The usually nervous pup arrived at the clinic expecting her typical discomfort but found herself face-to-face with a familiar figure, her "sister," Maddie.
Cricket, adopted by Bob Kuykendall, has long been a source of joy for her family. Despite her bubbly nature and love for meeting people, trips to the vet have always unsettled her.
Nervous at vets
Having spent significant time at the clinic as a puppy due to a broken leg, Cricket associates the visits with stress.
This time, however, her nervousness turned to confusion. Maddie, Kuykendall's daughter, had recently qualified as a veterinarian and this was her first time examining Cricket professionally.
"She couldn't believe it," Kuykendall said. "Her tail wagged when Maddie called her, but she wasn't sure whether to go to her or retreat."
Very familiar face
Eventually, Maddie reassured Cricket with some much-needed affection, and the wary dog relaxed.
While it's unclear if Cricket's feelings about the vet have changed, one thing is certain: having a family member on hand might make future visits a little less daunting.
"She might look for Maddie next time," Kuykendall said. "It's a step forward."
