Dog blog # 8: Counting the costs…

Dog blog # 8:  Counting the costs…
 Our Labrador has a healthy appetite. Despite the fact that she snacks between mealtimes (as previous chew lists have illustrated), our monthly dog food bill remains astronomical. Our Lab also has a sensitive constitution. No Name brands are not good enough, no sirree…She only eats Eukanuba.

You know, the expensive stuff (the one with added vitamins and special intestinal anti-bodies).  Also only available from the vet, and in BIG bags (that never seem to make it through one month). And which, despite price tag, will only be consumed if we sprinkle some biltong over it. Gourmet pup-grub.

Thus, shopping for the canine, entails:

Rock-paper-scissors to decide whose turn it is to buy the dog food. Negotiations gridlock, argument ensues, Libby looks nervous…Mareli gets dog food.

So, circle block twice, indicate left and right frantically in the hopes of finding a parking space close to the Vet. Futile attempt. Finally manage to park, miles away, by mounting one of Smurfie’s wheels* on the pavement in attempt to dodge Woolies trolley. Car guard magically appears once car is successfully parked.

Trek to the Vet, popping into Woolies for dinner ingredients first, swing handbag over shoulder, ignore ringing cell phone and enter store. Drag enormous bag (combined weight approximately one Mareli plus 2 ½ Libby’s) to counter. Make small talk whilst adding some new chew toys, ball, and leash (she chewed the previous one) to the bill. Amount totals one month’s pay check before tax.

Manage to drag bag, in reverse, on wobbly stilettos, one misbehaving handbag draped over head and woollies bag dragging on the floor (without spilling contents) to the entrance, just to remember that Smurfie* is parked miles away.

I do the Damsel-in-distress hair toss and wait… stomach in, chest out…for help... Sigh, NO car guard, friendly yuppie man offering to carry heavy bag or Woolies trolley, magically appears. Finally make hefty donation to lady with tin can, supporting some or other charitable cause, pointing to bag and giving stern instructions: “Watch bag, I get car.”

Dismount pavement, try to reverse over car guard who is now ready and able to assist, race down one way, mount pavement again (this time with both wheels), pop open the boot and plonk dog food in the back. Success…till next month… when tin can lady will be championing for SOC – Save Our Car-guards” organisation no doubt…

Smurfie* is my very dirty, little, blue Citroen car, with one headlight (chewed by dog) missing. She pretends she is a 4x4, but clearly, is not. Willem *our friendly insurance man* has also asked me to drive safe, as my vehicle policy apparently excludes pavements and car guards and speeding fines on the William Nicol.