The Numskulls

At the beginning of last month we went to stay with my cousins in Essex.

I have recently discovered that incremental changes are difficult to spot. J said that Bertie was walking like John Wayne and it’s true his gait was a bit stiff, like a beagle on his way to a shoot-out at the O.K. Corral. I didn’t take any notice. But J was spot on, Bertie has got arthritis we think. Catching kennel cough delayed our diagnosis. He’s cheerful but needs anti-inflammatory medication.

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I wrote the above yesterday when I wanted to have him blue lighted up to the Royal Veterinary College in Potters Bar. Fortunately, perhaps, they could not see him. As yesterday went on his muscles seemed to loosen up and this morning he is distinctly better – wagging his tail, a good sign. I don’t think arthritis can come and go in 24 hours so now we will await events.

I have a theory the human brain has a place for anxiety/worry. Most of the world’s population has plenty to fill that compartment but the fortunate minority can always find something trivial to worry about. I think it is rational to worry about Bertie’s health. I think it is irrational to worry about the stock market.