I am so proud. Duke had his annual check-up today for shots, heartworm check, etc. He DID NOT have to be muzzled!
Two techs came in to give the shots and draw blood. The one I knew says, "I'll hold him, you take care of everything else" to the second tech. I asked her if she was going to muzzle him? She said she thought he'd be OK. She said she knew he had problems with his feet and being restrained, but she wanted to give it a try.
She held him and talked to him. He grumbled a bit when they did the blood draw, but didn't growl. We ARE winning the battle.