Geri-what?!

So I braved the vet with Stella and Ally on Saturday morning all by myself. This is a feat because Ally usually forgets that she's attached to anyone and attempts to run wild. If you can imagine a big dog pulling a person who is pulling/dragging a fat little pug then you get the idea. Train wreck. Ally also has a habit of only listening to her dad...which actually reminds me of my childhood and leaves me feeling remorseful. However, somehow this trip was totally different! Ally acted like a model citizen and Stella acted like a nut bag. 

Case and point. Blur of pug in the back. 

Anyways, I've gotten off topic. The real issue that I'm having is with the following conversation:

Me:  I need to schedule Stella to get her teeth cleaned. 

Vet: Great, and how old is Stella now?

Me: She turned 8 in November! (Very proud mom-like since I've been charged with keeping her alive for those 8 years...)

Vet: Well since she's GERIATRIC now we'll need to do an I-stat to ensure that she can go under the same anesthesia profile. 

Me: Geri-what?! She's only 8...

Vet: Yes, but 8 is past the halfway mark for the lifespan of most dogs so we'll just need to check some stuff. 

Geri-what? Geri-who? Surely not my girl!

I was devastated. I really hadn't thought about this much...I mean, logically, I understand 'dog years' and know that dogs don't live forever but I'm so sad to think that my dogs (who are all three between 8 and 9 years old) are on the other side of their lifespans. Just a little tough to swallow. I guess to put it in perspective I will just remind myself that I will consider it a true blessing if I'm able to care for and be a part of these lives until they are taken by old age instead of something more traumatic. Don't worry though, I'm pulling for my girl to last a long time! 

Puppy B. 

Big girl B. 

One last thing...Jay decided to save a little $$on dog care (he's innately frugal) and bought some clippers so that I didn't have to take Stella to the groomer. It goes without saying but...it did not go well. Bless her...

I wrote most of this last night but then something wonderful happened that I have to mention!! It rained!! Like real moisture falling from the sky. My dad called this morning and said that he and my brother got the best rain that they've had since October 2010!! Praise The Lord!

ht