Medical consultation in local hospital
The camera flash diverted the doctor's attention for a second, but he didn't bat an eye-lid at the rabble jostling around us during this morning's medical consultation. This is only half the crowd. We made the 45-minute bus journey to Taishitun hospital for Freda to have her 3rd (in a course of 5) rabies vaccines. This is following an incident in Simao, the day before Freda and Ali left for Beijing. Freda was bitten on the face while picking up a tissue at a friend's house in the College. The Pug's vicious behaviour has been attributed to poor training and aggressive temperament, rather than to rabies. The dog's veterinary records show that it has a full vaccination record and has never left the city, so is unlikely to have come into contact with a rabid animal. The injections are a precaution. Ali, Edie and I took the opportunity to have our three-yearly booster at the same time, given that we are currently living in a rural setting, where regulations regarding dog (health) care are somewhat more slack.
In many Chinese towns and cities strict policies are being enforced regarding dog ownership. All dog owners must have a licence and regularly vaccinate their pet. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of the dog. This is part of a nationwide programme to reduce rabies. Unfortunately there is no vaccination for nastiness, and many dog owners we know are absolutely clueless about training. I hope the owner, having 'lost face' with this incident, has learnt a lesson and keeps the crumple-faced canine companion away from people in the future.Fortunately, Freda didn't lose any of her face, which has healed with no sign of scarring.
In many Chinese towns and cities strict policies are being enforced regarding dog ownership. All dog owners must have a licence and regularly vaccinate their pet. Failure to do so may result in confiscation of the dog. This is part of a nationwide programme to reduce rabies. Unfortunately there is no vaccination for nastiness, and many dog owners we know are absolutely clueless about training. I hope the owner, having 'lost face' with this incident, has learnt a lesson and keeps the crumple-faced canine companion away from people in the future.Fortunately, Freda didn't lose any of her face, which has healed with no sign of scarring.
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