Little Miss Missy had to get a shot at the vet. I gave her Benedryl, rescheduled the appointment for after the sudden unexpected thunderstorm, gave her Benedryl again hours later, put her harness on while she tried to hide in a corner, and then carried her and her cuddle bed out to the vehicle. The cuddle bed helped her in the car; she at least stayed in it for the trip. I tried the windows down and she did sniff the air a bit, which was good. At the vet she shook like a 21-pound leaf, but didn’t growl or bark. Headed home, she again stayed in the cuddle bed on the seat, but didn’t want the windows down. She drooled and panted, but didn’t vomit. So that’s progress?

At home, when she has not been traumatized by a car ride, she is happy, engaged, and totally obsessed with her ball and giving kisses. We have been getting her in her harness and leash and doing short walks outside the back fence, away from the road and other walkers. She sniffs around (again, awesome), and plunges headfirst through the thickest grass (um trail?). Little steps. It will still be a long road with this small reactive dog.