joe, somewhat doubtful. It takes a lot to take care of them. They're high maintenance.
"Um, I think that's a motherboard, kæreste." Daniel shakes his head. "Um, so we're all set? Wow. And you were such a good girl, Mindy, you really were." He ruffles the dog's ears before lifting her from the exam table back to the floor. "Thank you, Doctor. Can you say thank you to the nice doctor, Princess?"
Joe winks at Mindy when they're not looking. But... isn't it mothership? Damn, now he can't remember. "Thanks for coming by. You'll get an update in the mail when it's time for her to come in for another check, but just let me know if anything comes up. Good luck, Mindy," he adds.
Mindy wags her tail and gives Joe a doggy smile. Thank you, Doctor Joe.
Mads reaches down and pets her a little on the head. "Thank you, Doctor. We'll be sure to ring if anything comes up. I hope nothing does, though. Oh... can we get flea medicine for her as well? So she can continue to play with her friends at the park, of course."
"Absolutely--here, this is the stuff you want," Joe says, writing the brand down on a piece of paper and handing it to Mads. "The girl at the desk will sell you three months worth. It's easy--just follow the directions, put it right here, at the base of her neck where she can't lick it off," he says, gesturing. "Works like a charm. Just come back in when you need more, so every three months or so. Just start with the smaller supply, just in case there's a reaction."
Mads takes it, handing Mindy's leash to Daniel. "Thank you very much." He gives the vet a smile and goes with his lover and furry child back out of the exam room and into the waiting room to leave.
"Thank you, Doctor!" Daniel calls over his shoulder as Mindy pulls him out of the exam room.
