Sarah Hargreaves

Is there anything more distressing than watching the people dog you love suffer?

Ozzy is not a fan of the vets. Big time. She never really liked it at the start, and after a few distressing visits, she hates it.

So, in order for her to go and get something routine, like her annual vaccination, I have to dose her up on anti-anxiety medication. Which, to be blunt, don’t work. Sure, she’s drowsy and dopey in the car, but the minute we get there, she’s on high alert. Any evil vet might be lurking round the corner to stick some horrible needle into her.

After 40 minutes of gentle cajoling, strong handling, and muzzle putting on, we managed to vaccinate her. She’s now looking at me like I am such treacherous owner, and how did I dare put her through such an ordeal.

Anti-vaxxers don’t come for me, I don’t want her to get sick, and my pet insurance is invalid without it.

I also don’t approve of drugging dogs willy nilly to get them to behave. This was so she would be more chilled when she was in there, goodness knows what she would have been like if I hadn’t.

Anyway, here’s a photo of her looking angelic (and not drugged).