Pet Scotty's getting old but still charms the ladies
ellaNAYOR enayor@florida-weekly.com

Going to the vet's office has become as normal and regular as pouring a cup of coffee - mind you decaf - and reading the paper in the morning.

My 12-year-old pet Scotty Argyle seems to have made me a frequent flyer at the veterinary clinic. His vet Dr. Sandra Vesper has also become such a fixture in both our lives that I can recognize her voice on the other end of the phone like I would a family members.

And the reasons for my visits are as multi-faceted as Argyle's colorful personality. One day it's a recheck for cancer after I discover some other odd, new growth. Another time it's a bout of diarrhea - not fun folks. Then of course there is the basic anal gland issues that pop up - no pun intended from time to time.

This past weekend however I had to whisk Argyle to the office for all three issues.

At first I sat in the examining room all dejected and blue because I was worrying about Argyle and fighting the urge to sleep since he had kept up all night with aforementioned issues.

But in a matter of seconds Argyle's spirit cheered me up.

You see Argyle has always been somewhat of a ladies man. For some reason my Scottie makes himself irresistible to women - canines included. He's like a doggy version of the Beatles or Elvis in his day.

>>Phoenix Although he's a bit shy at first, Phoenix (365002) warms up quickly. He's about a year old and is a terrier mix.

He kind of wags his tail and saunters up to women with charm and confidence and wins them over. The finale is when he plants a big sloppy Scotty kiss on their waiting cheeks.

Ahh what can I say about my boy - uh dog. Even after being neutered at age five for prostate problems he remained a canine Casanova.

He sure showed his poochie lover skills this past weekend at the vet's office when one by one all of the pretty female vet techs and assistants came into his examining room just to visit with him.

Argyle, though doped on some meds, greeted them all with his customary tail wag and sloppy, wet kiss.

The ladies acted like they smooched with a rock star instead of a pooch.

I guess it made me realize that I should be enjoying life with Argyle instead of dreading every medical issue. It's as though he realizes that life is short but he's still going to be happy and make the best of it.

>>Snookie House-trained and friendly, this 6-year-old hound mix will make a good companion. Named Snookie (362033), she's a hound mix.

Well besides learning my lesson of the day I also realize that maybe there's a spot on the Tonight Show for a Casanova-like Scottie.

In the mean time we all need to remember to enjoy our little fourlegged lovers and realize that sometimes we can take a few lessons ourselves from them about dealing with life. ¦ To adopt a pet

These animals are among the many available at Lee County Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers. Call 432-2083 or visit the agency's Web site at www.leelostpets. com. Adoption applications may be downloaded from the site or completed at the shelter, which is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday. Please use the animal's ID number when inquiring about it. The adoption fee is $65 for dogs and $50 for cats. Hurricane pet kits valued at $60 are available for $30. Animal Services is selling hurricane pet kits for $30 throughout the hurricane season. It includes treatments for wounds and minor illnesses as well as suggestions on ways to prepare an emergency pet plan while making plans for the family. Those who wish to make their own kits can obtain information on what to include and other hurricane guidelines at the Lee County Animal Services' Web site at www.leelostpets.com or by calling 432-2083.

>>Mapashe This personable little Parson Russell terrier mix is a 5-yearold boy. Mapashe (213664) likes children and other dogs.

Contact Ella

>>Readers are welcome to share their stories, information and needs with Ella Nayor at enayor@ florida-weekly.com. Pet Tales is designed to provide entertainment, support and education to our pet lovers.

>>Francine Thie one-year-old shepherd mix is ideal for someone who wants a more compact version. Francine (364275) is a very playful girl.