So what's with the name? A word of explanation is due regarding the name of the blog. It is named after both my white male Chihuahua, Harley, and his favorite squeaky toy, a stuffed hedgehog. Speaking of Harley, this morning I had to endure yet another ordeal of taking him to the vet. The way Harley acts at the vet you'd think I was taking him to have his toenails pulled out or something! He just had a rash on his inside haunches, so I wanted to have it looked at. First there's the tug of war actually getting him into the building. He sits down like a rock and won't budge! So in order to avoid a hassle, I pick him up and carry him inside. One of the advantages of a ten-pound dog! Then, once inside the exam room, Harley squeals every time the Doctor touches him. He had to examine his anal sacks, so the Doc is holding on with one hand, the lab assistant with two more, and me with two hands. This wasn't too bad, from a squirm factor, but this just made him hyper-sensitive to everything that came next. Two shots of anti-biotic: Harley squeals even when the Doc gets a bit of his skin between his thumb and forefinger! Then the next step is rubbing ointment on the rash spots. No sir! This is one little white dog who has had enough of the big guy in the white coat even touching him! I'm holding his upper body, while the lab assistant is holding his legs. Harley tries to wiggle out of the situation like an otter in an oil slick. Well, we finally got it all done, and I walk him out into the lobby, while all the other dog owners look at me like I was just having him drawn and quartered! We're back home now. Harley has to take two pills a day and have the ointment applied twice a day for 10 days. The bad news is I'm leaving town for 4 days soon and my neighbor, who has agreed to look after both my dogs while I'm gone, will have to participate in a little Chihuahua wrestling. Maybe he'll be alright as long as my friend doesn't wear a white coat! Now I just need a little rest, and maybe a drink.