Getting better all the time

Ten days after his operation it was time to take the Piglet’s stitches out. He’s been very good about being restricted to being on the lead and we’re all looking forward to him being able to run again. We were a little concerned for him because he’s not the bravest of dogs and relies very much on back-up from the others (and us, of course) to help him through difficult situations. (That’s one reason why he still has all his bits and pieces; if his source of courage was removed he’d be much worse. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.) He’s particularly unsure of other dogs and can’t always be relied on to be friends with them until he’s met them a few times and realised they’re okay. And if they run, he’ll chase. Anyway, he’s not been awfully keen on us checking his stitches (“Grrrr, gerrroff, you perv”) and we were a little afraid he might rumble at the Vet; at least we knew he wouldn’t snap or bite – he wasn’t going to be pushed beyond his limit. In the waiting room he clambered onto my lap and quivered. In the surgery he sat on the table and quivered while Vet (not the one who’d done the op) had a look. Ned held his head (Pig’s, not his own), ready to react if needed.

“There, all done!” said Vet. Not a flinch, not a murmur from Piggy, even though some of the stitches had got quite tight and cut his skin. What a brave boy!