Tyson made his yearly visit to the ‘talking vet’ today. And, once again, he was at his best behaviour – calm and quiet – as if he were the sacrificial lamb who knows there is no escape from the altar.

More than Tyson, my five-year old Desert Dog, it was Dr Jaffer who was once again, his usual talking self.

He actually talks to the dog (or cat as the case might be). And the pets respond. I can confirm Tyson even nods in approval as he listens, even though with a hint of suspicion. He does not bark, makes no attempt to get away and waits patiently as he gets the job done.

Google lists Dr Jaffer as Bahrain’s incredible vet who talks to animals and that’s no understatement. He will seldom talk to the owners and, even if he does, he looks at the animal he is attending to.

He has his clinic in a Sanad farmhouse, and works with his trusted aide, assistant or helper named Baby, who is himself as sharp as ever in remembering the animal’s name, behaviour, likes and dislikes.

Tyson got a nail job done, besides a general check-up and he came out tops. The only flip side is he will not make that clicking sound with his nails when he comes and wakes me up in the middle of the night to have the door opened for him to answer the ‘call’ but that’s all right. I’ll probably tie a bell around his neck as a warning.