A SPA DAY

As we near the end of this part of our odyssey I decided that yesterday would be a good time to treat Ben to another little spa half day. Not actually at a doggy spa per se but at Park 9 in Liberty Village where he spent many happy hours in February while we down here for the month. Staci managed to find a slot for him even though she was officially full - being a dog that is liked works wonders! We drove across town and Ben seemed to sense where we were as we neared Park 9 - his innate ability to do this never ceases to surprise me - and h he sat up and started to take notice of the surroundings.

The staff at Park 9 were just delighted to see him once again and he them. Off he went without a backward glance at his constant companion for the last six or seven weeks! As always this disappointment on my part was diffused by the completely barmy antics a few hours later when I collected him. No sign of stiffness or a bad hip, he just launched himself in every direction at once in a blur of black and white topped by a very cold wet nose. Staci had groomed him and solemnly handed me the Report Card.

He had been treated to: Brush out, Pedicure, Hydromassage bath, Pad fur trim, Ear Cleaning, Shampoo, Conditioner, Towel drying and Blow drying. His coat was rated 'excellent'.

The comment section was overflowing with praise and the overall score was as follows:

"A+ A suspiciously perfect dog. This is not normal. Could be a government experiment?"

I give up, surely somebody can see his foibles?