I decided to take a quick drive across the Ringling Bridge to Bird Key Park last week after work. It was a gorgeous evening on Sarasota Bay, but this adorable goldendoodle (golden retriever-poodle mix) was only interested in the water. More specifically, something submerged. After staring at the bay with a concerned look for a moment or two, she plunged her head...
...and emerged sopping wet proudly clutching this prize: a moss covered rock. She had her human trained well. He would toss the rock just far enough into the bay to make it fun yet challenging to fetch it. (That's the golden retriever in her shining through.) They were visiting from Atlanta and really enjoying the area. But, the story doesn't end there. Somehow, Lexie cut her rear leg while frollicking, perhaps on a cluster of barnacles. Although she seemed oblivious to it, the open wound was bleeding enough to cause her humans concern. They thought it would be a good idea to have a veterinarian check it out. I suggested a terrific 24-hour clinic on the other side of town, but naturally, couldn't remember the name of it...or the exact road it's on. I drove off hoping they would find a good clinic and that Lexie would be okay. Well, imagine my surprise when I received an email from her human, Ken, the next day informing me that (somehow) they found the clinic I recommended -- and Lexie ended up needing four stitches. The vet, he said, was wonderful. How nice and considerate to email me! Lexie is now wearing a cone temporarily. Poor girl. Here's to a speedy recovery, Lexie, and a healthy future full of chasing rocks, quite possibly in Sarasota.
