What’s in a name? A lot of hot air for pooch named Tirebiter!
Most veterinarians don’t make house calls much any more, but I’ve done my fair share. I’ve learned interesting things about behavior that I never expected. Harry and Sally Eastham lived on a few acres in Corrales. They had three dogs — big ones: Porgy, Tirebiter and Papoon. Rounding out the herd were three cats, a handful of hens and a half-dozen ducks. They had called me out for annual exams, vaccinations and heartworm tests. All of this in the dark ages that preceded smartphones and GPS. You couldn’t simply input an address and drive.
Sally was actually pretty good at explaining that we should turn left at the stop sign, then right at the big cottonwood, and then you can’t miss it. (Of course, we missed it.) At the end of her instructions, which I so painstakingly scribbled onto my left palm, was this admonition: “Do not drive your car through the gate. Park outside the yard and proceed on foot.” Really?
In the early primary grades, teachers scored us on a skill called “‘Listens to and follows instructions.’ ” Remember that? I usually got a “needs improvement” in that category. But, with Sally being so clear about parking outside the gate, well, she got my attention.
When I arrived with stethoscope, otoscope, vaccines and blood tubes, my assistant and I left the car outside the gate and let ourselves onto the property. As we hiked toward the house, we were greeted by three gentle noisy barkers. A particularly handsome pit bull terrier named Tirebiter woofed briefly and then laid down quietly in the shade.
We methodically handled our routine chores and, while gathering our equipment, engaged in a little small talk with our clients. What, I asked, was the reason for not driving through the gate? “It’s Tirebiter. He chases moving vehicles and bite tires.” I could understand protecting him from getting squashed, but that did not turn out to be their concern. “He has never failed to puncture the side walls. We have bought too many replacement tires.”
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Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in person and in groups via Zoom (505-7925131). Each week, he shares a blog and a Facebook Live video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions on facebook.com/drjeffnichol or by mail to 4000 Montgomery NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87109.