This morning, I had booked a vet from felmo Mobiler Tierartzt, for a course on nail clipping, and for two missing injections (?? how Max was allowed into Germany without them – I have no idea). The vet was accompanied by a trainee, which was just as well. Max was the ultimate drama queen and howled so the neighbours must be wondering what I was doing to him. Almost impossible for two strong men to hold. They were so understanding and patient and gentle (until they had to be less gentle). Jeez. I am trying to do what is best for Max, and his nails could have been clipped in a quarter of the time if he had not been so theatrical. And as for the injections – I had cats – I know for a fact he barely felt a thing but he howled as if he was being tortured. He is now flat out on the floor trying to look like some tragedy just happened to him. Anyway, I highly recommend felmo, and whatever they are not able to do, they will recommend you where to go.

Later, in order to shake off the unspeakable trauma that had befallen him in the morning, I took him to the dog park at Hasenheide. It was great to see him run and play with other dogs. And that he was able to outrun all of them. It is no wonder Nicola, the trainer, has suggested I look into coursing for him. Unfortunately, the two nearest facilities are both about two hours away, so if that would be a weekly commitment (or more?), I am not sure …..

But Hundeauslauf Hasenheide is a good place to visit, a decent walk there and back for me, partly along Landwehrkanal, and the Hundeauslauf has both open space and some green areas with trees for dogs to run and to explore. Plus benches, some of them in the shade, for dog owners to sit. Max did check in with me at regular intervals either by looking back towards me or by running over for a quick cuddle. That may be the eye contact training paying off. Or perhaps he would have done that in any case. Funny how I am not allowed to take two steps away from him, but he can disappear among trees without panicking. Open every day in the week 24 hours.