Mina and Her Wonky Stomach

Some dogs drill a hole in your heart and, when you least expect it, wiggle that drill around. Just to hurt you, I think. Mina does this. She is my little heart dog, my spitfire, friend, source of endless amusement and frustration.

She is not the ideal dog - dog selective, stubborn, intense, a little confusing, a Pit Bull in a world that doesn't love them so much.

She is the ideal dog - people focused, devoted, an avid snuggler and kisser, adorably adorable, a Pit Bull who is surprisingly well-loved by almost all who meet her.

I love her dearly. Perhaps too much, some might say. Pish-posh I say to them. My heart is capable of expanding, even painfully so, for those I love too much.

For a few days, Mina has had bad diarrhea and an upset tummy. Then she started vomiting and acting lethargic. I started to panic, thinking obstruction or pancreatitis or the big C. That is how I roll when it comes to Mina, and it is most unhelpful.

I haven't had time to find a local vet who does not freak out when I say "she's on a home-made diet". So I drove the hour and a half to the vet who has seen her for the past four years. She gets to the vet and is perky, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

Typical.

As the vet leaves the room to get me a price quote, she turns back and notes, "I see her tail is quite happy and healthy." Mina wags her tail harder hoping, oh hoping, that she might come back and massage her back some more. Or treats, she could give her treats. When the vet leaves, Mina stills, her tail droops a bit, and she looks up at me in confusion - no massage? no cookies? Refund, please!

I decided against radiographs and bloodwork because, well I'll be honest, an $80 bill is a lot more appealing than a $400.

Instead, Mina got an anti-nausea injection and some metra-something-or-other for her rear end.

She's feeling a lot better. She is holding her food down. No poop yet, but there is hope.

Mina has me wrapped around her little white-socked paws. I do not begrudge her this. She lets me dress her up in clothes and jingly objects. 'Nuff said, really.