Carmel is sleeping soundly right next to my desk, as I write this. She has been giving us quite a bit of worry this week. On Sunday she barrelled down the front steps for her walk, and fell.

As many of you know, Carmel is a big dog - she's also old. This fall was worse than just a trip - she actually could not get up, for a moment or two. However, with some gentle nudging, she did get up and acted fine. We took her for her walk, and though she was a bit slow at the end, she did not even limp.

Once back home, however, everything changed. Carmel's routine is to have her morning treat after her walk, and to then follow me around until I finally sit down and get to work. Once back from our walk, she took to her bed and sat rather strangely on it; in what looked like a very uncomfortable position, to me.

I gave her a treat and some loving, and Tom and I went out looking at houses. This left Carmie (as we fondly call her), home to rest. That seemed like a good idea to me...and still does. I know she hurt herself when she fell, and I wanted her to just stay put...to rest whatever it was she injured (her leg or hip or whatever). And that she did.

On Sunday night, shortly after we returned from house hunting, it was clear that she could not get up on her own, at all. We had to lift her...and since it was clear she was not going to make it down the steps off the deck out back, Tom put her leash on and took her out front. There are only 5 steps to go down for that...

She managed, with difficulty, those five front steps, and she walked around the yard and down the street (in the dark) quite well. Again, slow but no apparent limping. Hmmm...the thought occurred to me that it was a hip issue. We took her out later that same evening, again in the front, and once back inside, we had to help her up the stairs. (oh yeah, we did feed her and she ate eagerly)

So...on Monday, I called and called and called the vet. The line was incessantly busy!!! Carmel was acting fine - eating well - even getting up to go out, with help, of course. I was just not sure this was an injury that should wait, so...I called the vet again and again, until I got a real person.

The Vet Assistant listened politely, then talked to the vet about the issue. The remedy, I was told, was one and a half Bayer Aspirin. Well...I don't know. Despite the fact that she's eating, and we do get her out, I'm still worried. I'm calling the vet again tomorrow to see if we can get her in. Don't know if she needs x-rays or if tomorrow she'll get up and act like a puppy, and the vet will think we're crazy, but I think she should go.

I won't feel right till the vet checks her over. And, boy, do I wish I had pet health insurance! Not having it is not going to keep me from getting Carmel the care she needs, because I can afford it (well, within reason)...but, what if I couldn't afford a big vet bill (which it might or might not be)? I'd be plenty worried about what to do then!

Pet health insurance is a big priority for any future pets this household adopts. For their better health and my peace of mind.