Spring Health Check of Star and Pinkysan

It was a beautiful, crisp spring morning in Nara. The city’s famous ancient buildings were framed by newly green trees, but the focus of our friends was not on historical sites. Today was a very important day in their home calendar: the yearly Spring Health Check.

Lyn was looking lovely in her red spring dress, her shoulder-length light brown hair with bangs perfectly styled. Linda was ready, too, looking professional in a cream blouse and black pants. They were packing up a special travel bag in the living room.

Star, the big, noble Akita Inu, walked into the living room, wearing a cute yellow spring dress over her harness. She sat down, looking very strong and brave. She already knew the destination: Dr. Sato’s friendly veterinary clinic. Star’s ears twitched calmly. To a courageous dog like Star, the clinic was just another place for treats and compliments.

But not everyone was feeling brave.

Pinkysan, the beautiful calico cat, was hiding. First, she huddle under the sofa. Then, she tried to huddle behind a curtain. Pinkysan hated car rides, and she hated the sound of the front door closing. She definitely didn't like the thought of being examined by a stranger.

"Okay, where is she?" Linda asked, checking the linen closet.

Lyn quickly found the scared cat. "I know you're nervous, Pinkysan," Lyn whispered, pulling the small cat out. She quickly slipped Pinkysan into a soft, cozy travel carrier before Pinkysan could sprint away. Pinkysan let out a sad, little Mew! and stared nervously from behind the mesh.

Linda pick up the bag. "Don’t worry, Pinkysan! Star is so brave! She will show you there’s nothing to be afraid of." Linda smiled at the strong Akita.

"They will be fine!" Linda added, closing the car door with confidence.

They drove to the clinic. The waiting room was clean and filled with the gentle sounds of other people. Star sat perfectly on the waiting room floor, maintaining a dignified posture. She didn't bark at the other pets; she just looked around with her strong, calm Akita eyes. A good dog sits still! Star thought confidently.

But Pinkysan was a tiny ball of terror. Inside her carrier on Lyn’s lap, Pinkysan was huddled, her eyes wide and staring. She shivered every time the clinic door opened. She looked very rigid and small. Linda sat next to them, looking concerned.

Dr. Sato was very nice, but even his soft voice didn't calm Pinkysan. When they opened the carrier, Pinkysan tried to flatten herself onto the table. Dr. Sato performed the exam quickly—listening to her heart and checking her bright green eyes. But Pinkysan was so scared she refused to move.

Lyn knew she had to try something different. "I know exactly what will help," she said to Linda.

Lyn opened the special travel bag and took out a small container of Pinkysan’s favorite expensive cat food—the kind that smelled like salmon and cream. Lyn put a single piece of the treat directly into the front mesh of Pinkysan's carrier.

A small miracle happened. Pinkysan stopped shivering. Her nose twitched. Suddenly, she looked at the food, not Dr. Sato. She forgot to be afraid. She reached out and snatched the treat, her face finally relaxing. Mrow, ha ha! Pinkysan thought, her eyes gleaming with delicious victory.

"That's much better!" Dr. Sato smiled. "Good job, everyone. Pinkysan, you just needed a little motivation!"

Lyn closed the carrier, Pinkysan now purring softly after another treat. Star stood up and gave a final, regal Woof! of approval. They walked back to the car together, one brave dog and one finally happy, well-fed cat.