A SIDE ROAD FOR BABY

Written by Leona Nielsen
Published on June 2017

Some mornings Annie just liked to stand and listen to all the sounds of Nature, trying to figure out who is who. This morning was no different, except with all the natural sounds, she could still hear Baby coughing. It had kept her awake most of the night. She felt like she should wake him up to see if he was alright. Just then, something caught her attention out of the corner of her eye.
“Oh! Jake it’s you. I was hoping it was Baby.â€
“I wish I was Annie, because I want to make sure he was feeling ok. That is quite the cough he has.â€
“You can say that again Jake. It was hard sleeping last night. I want to see Baby too. I am going to have to wake him up. I have waited long enough.†replied Joseph.
“Joseph, wait a minute! Let him sleep now while he isn’t coughing.â€
“He’s my buddy Annie and I want to make sure he is not sick.â€
No one could have stopped Joseph at this point.
“Good morning, Buddy. Can you hear me? You were coughing so much I just want to know you are okay.â€
“I am okay, Joseph, but this cough is getting me down a bit.â€
“We are all worried about you! After last night, I think you need to see the Dr. Vet.â€
“I agree Annie, but how are we going to swing that?â€
“Easier said than done.†added Jake.
“We are going to have to come up with something, and soon.†answered Havier as he joined the rest.
“I heard our owners say once, and I don’t understand what it means really, but I am going to open that other door.†stated Annie.
“Does anyone know what she just said?†asked Joseph.
“Yes, I do. When one door closes, another one opens.â€
“That’s it Havier! I am going to open that other door.â€
“I think we need to get a plan together so our owners know Baby isn’t feeling well. If they have something to do they may not stay around long and they have to see Baby and that is that!â€
“Then let’s do it Havier.†Annie yelled.
“Boy, I wish our owners could hear us, especially at times like this.†Joseph whispered with a worried sound in his voice.
Just then, the owners came in to serve out breakfast. Everyone knew that “making a plan†had just gone out the window.
“Bubby, you stay here in bed. Trust me, we are flying on a wing and a prayer, but we will get the job done.†Joseph whispered to Baby.
“I am going through the door, everyone, to get their attention.†shouted Annie.
“What do you think she is going to do?†asked Jake.
When it comes to meal time, Annie has this sound she makes that almost sounds like a puppy. With her head lowered and her eyes big, she turns on the charm. As one of the owners reached out to pat her she backed up.
“Oh! Annie you are so cute when you do that! All I want to do is pat you.â€
With a quick glance over her shoulder she looked to see how much farther she had to go.
“Annie, you are really being playful this morning. You must have had a good sleep.â€
“Oh, if only our owners knew.†Joseph said with a sigh.
Annie kept it up until she was close enough to Baby that the owners could see him and she stopped.
“There, Annie, that’s all I wanted was a nice pat and a……….â€
At that moment the owner realized something was wrong.
“I think we better call for the vet and have her come out. Baby is not himself this morning.â€
“Wow Annie, what a job you did! We are so proud of you!†shouted Havier.
“Just used my girl charm, that’s all.â€
“Don’t worry Buddy, the vet is coming.â€
Baby just looked at Joseph, not saying a word.
It was apparent that everyone was worried. After calling the vet the owners then finished serving breakfast but no one ate. What seemed like hours turned out to be only minutes when the Vet arrived. In order for an examination to be done everyone had to go and stand by the wall.
“I hope we don’t have to go outside because I will bring that stubborn streak out and refuse to move!â€
“Joseph, we would be right with you.†whispered Jake.
“As long as you stay there it is alright if you watch.â€
“Hello! Do you think she can hear us?†asked Annie.
“I think it is because she has been around animals so long.†replied Havier.
After the exam the vet told the owners that she would have to do a scope to see what the problem was as it didn’t seem like asthma this time.
“Someone, please tell me, what is a scope†Annie asked with a look on her face.
“I have seen it done before. They put a tube down your throat plus they look at a camera.â€
“Havier, is that going to hurt Baby?â€
“No. It looks worse than what it is, really. Baby will get a needle which will help him.â€
Before they knew it, the procedure was done.
“Well, as I thought, it is not Asthma. Baby’s windpipe is not round like it should be but oblong and that is what is making him cough. I would say he has been playing a little too hard lately. He is going to be alright but will have to learn how to take things easy when he feels the coughing coming on.â€
“Oh, Dr. We certainly will make sure that he knows what he can and cannot do. I am glad we were here to hear what she said. My buddy is going to be alright did you hear that!?†shouted Joseph as if the Vet understood every word.
Shortly after, Baby was almost back to himself and wondering why everyone was crowded around him.
“Did I miss something?â€
Everyone laugh at once.
“Well, let’s just say you missed seeing what you look like inside.â€
“Oh Joseph! What was it like?â€
"We can fill Baby in on a few things.†replied Havier.
“I think this calls for a trip to the Big Tree so we can fill Baby in on a few things.†replied Havier.
“Ready set GO!!!†shouted Annie.
“ANNIE!!!!â€
“Oops! I forgot.â€
“I still feel I am missing something.â€
“It will all be revealed at the Big Tree.â€
“Oh! I think you forgot something before we go. I need to eat!!!â€

Hi Everyone. Just to let you know - today Baby is fine and he has worked out for himself what he is able to do. Doing shows are things of the past BUT there is something else in his future. You will have to stay tuned to see.
School is going to be out soon. Remember, the summer is a time for fun but it is also a time to be safe with all the summertime adventures. Never swim alone and always check in with adults as to where you are.
Baby, Joseph, Havier, Jake and Little Annie