netescapee, I recently started going to a new vet who is just lovely with the dogs. She must have petted and played with Sammy for 15 minutes before checking him over and gave him lots of treats. Her wonderful bedside manner won him over (he almost didn't want to come home with me **sigh**). Not saying that your vet did anything wrong, but sometimes they're in a hurry and don't take into account that the dog is new to the practice and needs a bit more time to become accustomed to the procedures. My boy is very even tempered and soft so I wasn't worried about his reaction to a new situation but I can just imagine how a dog who is fearful, comes from a not-so-good circumstance and just has no idea what's happening to him might react. Don't be too hard on Gracie. Try to visit the vet without needing any treatment, have the techs bombard her with treats and happiness, ask the vet to see her for a few minutes each time even though they may be busy, and you may very well help her adjust to normal life without any future incidents. Remember, slow and easy does it.
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Barbara