Dog Day Afternoon

May 20, 2011
Waves NC
Day #8

Molly in 2004

When we were preparing for this trip, we acknowledged that our oldest dog Molly, was starting to show her age, an elderly 14.   We hoped she would stay healthy for the trip but last night she had an accident, peeing on the floor and she had been out a hour or so earlier.  By this morning, we knew something was obviously wrong when we saw blood in her urine

Doesn't it figure?  I don't recall her ever being sick before...well, at least for many years.  I called the vet mid-morning.  The vet thought it might be a urinary tract infection, but at this age we also realized  it could be other, more serious things.  The vet's office said that they would phone in a prescription for an antibiotic to the 'local' drug store, 15 miles from here.  The said they would call back after they sent it.  So we waited....and waited...two hours later I called again.  They said that they didn't forget me, just were just very busy.  I called the drug store to tell them a call was coming in and that  it was a canine prescription.  They informed me that even though, it was a non human, I still had to make out a 'patient' form and that it would take almost another hour from the time my vet phoned it it.  I asked, "Even for a DOG?"  They told me that was policy.  Geez!

Good thing we hadn't made any plans for today!  So we got in the car and started toward the drug store in Avon, 15 miles south of here.  When we got there the pharmacy hadn't heard from the vet yet!  This time Jim made the call and while he was still talking to the vet's receptionist, the pharmacy phone rang.  Amazing what a man's voice will do!  We filled out the 'patient' info sheet and needed to kill most of an hour.  We asked the lady at the drug store where to have a late lunch (always ask the locals) and she suggested  a small family restaurant , Cafe 12, a few doors down. 

The Parrothead Flat

 They had these things called 'Flats', a big (manhole cover size) flour tortilla, choice of 'toppings' and sauces,  covered in cheese with the cheese extending past the tortilla.  The whole thing was in a bowl shape.  There were several varities of combinations...it crisped up and was like eating a giant, pizza slice sized nacho platter.  Interesting. 

We were very grateful to Beach Pharmacy, a tiny privately owned store, for all their help. 

On our way out of the parking lot, we noticed a restaurant closer to the street...it's a chain, we've seen others - but it's got a really catchy name.  Their logo is..."I got crabs at Dirty Dicks"  No lie.



The food may be forgettable, but the name's not!

Drove back to give Molly her medicine.  She wasn't looking too good, trembling and not wanting to eat, had us pretty concerned, we decided to give the antibiotic time to work.  A few hours later she was eating and looking better.  We are keeping our fingers crossed and taking it day to day with her.  Hopefully it's not kidney failure or cancer...
Well, buy this time most of the day was gone, but the showers had ended and the sun was out.  We climbed over the dune to the beach.  The beach goes on for miles and miles.  The wind had died down and the ocean was FLAT for a change.  Beautiful. 

Molly's son, Rookie, he's turning 10 this summer



Took Rookie for a walk on the beach, then rode the bikes over across the street to watch the sun set. 
Some days aren't as fun and interesting as others....




The end of another 'day at the beach'