Nemo is such a wonderful Sporgy (cross between a Brittany Spaniel and a Corgi). He is a great watchdog, a faithful companion, and is loving with his family and friends. But Nemo has allergies!
This morning, I got his chewy bones ready and I’m sure his tail wag meant thank you. Then, I put his dry food into his bowl and mixed the wet–mixed it with allergy tablets which I dissolved in water because Nemo will not take the pills if he sees them. Even though I’ve explained it to him, he doesn’t really believe the med and the allergy have anything to do with each other.
As I glanced at him, I noticed the bare spots on his feet which I thought had healed were looking decidedly moist again so I grabbed the Sour Apple spray off the shelf (veterinarian recommended). Looking at me and the spray can suspiciously, Nemo tucked his tail down, trotted to the living room, and tried hiding under the piano bench. I headed him off. Never taking his eyes off me, he hurried to the bookshelf but that was no help at all. I caught him and sprayed all four feet. His feet itch and the allergy causes him to lick them incessantly. But the spray tastes bad and discourages licking.
Acting nonchalant, I strolled innocently toward the bathroom and the antibiotic for his ear. You see, the allergy causes itchy ears and he has scratched the blood out of one of them on the inside. 
All this time, Nemo tailed me, looking at me nervously as I pretended not to notice him nor hint in any way that I know he has allergies.
Hunger overcame suspicion and Nemo ambled toward his food dish where I had mixed the moist food containing the allergy med with his dry. Kneeling beside him as he ate and patting and talking to him reassuringly, I reached for his ear. Nemo considers his ears his own private property and does not like anybody, me or the vet included, to mess with them. However, I managed to check the raw spot and smear it with the med. It must be tough to have an allergy.
Whew! After all that, I need another cup of Folgers! And how is the morning starting at your house?
Poor puppy.
I know. He recovers nicely, though.
We are taking an antibiotic here, and Kate has contributed to the health of the washer, dryer, the counter top, and my clothing! We get about 1ml of the two she is supposed to take into her each time!!
I fully understand that, Stephanie. It is a challenge. If we could only explain that it is for their own good. (Do you think they’d believe us?)
Poor Nemo. We used to have to cook chicken and hide medicine in it to get Otis to take his pills. Abby has allergies and the vet gave Howe a shot that has helped.
What we won’t do for our pets!
Wheew! That’s how I feel every morning after I get through with Curt and his meds. He’s just like a kid—–“why do I have to take this, I’m drinking my coffee now, can’t you wait another minute?”
I understand, Carolyn.