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Had the girls at the dog park and for whatever reason a herd of gnats seemed to follow Amie whenever she went.  They would swarm all around her if she sat still for a minute.  Unfortunately at Amie's age she does a lot of sitting!  One of the other dog owners noticed and, trying to be helpful, sprayed some sort of natural concoction of oil that smelled like a citronella candle.  The gnats instantly stopped....because they were sliding down Amie's back on the big oil slick!!  Amie was no longer a pug but a greased watermelon!   I was already picturing her sliding around in the back seat of the car on the drive home.  I politely thanked the woman and hustled the girls to the car.   We had a major bath to take! 

Amie's not a fan of getting bathed -- she usually stands catatonically -- but after some vigorous scrubbing I was able to get most of the oil out.  Always some sort of adventure with the puggies!

I met two of my friends with their Tibetan terriers at the dog park this evening and came across a blur of fur!  It was a 6-month old Wheaten terrier named Honey who was doing laps around her owner.  She was absolutely thrilled to be racing around in circles....Ruby and Amie just watched in awe.  Unfortunately we got a little too close and I got tangled up in her leash when she blazed a path over to us to sniff the girls.  I have a nice leash burn on my shin for a keepsake.  Honey actually belongs to the woman's daughter who has decided to find the dog a new home.  She's a student and underestimated how much time a new puppy would take.  We suggested she look into a Wheaten terrier rescue group to assure Honey a good home.  Anyone out there interested in a Wheaten terrier? 

Of the many wonderful attributes I love about my puggies, one of the best is their willingness to take naps.  One of my weekend indulgences is taking a nap whenever the mood strikes.  Amie never has to be convinced whereas Ruby sometimes needs to think about it.  Eventually she relents and we all pile into bed for a little snooze.  It's a little slice of nirvana on a Sunday morning. 

Hmmm, I think it's about that time......nap time! 

Ended my surgery rotation and started ob/gyn this past week.  Historically, this can be one of the tougher med student rotations because babies don't operate on any type of schedule so there are long nights and weekends.  I was lucky to get connected with an attending who believes that sort of chaos should be saved for residency!  I wholeheartedly agree :-) 

Observed my first birth which, contrary to what I thought, was a relatively quiet affair.  More noise was made when we removed a patient's elbow cyst during my surgery rotation!   Dare I say the woman made it look easy?  I'm sure she'd disagree but from a novice's perspective I was impressed.  No need for an episiotomy.  The little guy made his way out of the birth canal, pointed head and all, and that's when the noise started.  His lungs were functioning at a rock star's level.

The best part about this rotation is that with a more relaxed schedule I can spend more time with Amie and Ruby.  We decided to branch out from our favorite park and visited two new parks today.  Quite the social life these puggies have.  Far more exciting than mine!   

Whew...it's been a while since I last posted.

Just finished my surgery rotation this past Friday and will be starting ob/gyn tomorrow.  Should be a bit more relaxed with the hours which I know Amie and Ruby will appreciate.....assuming they have a concept of time.  Sometimes I question that possibility....feed them a hearty breakfast and after they're finished licking their dishes cleaner than what my scrub brush could do, they look at me as though food has been withheld for days.  It's probably more of my doing since I miss them so much when I'm away for long hours at a time.  After a stressful day, they become my furry elixir....always just as happy to see you as they were yesterday and the day before and the day before.  They never change their level of eagerness upon my arrival.  Can't say the same about people!!!

Sure wish I could adopt another little puggy....a senior male to keep Amie company.  Unfortunately I need another pug like a hole in the head but I'm biding my time until I know where I'll be doing my residency before I add to my pug family.   I usually peruse the pug rescue group of Sacramento on a weekly basis (www.pugpros.org) for available pugs.  So many sweet faces looking for their forever home.  Adoption is definitely the way to go!!! 

It's definitely thunderstorm and tornado season here in Kansas and Missouri!  I was rushing to get home from the hospital because ominous clouds were gathering and the girls won't go outside at the first sign of rain.  I was pulling into my apartment parking lot with a few drops hitting my windshield.  Unfortunately by the time Ruby and Amie finished greeting me -- it's always a few minutes of barking, wagging tails and pug kisses -- the rain was coming down in sheets.  A bathroom break would have to wait.  I occupied them with a delicous dinner, a nap and a few belly rubs but the rain continued....for nearly three hours!  We didn't get out the door until nearly 9pm but thankfully the girls have bladders of steel. 

I found another good book for anyone who enjoys a good read:  Tell Me Where It Hurts by Dr. Nick Trout.  It's a day in the life of a vet who shares all sorts of interesting stories about his canine patients and their owners.  I found it at Costco.