Our dog Amigo, the one who adopted us at this same, La Siesta Hotel and RV Park, back in 2003, was our introduction to Mexican veterinarian medicine.  The poor guy was a pathetic little street dog of about six months of age.  He was lethargic, thin, dusty but oh so sweet.  We took pity on him and made the mistake of feeding him when we fed our own two.  That resulted in him often sleeping under the trailer.  One day he showed up and followed me into town through traffic and crowded sidewalks to an internet cafe, always at my heel and when I went in and sat down at a computer he followed, curled up under my chair and went to sleep   That was it.  He had me.

The next day we took him across the street to a little vet clinic to be de-wormed, bathed and inoculated for the trip home.  That's where we met Robert.  The big surprise was his perfect English.  As well as a great vet, turns out he was born in Massachusetts to a San Miguel mother and lived there until age 21 when he moved to Mexico.  He was most helpful and a joy to know.

We have been back over the years for the odd grooming or canine concern, more to visit than out of necessity.  But this year when we needed help we noticed his old location was now a pizza joint.  Since Robert was gone we went looking for another vet who had worked in his practice who was also a winner.  We stopped at an animal hospital we found near by to ask for directions to Rodrigo's.  This is not easy to ask at one spot where another might be located.  Again the young man we met spoke perfect English and was very happy to give us directions.  During the discussion we found out this kid, (anyone under thirty is a kid to me), was also a vet.  There was an instant connection and both Nancy and I hit on the same idea.  Why go somewhere else?  Let's have Amigo's upset stomach looked after here.  Along with our interrogation to determine his skills we asked how come he spoke such good English because that is unusual.  Evidently he has an American father.  That was our introduction to Ricardo.

The next day when leaving with Amigo after a very satisfying visit who should we bump into on the street but our old friend Robert.  The bells went off.  Of course,  American father.  Ricardo was Robert's son and this was the new clinic.  What a treat.

Bogart getting some Mexican TLC

Instead of all the formality of our clinics back home this family operation is an open air facility in an old auto repair shop.  You don't really need an appointment, just wander in, chat to whoever greets you and the bill is a pleasure to pay.  Charm squared is how I would describe the experience, the facility, and the family.

We have been back about twice a day since then.  We took in stool samples and found all three dogs have worms of a fairly rare kind.  They didn't find that out back home.  Hmmm.  Can only think it is from the deer pooh we all encounter when walking in the woods.  That problem has been taken care of along with the advice to deworm ourselves. Yuck.  Even Karen, our friend and fellow editor, insisted on taking the cure as well.  All dogs have been washed and groomed and tomorrow we are having blood drawn to find out if allergies are causing Amigo's scratching because it isn't fleas. 

What a lovely family.  It's a true family business: Robert, his son Ricardo and Ricardo's girlfriend Nadia who is also a vet.  To add to the mix Robert has a daughter who is finishing her fifth and final year and will be a veterinarian as well come June and she plans to join the operation.  Just so you know, the Online has today officially voted them the nicest family in San Miguel.  I'm not sure they appreciate what an honour that is.

Mica and Pica

I've dreamed up another excuse to go back and visit.  The above picture shows off two sweet female puppies that need a home.  Unless they find one the inevitable happens here in Mexico.  They are about three months old and a cross between a Dalmatian that got out and a Blue Healer that got lucky.  In case you didn't know, a Blue Healer is an Australian cattle dog.  Both parents are from well to do homes.  Surely someone out there is looking for a new pooch and Karen can bring one or both of them home on the plane to Toronto next Tuesday, February 2nd.   If anyone is interested email us or make a comment.  They are great pups and we'd take them but then psychiatric care would need to be prescribed and I can't afford it.

David Harris is the editor and publisher of the Huntsville Online.