Poor Little Gretzky

If you have not had the opportunity to meet Gretzky our puppy let me paint a picture for you. She came to us unexpectedly, but Neal and I instantly fell in love with this sweet little girl.  She was snugly, soft and so little, it would be impossible not to keep her!  I mean look at this face!

Gretzky was a puppy that my brother got for free, and she was going to be a test to see if he could afford to have a dog.  She came to us as Ellie, and it was supposed to just be for 3 days while my brothers went hunting.  In those 3 days it became clear that Ellie needed to go to the VET!  She had worms terribly, an ear infection, and needed her first round of vaccinations.  A $200+ vet bill later, she became Gretzky, knowing that my dear, college student, brother would not be able to afford the upcoming return visits to the vet, to check on the worms and ear infection.  Gretzky had found a new home over Thanksgiving weekend.  She has continued to be sweet and snugly, but is also VERY friendly, she is excited to see ANYONE who will pet her and is very trusting of others.  I feel that she has been well socialized.

It is now time for Gretzky to be spayed, she is growing up so fast!  I take her to the Spay & Neuter Clinic not far from our home, anticipating she would freak out as soon as we walked in the doors.  But Gretzky proved me wrong, she was calm and patient, and her friendly and trusting demeanor continued even while surrounded by other dogs and cats FREAKING out!  Gretzky greeted the VetTech as she would anyone, "oh, hello, you are going to pet me? Yes I will follow you, as you lead me into the unknown."  I start to wonder, "Maybe we socialized her TOO well?"  She ignored the cues from her fellow Canines and Felines, and just did as commanded. The time came to go pick her up, and I kind of thought she would not care to see me, as she seems to be content with anyone who gives her attention.  This was not the case, that sad, little, coned face was very happy to see me, even through the drugs you could tell she was relieved.  We got home and for the next few hours she needed to be constantly touching Neal or I, she would whimper in pain, and give these sighs that sounded something like, "this is the worst."  Poor little Gretzky!

She will be back to her cheerful self in no time!