A visit to the vet

I went to see the vet this morning. It was originally going to be for the 'snip' but Daddy has been having a rethink in view of comments from various sources (including here!). So I had my annual innoculation instead and Daddy spoke to the vet further. We saw a different one this morning than before and his view was that it was up to Daddy as to whether to have me 'done' or not - he was not dogmatic about it. There are medical advantages, in particular there are lower chances of prostate and testicular cancer. (However, it is more important to have a bitch spayed.) He also said that the summer would be an appropriate time, as that is when I would be mature. Daddy is therefore going to think about it further over the next few months.

The vet also said that I am now old enough for longer walks - yippee! Most of my growth plates have now closed. Here is an information sheet that Daddy found on the subject: http://www.yourvets.co.uk/html/pdf/Factsheets/Dog/24_265463.pdf.

To be or not to be (castrated)

That is the question. I am glad I don't know anything about this, but for the record I am going to the vet on Thursday for my annual innoculaton and Daddy is going to ask her when is the best time. He has read that it should be when a dog is mature and I am not yet. My trainer and my vet recommend it, and Pawstretchers won't mind me now until I am "done".

While researching this subject, Daddy has found the following articles of interest:

http://www.caninesports.com/SpayNeuter.html
http://www.neutering.org/
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080727041938AANpdu0
http://www.naiaonline.org/pdfs/LongTermHealthEffectsOfSpayNeuterInDogs.pdf
http://dogtime.com/spay-neuter.html

My first walk

Yesterday I had my first walk in public around the village for the first time, having had my second innoculation on Wednesday. Life is getting even more exciting now I can see and sniff a lot more! I love running even on the end of a lead. I know I've got a big head, but I am getting a lot of admirers!

Second vaccination

I went to see Mel, my doctor, today for my second vaccination and microchip as I am now 10 weeks old. Daddy was very impressed - he didn't even know it was done until afterwards. I was very good there and afterwards when Daddy did some shopping. I am now zonked out.

Daddy talked to the vet about my two bad habits - chewing furniture and climbing stairs. I am afraid he might be putting some advice into practice, darn it. However, I can go out for walks on Sunday - hooray!!! They will have to be short for at least my first year, but Daddy is thinking of carrying me in a rucksack for longer distances. I am not sure what to think about that.

Mel also said my meals can be cut down to 3 a day. So, from today, I am having 3 bigger meals but I do get hungry between times. At the end of March, my food will increase again.

9 weeks

I'd rather not do this blogging lark myself so I have delegated it to Daddy. I would much rather be outside - it is much more fun. I can't wait to have my second jab and then I can go out for walks.

First innoculation

I had my first visit to the vet (Mel) at The Coppins today for my first innoculation. She was very nice and it didn't hurt. I have to go back in two weeks and then I can go out and about! I now weigh 5kg.

Meanwhile, I have been keeping busy as you can see, and booking my social diary. Mel said that now is a good time to get used to the outside world even though I shouldn't walk outside the garden. So I might get carried around and meet other dogs. I met the bin man today (I didn't like the wheelie bin sound) and two dogs. I was a bit frightened by one of them.