A serious hot spot

John and I both knew that moving to a new city in a new climate would present its fair share of challenges that would require some serious adjustments. But for the most part, we figured those adjustments would involve having to spend a Saturday at the beach to beat the heat and somehow having to make it through a winter without enduring a record 53" of snow. (Even though we all know that dogs love the snow). 

Seeing as how Barksdale is the member of our pack who is most easy-going and seems to adjust the fastest to new situations, we never considered that he would be the one who, a couple months after moving, would be having the hardest time. 


First, it was the fleas...

Once we got those under control, we realized that the poor guy takes after me and is allergic to all kinds of things--especially some of new flora or fauna in the area. This allergy manifested itself in the form of a "hot spot" (learn more about them here), which, trust me, is not a pretty sight. After several trips to the vet, and quite a few swipes of the credit card later, we finally seem to have all of his ailments under control.

Barksdale in happier days

And speaking of the vet, we have been going to the Central Animal Hospital in the Starland District and have been very pleased so far. We highly recommend them!

Any other dog owners out there had similar problems? What helped you and your dog adjust to the new climate?