My First Solo Visit and Nero

Before my move to Thwing and taking the role of District Nurse and sister for the area, I was a student District Nurse on placement in the Vale of Belvoir, Leicestershire. One particular morning, I was being let loose on the unsuspecting public for my first visit unaccompanied by my Practical Work Teacher. I had been a Staff Nurse in the community, so it was not all entirely new, but I was still very apprehensive,

Things began well. I had not overslept; the dog had been for a walk without encountering a fight – it was a smooth start to the day. I had allowed plenty of time and I had a map and directions, so was well prepared. Or so I thought!

The staff had explained that the patient had an Alsatian dog, which they assured me, would be locked up. How does the saying go? Never work with children or animals? It is obviously founded on sound experiential evidence.

I arrived at the house and, sure enough the dog had been shut in one of the many rooms in this very large, isolated house. I commenced the treatment of the lady's leg and was fine until I felt hot breath on my back accompanied by a loud panting noise. I turned to be greeted with a bark and a nudge. The dog, who I discovered to be called Nero (for reasons I never did ascertain, as he in no way resembled him) had escaped! Being a dog owner and lover, I was not too concerned as he seemed friendly and just lay next to his owner minding his own business. I completed the treatment and felt quite pleased with my first independent call.

What's that other saying? Something about not counting your chickens before they hatch. Very sound old proverbs are these! Nero would let me fuss him, play with him - anything in fact except allow me to leave!

The scene that ensued would fit well in any Laurel and Hardy film. The ninety-year-old lady hobbled around the ground floor of this huge house, bent double over her stick, trying to capture Nero and return him to his "cell". Nero was not participating in any way and much preferred his guard duty.

Craftily I put my hand on the door handle when his back was turned but to no avail - instantly he appeared as if by magic.

After failed attempts to leave by the door, I tried the window but was foiled again by Nero the Unfoolable!

After half an hour of trying to escape I decided to take other action and rang surgery to ask for the daughter's 'phone number so that she could come and take charge of what I discovered to be her dog. I also asked the receptionists to 'phone my teacher and other patients to explain I would be late.

On hearing I was being held hostage by a dog the surgery was in uproar, not in concern for my safety, but in hysterical excitement! In all their years working there they had never come across such a situation. After they recovered, they did in fact 'phone the daughter and explained. She said she would come home from work to catch the dog.

On arrival she was none too pleased. Her mother received the first reprimand for not having secured the dog properly and then she started on me as she had had to travel 25 miles to return home and could I not have done something else?!

I explained to her that much as I loved dogs, the size of Nero's jaws and teeth were somewhat off putting when he bared them at you every time you went anywhere near an exit, and that she need never fear losing any property, as no burglar, once in. would dare leave.

I left the house and returned to the surgery to be faced with a great deal of teasing from everybody.

In conclusion, for anyone in a similar situation, I suggest the following actions. Put the kettle on (if the dog will allow), make tea or coffee for all present (including the dog), then repeat above until assistance arrives!!

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