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Thursday, March 5, 2009

Healthy Hearts

Our hearts have been saddened this week in the passing of Bogart's Dad. We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to Bogart and Lulu in their loss of Klaus. May they have many heartwarming and happy memories to hold on to in the days to come.

College Kid came home this weekend. She is having a much-needed break from school before heading off to another three-week rotation, this time in sunny California at a very posh veterinary clinic. We're hoping she will see some famous celebrity pets and bring back a few pawtigraphs to share with us. While she's home, she demonstrated some things she has learned in class, like how to take our blood pressure.


First a small area is clipped on the back of our foot. This is because the blood pressure monitor has a hard time hearing our pulse through all that wiry hair. A bald place works better.


Glynn was the first brave volunteer. Well, she didn't actually volunteer, she was just the one standing closest when the moment came to start the demonstration. She was a bit taken by surprise, and has hereafter referred to it as The Ordeal.


Glynn had to lay very still on one side. It's hard to make a tense dog lay down, especially when she wants to curl up. Relax, Glynn, it won't hurt, I promise!

When she finally opened her eyes, Glynn came face-to-face with the blood pressure kit paraphernalia. "What does THAT do? And that? And that?" she asked.

College Kid had to find the right size cuff to use. She picked a cat-sized one since Glynn is petite.

Then some cold goop was put on Glynn's bald spot. She said it was much like the time she had an ultrasound on her tum-tum. It didn't hurt then, either, so she is a little more relaxed this time.


A little listening device was put on her foot, and the cuff pumped up. We could all hear a swoosh-swoosh sound. When The Ordeal was over for her, Glynn got down from the table and it was my turn. My blood pressure reading was a good 130. Glynn's was a little high at 145, but then she is a Nervous Nellie. Cap had the lowest reading of all, but I'm not surprised since he spends most of his time laying around sleeping and doesn't get stressed. The only time he would have any blood pressure is during his occasional geriatric version of a butt-tuck run around the house. I don't know why he gets away with running in the house when My Boy and I get tossed outside for it, except Cap never breaks anything. I think that's why Mom loves him best. Anyway, it's good to know that we all passed our test and have healthy hearts!
~Tell

9 comments:

Jake of Florida said...

That was quite a demonstration. How long before your College Kid will be a full-fledged vet??

Great to hear from you Tell!! We've missed you.

Jake and Just Harry

Gus said...

oh wow....I don't know if I have blood pressure...I think they might have done that once, but I don't remember. We are IMPRESSED...best wishes to the college kid.

gussie

Asta said...

Tell
How cool to have youw vewy own pwivate dogtow..Glynn was vewy bwave ..I'm pwoud of hew and so happy that you all passed youw test
good luck to youw giwl, and enjoy having hew home fow the bweak
smoochie kisses
ASTa

Sally said...

Well done, I would have started screaming and ran - with equipment trailing behind me.

Hope College kid enjoys her time at home and doesn't put you through too many tests. It will be nice to have your own private doctor one day ...

Lots of licks
Sally

Bae Bae said...

Woh... Glynn sure is a brave doggie. I would faint to have to take my blood pressure

~ Bae

Noah the Airedale said...

Thats great maties, you all passed the healthy heart test!!
Now we can totally understand Glynn's ordeal, I mean I'd be stressed if I was whipped up and poked and prodded. Glad she came through with flying colours.

tailwags
Noah

Molly the Airedale said...

We give you credit for allowing College Kid to take your blood pressure! Mitch would definitely not put up with it and you'd have to really convince me that it was necessary! We're glad you're all healthy! Does this call for an ice cream celebration?!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Eric said...

College Kid training to be a vet? I didn't know. Wow, that's sooo cool Glen. And we here voluntary patients for health trials get paid HOOOGE sums of money!!! You lucky dogs. CK will be famous and you'll be rich, what could be better?

Hope CK has a great time in California and remember to give us the gossip on the california pawsonalities won't you?

Wiry wags, Eric xx

Princess Patches said...

We are glad to know that you all have healthy hearts! It sure is easier to take blood pressure on hoomans! No hair shaving involved!


Tell College Kid that we wish her good luck with her studies! I bet she can't wait to be a v-e-t.

Aire-hugs,
Poppy, Penny & Patches