In this mask-wearing pandemic time, it’s difficult to gauge a person’s mood because the mouth is covered. You can try to read the eyes or eyebrows in hopes of sensing if the person is smiling, frowning or upset.

Fortunately, our dogs do not need protective masks. And, if you pay close attention, you can possibly determine a dog’s mood by factoring in a key clue — his ear placement. This applies no matter if the dog has upright ears like in a German Shepherd or drooping, heavy ears like in a Basset Hound.

Raise your hand if you miss talking face to face with your veterinarian about your pet in the exam room?

I know I do. Our Furry Brady Bunch includes three dogs and four cats. Like many of you, I spend more time in the veterinary clinic than I do at the offices of my doctor, dentist and eye doctor combined.

Before COVID-19 arrived this year in full force in March, I made four veterinary visits in 2020. They included:

• Treating stomach issues in Casey, my confident, certified therapy cat.

• Performing a dental cleaning under anesthesia for Kona, our friendly, smart terrier-mix.

• Giving head-to-tail wellness exams for Bujeau, our shy Bernese Mountain Dog-mix and Rusty, our just-adopted orange tabby kitten.