varied comments in a few other threads prompted me to post this - - - -
Picture this -
9am Saturday 27 Dec 2008
I lifted one of our young gentlemen into the car and off we went on the 45min trip to the Vets so this one could have a check up – he had been sneezing and blowing clear fluid out his nose since mid morning the previous day
He enjoyed the trip looking out the back window the bulk of the time and walked
sedately and regally [on his lead] into the Vets – we were welcomed with cheery smiles
and warm greetings from all the staff.
We were the first of the day so no other pets were there to upset him.
All the staff were happy to see him of course – it isn’t every day one as large and calm as this one pays them a visit.
He was lifted onto the scales and just stood still until lifted back off – much to the delight and relief of all. He weighed in at exactly 23kg – not bad for one only just 6mths old.
He sat calmly while he had a full check up – his heart had a good rhythm – the solidness/soundness of his bones was commented on and his muscle to fat ratio was commended as it was in the Vet’s opinion to be exactly correct - his breathing was good and deep but some rattling could be heard – the clear fluid was still present but not as bad as the previous day.
He was prescribed the necessary medicants and I proceeded to walk him out of the Surgery room [I could hear that other patients had arrived and didn’t want to frighten them with his size but knowing it could not be avoided] –
WELL – when the door opened to this lovely young man =
A few ‘patients’ were sitting on their 'human pets' laps waiting their turn and these 'pets’ just stared mouths agape
and eyes bogged
This young gent just calmly continued to walk across the waiting room to the door
– and I said “We have large pets don’t we” eyes still standing out these same people sort of smiled and most shook their heads in bemusement.
You see – their pets were a Maltese dog a Shitzu and a few assorted cats and this young gent on the lead is one of our turkeys – his name = Turkey Sandwich [the kids reckon that way he wouldnt ever be eaten]
I reckon we have great pets - albeit 'different' from the mainstream ones
Subsequently this young gent has had his follow-up check was weighed again and now weighs 35kg
as a fully mature bird. Yes he walked in
once again on his lead. However this time it was later in the day and there were several people in the waiting area. All were asked by staff to stay still and quiet and to limit the patients noise levels.
None were told why – they soon found out.
Turkey Sandwich calmly walked in
slightly in front of me and amazingly straight across to the scales
[he must have remembered the previous visit]. Well - glancing surreptitiously around I saw the stunned faces
and had to hold tight the laugher.
Needless to say he got a clean bill of health and once again caused a minor sensation in our local town. I suppose it isn’t every day that one sees a huge turkey either in a car looking out the window OR walking calmly on a lead and taking its ‘human pet’ for a walk
So Turkey Sandwich [yes that IS his name] now spends his days wandering around our property and attempting to get in the car each time we go out
pics of Mr Sandwich are in the Gallery
he was meant to be turned INTO turkey sandwiches but
well
ummm
yeah
[pay attention to the date of the trip folks!!]
Mr Sandwich also demonstrates well the 'character' of turkeys