Vet Day for Alice

Vet Day for Alice

Coffee first, because today requires extra fortification. Strong, hot, life-saving coffee.

Alice is off her food. Completely, stubbornly, and worryingly off her food. She barely lifts her head from the sofa, only blinking slowly at me as if to say, “You know I’m serious about this, right?”

After a quick phone call to the vet and a flurry of arrangements for the morning, it’s clear: Alice needs professional help. Today a trip to the vets is needed.

The walk routine is temporarily reshuffled. Client dogs still need their exercise, and my team is on standby to cover. I juggle emails, texts, and bookings, all while keeping one eye on Alice, who has reluctantly agreed to accompany me in the car. Shiva sits in the back seat beside her, the ever-watchful guardian. Nicolas paces nervously in the front, as if his presence alone might persuade Alice to eat.

The vet’s office is busy, of course. Alice, ever the dramatic soul, manages to look both completely resigned and extremely offended at the same time. She allows the examination, though reluctantly, while I silently plead with the vet to find something treatable, something fixable, something that doesn’t require me to face the reality I’m beginning to fear.

Tests are run. Observations noted. Advice given. Medications discussed. The vet nods, calm and professional, while I feel simultaneously reassured and helpless.

Back in the car, Alice is quiet. Shiva rests her head gently on Alice’s back. Nicolas peers over the seat, eyebrows raised, perhaps asking why anyone would ever consider the world without food.

The rest of the day continues as best it can. Walks run by my team proceed as normal, though my mind drifts back to Alice with every bark, every excited squeak, every muddy paw.