For several decades I harboured a lingering notion to visit the Serengeti and take a hot air balloon ride. Sadly, I think this dream is likely to remain unfulfilled.

The story of Thelma and her dental problem sprang almost immediately to mind when Evelyn from Writers’ Circus suggest a title for July 2026 along the lines of:

‘A visit to my Dentist’

or

‘My Sore Tooth’

or

‘Something of that ilk’.

Thelma is entirely fictional. The characters and their behaviours and interactions are invented.

To gain an insight into the Serengeti and supply me with background on all things veterinarian, I used Perplexity AI to help with my research. I did not use Perplexity or any other AI tools in creative writing mode.

It will soon become clear that ‘Thelma’ has a heavliy narrative style and, surprise, surprise, once more drones are a key feature.

You may wish to skim the Prologue which was largely based on information provided by Perplexity but it does explain the vastness and diversity of wildlife which lives in the Serengeti under the care of the Ranger Service and its Vets.

During the final edit I used the Read Aloud feature in Microsaoft Word. This piece has around 7,400 words and it highly unlikely to be free of typos, etc.

Dear Reader, I plead your indulgence and ask that you make your won best judgement of my intent and then, PLEASE:

READ ON.

Thank you.