So there I was contemplatin’ the weather from a perch atop the printer in Sara’s office, when I was shaken from my nap, …er I mean revelry, by the Exec.

“What gives?” I says. An’ then she lays it on me, “We’re going to the vet, Sherm.”

“Oh no ‘we’ ain’t” I figered, an’ started looking around for a opportunity to disappear like.

See, “We’re going to the vet” means cold stainless steel exam tables and all them strange smells and everything.  It’s enough to make the hair on your back stand straight — not to mention that thermometer.  So, I was workin’ an escape plan out quick like. But your correspondent ain’t the lean machine he was when he was out workin’ the streets, an’ I was bundled up in a carrier before I even knew it.

Fact is, I been feelin’ a little out of sorts lately, lesions or legions or some kinda word like that, have been growing on my face, specially my nose an’ has been a source of discomfort for me and a real concern to the Exec.  So, I put on a brave face, rememberin’ that I was representin’ all of the shelter animals. I went along to the vet, just like I woulda if I had been going for tea and crumpets. You know, normal like.

Turns out that we went to visit Dr. Swartz, who I already know ‘cause he helps us here at the shelter through our Vet on Loan Program — a nice guy, that’s what I think. So, I was comfortable knowin’ him an’ all, an’ I didn’t mind it much when he gave me a shot that made the idea of nap pretty much irresistible.

I was a bit groggy when I woke up an’ my face now looks like I been in a mix up.  Them purple sutures here an’ there makes me look like a real tough guy. But it ain’t no worse then when I was defendin’ myself out on the streets. Fact is, it’s better. Not only do I have little pills to help with the pain, but everybody here is comin’ by an’ tell me how much they missed me an everything. I gotta tell you, I works with a great bunch.

Sure I was a little scared, but it turns out Dr. Swartz did a good job, takin’ care of ol’ Sherm. He removed them lesions an’ sent ‘em to a lab for analysis.

Must be some smart retriever, cause about a week later I got a letter from that Lab that told me not to worry my whiskers none – everything is just fine.

So I plans on enjoyin’ the summer and hope you do too.

Your buddy,

Sherman