Yesterday, Zinnia had a rare accident on the kitchen floor.

When I took her out, she peed two or three times. Zinnia was pretty much housebroken from her first day here, this was unusual, and I didn’t like the fact she seemed to be dribbling, not sending out a single stream.

When you see a puppy all day, and in different circumstances, you get pretty good radar when something is off. I got a urine sample and dropped it off at the vet, and we made a noon appointment.

Her peeing seemed off to me, and I do know this story.

The well-bred dog meets the farm. And we got another woman with a big heart to be a Godmother.

I was in Saratoga Springs around lunchtime, so Maria took Zinnia to see Dr. Suzanne Fariello, who has joined the Zinnia Godmother Circle Of Love.

The test was positive, Zinnia had a urinary tract infection.

Dr. Fariello reminded us that this is common here in the country, where puppies often meet their first bacteria.

In the country, and in many cities, we strengthen dogs’ immune systems quickly. Almost every dog I’ve brought here as a puppy got a urinary tract infection soon after they arrive, one of the side benefits of a farm.

Bacteria is a part of all of our lives, dogs and humans, the healthy body adjusts.

Zinnia is on anti-biotics for a week, and her urination is already pretty much returned to normal. Dr. Fariello wants her to drink as much water as she wants, to flush out her system.

It sure didn’t affect her appetite, or her social skills, she is still gnawing on Bud’s head, racing up and down the yard, inhaling her food, greeting everyone she meets, eating leaves and small rocks if she can.

I still remember Lenore’s urinary tract infection, and also Fate’s. I guess I know the signs.

She loves her vet, too. Lots of kisses and tail wags. And Zinnia is mightily blessed with her Godmothers, she has them all over the country now, building her Circle Of Love.

I think I might call it the Zinnia Godparent’s Association. I can’t wait for the first men, the will, of course, be Godfathers.

We have some male volunteers.

(Photo by Maria Wulf)