Life Is the Same Regardless of Where You Live

When the idea of retiring to a new place enters the minds of many, their thoughts are of perfection and paradise. Life is the same regardless of where you live. There are problems, accidents, breakdowns, etc., just as in the US. This week began with that.

On Sunday, being obsessed as we are with laundry, laundry from our trip was a huge priority. Of course, once again, the "dryer from Hell" took charge again. Two months ago the actuator valve on the gas line in the dryer died and we were dryerless for more than a week until the part came in from Guayaquil.

On Monday, I called the LG tech, Wilson, who is always prompt, (we're tight, since he's spent so much time with our dryer) said that he couldn't come until Tuesday. It was a quick fix, in that the thermostat was fine and simply had interference from all the dust.

Since moving here, we've had a vet problem. Our first round of vaccinations after coming here was with a nice man, who was educated in Mexico. He was OK, but there was no "click". I didn't feel that he was thorough.

Last years check up was with a popular fellow who was educated in the US. There were personality issues with him; as well, there have been horror stories regarding him and some of the local pets.

Well, it was time for this year annual. Caty, our groomer, recommended her vet, Dr. Fabrizzio Guerrero, at Clinica Veterinaria Guerrero. We went for Nick's physical. I liked him. He was kind and caring; Nick was better with him than any of the others we had seen here. The exam, fecal exam, bordatella, combo vaccine (lepto, parvo, etc.) was $23 total. He was thorough. Since I liked him, we set up a dental appointment for yesterday. This is Fabrizzio.
We were back last Thursday. Nikolas, after the morning potty, wouldn't put his leg down. My first thought was that it was his knee; he has slightly luxating patellas. We rushed over to Fabrizzio's. The knees were fine; he had a tiny thorn in the side of his foot.

Mick and I dropped the Nikolas off at 8AM, when I called at 10AM, Nick was fine, just groggy. We picked him up about 12:30 and he was really out of it; his teeth were beautiful. He peepeed around 4:30 and when I picked him up to clean him, there was blood! We were frantic. Additionally, there was a cobbler in the oven and people were coming at 5. I called Fabrizzio and told him I was coming, took a cab and Mick stayed to take care of the folks who would be arriving.

Fabrizzio's first thought was that it was a lack of fluids. It is not common to do an IV during a puppy dental. He said just make sure he gets lots of liquids; there was no indication of pain.

There was still bloody urines this morning; so we were there before 8. He gave him subcutaneous fluids and wanted a urine sample. I got one and Mick took it over. Mr. Nikolas has a urniary tract infection and is now on antibiotics. We've got another appointment tomorrow.

I mentioned the cost of the vaccinations and exam, previously. The dental cleaning was $37. His last in Charlotte was over $400. Yesterday afternoon, there was no charge. This morning, it was $18.

So regardless of where you live, it's the same. You have good days and bad days, weeks where it's one thing after another. Some weeks you hardly have time to breathe. Things break, you get them repaired. Nikolas get's, we take care of him. Life goes on.

Until next time,
Mick and Kathy