The Harper Girl had her annual physical yesterday. She goes to the Veterinary Clinics of America (VCA) office in Scottsdale. The support staff there is sweet, if a little scattered, but she likes her veterinarian; Dr. North, very much indeed.
Harper is not an overly demanding patient but can be a little skittish. Dr. North won her over on their first meeting in three important ways. First, Dr. North sits or kneels on the floor to do exams so Harper does not have to ride up and down on the scale that rises to become an examination table. That device is like something Dr. Phibes would use and Harper wants none of it.
Second, Dr. North has the technician take Harper’s temperature when we are brought to the examining room so THG does not associate Dr. North with having a thermometer shoved up her butt.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, the right pocket of Dr. North’s white coat is where she keeps the good treats. Harper has many wonderful qualities but, sad to admit, her loyalties can be had for the price of a piece of Pup-Peroni.
The good doctor pronounces Harper to be in fine fettle. She’s lost 2 lbs since her last visit so is now at her ideal weight. (Bitch!). She does not need to have her teeth cleaned this year and she passed her heart-worm test with flying colors. I told her pulling that all-nighter studying for it would pay off.
How Rude!
Harper is not sure about the new bordetella vaccine. In the past this was an injection. Needles are no fun. Now, instead of a needle in the butt they spray the vaccine into her nose. Better than a needle, to be sure, but still it is a bit of an indignity for a lady of Harper’s refinement.
Fecal Test results are still pending but, barring any surprises there, she needs not visit the VCA again until next October.
Harper's Valley 
a healthy harper is a happy harper! now she can take part in the AIDS walk!
Harper looks great – Molly and I are glad she had such a good check up. Reminds me I must make Molly’s appointment.
Excellent! The lady is in fine health! Good for her.
Peace ❤
Jay
Good news! Sounds like a caring and sensitive vet.
Hi, Smiley-face, you good, GOOD girl! (And it’s so pleasing to know that another blogger is aware of the classic and wonderful Dr Phibes films.)
Harper’s Other Dad didn’t know who Dr. Phibes was. He’s such a youngster sometimes.
At first I had a photo of Dr. P. in that post but it formatted better without it.
Please educate H.O.D. I’ve got both films on video – and they well stand up to re-plays, getting funnier every time.
I should check to see if Netflix has them… Or even YouTube. Not sure what made me think of them but I remember liking those movies when I was a kid.
Petey is not a fan of that spray-up-the-nose vaccine. He takes shots very well. Nail clippings are much worse for him. Petey is good w getting treats from others, but seemingly is good at jail brake if a squirrel is involved.
I am LOVING today’s 2nd to last picture.
Harper has never seen a squirrel but Elmer Fudd has nothing on her when it comes to rabbits.
I love that “rude” picture too. A total accident of course.
Harper looks like an angel in the photos. The rude photo is wonderful!
Harper has taken over and rules the roost; she uses these big ole happy faces as her most barbarous weapon. It is quite successful.
Re: Dr Phibes, H.K. Much in the same vein, are you and H.O.D. aware of ‘Theatre of Blood’? (also with Mr Price and from the same era.) If you don’t know it I can promise you it’s a hoot from start to finish – and an absolute MUST for all Bardophiles.
Harper is quite the looker. I too am owned by my dog, Bandit.
Thanks! Bandit, what a great name…Jonny Quest’s dog.
Thanks for reading and commenting