It’s been a bit of a day of days to be perfectly honest.

I knew what was in store for Pepper and, once I had fed everyone and got them into their correct fields, we went to the vet.

Pepper was a good girl. She weighed – 7.7kg (so she’s put on a bit, which I wanted after the diagnosis of her tummy troubles) and then popped onto the table for a thorough examination.

And, like I thought, Pepper had cut both front paws.  The left side was a small split between the toes but it was nice and clean, and Pepper wasn’t bothered by it.

The right front paw was much worse. Pepper had a deep tear through her big pad so the vet and I discussed options – ie leave it or stitch.  In the end I said “if she were your dog, what would you do?” and the reply was “I would stitch her” so that was it. Decision made and Pepper went into the kennel because a) there was another patient waiting and b) the vet needed more time since Pepper had eaten breakfast (I kick myself for not making her nil by mouth today). I left her there (*** sniff ***) but luckily my flute-duet friend was there so she regularly visited Pepper for me and sent me updates.

I spent the rest of the day keeping myself occupied while my every thought was with my wee dug.  The phone rang – huzzah – and I went to fetch a hoppity green-bandaged Pepper home.

I have to carry her a lot and she prefers soft ground.  She is also housebound for the foreseeable with daily dressings and antibiotics.

The support staff are barely adequate.  Just sayin’ and I am looking at dog boots to protect her feet.  I think we are in for the long haul.