Ben, my dog, used to get nervous at the clinic. While he has improved over the years, I still feel tense during our visits, and I know he picks up on my anxiety. Here is how we managed his most recent annual check-up.

The Preparation

The night before our Saturday morning appointment, I focused on myself first. I kept my dinner light to avoid any stress-related issues the next morning.

Sleep was my biggest hurdle. I have a habit of staying up until 0200 or 0500 on two phones – one playing video and the other for playing games – but I knew I couldn’t be late for this. I asked my son and sister to give me morning calls to ensure I stayed on track. I needed to be ready to feed Ben his sedation medication at 0800 for his 1015 appointment. I got up at 0600 and told them I was already awake.

The Consultation

When we arrived, the clinic was quiet. However, Ben didn’t take his sedation medicine – he sniffed the boiled egg laced with gabapentin and walked away. I told Dr Lya.

In the exam room, Dr Lya suggested a cone. I was hesitant because I didn’t want to stress him out. Dr Lya smartly suggested I leave the room. Within seconds, Ben was calm, wearing the cone, and the blood sample was collected. Sometimes, the best thing an owner can do is step back.

The Results

The results were excellent – Ben is healthier than I am. Dr. Lya recommended switching to senior-specific or renal diet kibbles. I also brought my notes on his coughing, vomiting, and gasping. Her advice remains consistent: keep a video record. It is hard to do in the moment when I am focused on praying for him, but I understand the importance of capturing those symptoms for a better diagnosis.

The Reality About Aging

Jesse (my son whom I love) reminded me a few times that I cannot expect Ben to be the same dog he was when he was younger. He walks slower and has less energy – that is okay.

It is unfair to demand that he remain youthful. This process has helped me realise that I am ageing, too. I am learning to stop mourning the “good old days” and instead cherish our current time together. I am adjusting to the present and preparing for the future, knowing that God is the strength of my heart.