Canines and molars

This past week, Sprocket, Leonard and I experienced woes related to (of all things) teeth. Hubby's and dog's arose from an encounter with a couple of aggressive dogs, mine from a failed root canal. I'm happy to say we all seem to be coming out of our respective ordeals “none the worse for wear.”

San Antonio's extensive system of walking/biking trails, like the Salado Creek Greenway,

is helping to build the city's reputation as a place to live an active lifestyle.

The week started with news that San Antonio would experience a stretch of warmer weather. This development inspired us to further explore the city's outdoor delights, including its miles of bicycle paths and famous River Walk.

All was proceeding blissfully until Sunday evening when Leonard, having completed a sunset stroll with Sprocket, returned with news of a different kind. While passing a nearby RV site, two Italian mastiffs, a breed of dog prone to attacking smaller dogs, decided to get a taste of our boy. Both managed to escape their tethers, and a brief battle ensued. What's more, in the confusion Sprocket had repaid his doggy daddy's devotion by nipping his hand! So much for bliss.

Evidence of Sprocket's canine attack. The dogs' owners managed to

restrain them quickly. Otherwise, this incident could have turned tragic.

A quick examination of our canine revealed two puncture marks on his neck, one of which was bleeding slightly (just enough to clean out the wound). After dabbing a bit of antibiotic ointment on the holes, I turned my attention to Leonard who shared that in the commotion of rescuing Sprocket the latter literally had bitten the hand that feeds him. Fortunately, that appears to have been nothing more than a painful reminder of the incident.

By the way, most, if not all, RV parks allow pets. Where dogs are concerned, the majority restrict the more aggressive breeds, like Italian mastiffs. The park we're staying in has no such limitation. Nonetheless, we reported the incident to management so they would at least know of a potential problem.

Meanwhile, I had my own worries. One of my molars – site of an old root canal – was staging an uprising. By Wednesday, what began as a minor annoyance would end with me and my abscessed tooth parting company.

The three of us are recovering nicely. I'm hoping that by week's end Leonard and I can resume our San Antonio explorations.

For now, I am trying to follow my periodontist's post-op instructions, which include drinking milk shakes and avoiding strenuous activity. Gee, doc, I'll try.

This bride was one of a dozen or so on Valentine's Day outside the Bexar County

Courthouse awaiting their turn before the judge.



Visitors to San Antonio's San Fernando Cathedral pass by this crypt containing remains of the legendary William Barrett Travis, David “Davy” Crockett and Daniel Boone.

The Luxury pub, located in a trendy San Antonio neighborhood along the River Walk, is built in recycled shipping 

containers. Dining is al fresco. Ride your bike or walk, and feel free to bring your dog!