June 15th, 2006

Thursday. Horror of horrors: Miss Brown is back. Although she’s been renamed Rose, we just can’t get used to it (not that Miss Brown is such a fabulous name for her, either).

If you’ll recall, Miss Brown was the beautiful stray puppy whose leg was repaired by the illustrious doctors at Miami Veterinary Specialists—at almost no charge! She had been abandoned with us at the end of March and we had been lucky enough to find her a great home almost immediately after her surgery and convalescence.

Everything had been going well for Miss Brown until her family went on a weekend trip and left the neighbor in charge. Apparently, this neighbor was not responsible enough to feed, water, or walk the dog, preferring, instead, to leave her in her yard without provisions for the entire three days.

When the family returned, Miss Brown had escaped and re-injured her leg. Oh—and she was now vomiting and turning up her nose at her food. Vet School 101: this is never a sign of optimum general health.

Needless to say, this yarn not only brings the neighbor into disrepute, it also calls to mind the potential failings of all parties. After all, who leaves their beloved dog with a neighbor when their vet (me) is perfectly willing to watch her (at no charge)?

Miss Brown will receive pain meds and rest until I can get her to the orthopedist in the morning. At least for now she’ll be safe—she’s staying right where I can see her.