The Misadventure of Dr. Benna and the Unintended ‘House’ Call

A Twist of Fate in Mdina

It was a day like any other in the silent city of Mdina, with tourists meandering through the narrow streets, snapping photos of the bastions and dreaming of knightly tales. But little did they know, a storyline worthy of a TV drama was about to unfold with Dr. Benna, a renowned medical practitioner known for his meticulous eye and his rather peculiar love for triq il-Kbira’s pastries.

From Check-ups to Check Mates: Dr. Benna’s Professional Detour

His morning had started ordinarily, performing back-to-back check-ups at the local clinic. That is until he received a cryptic message that read: “Uwejja, Dr. Benna! Big problem at the home of Ta’ Pinu in Għarb! Your expertise is needed stat!” Thinking it was an emergency house call, he sped off in his old, enamel-white Fiat 500, pastizz in hand.

The Hilarious House Mishap

He arrived at the iconic Ta’ Pinu shrine, but was confused to find no ambulance or patient awaiting. Instead, there was a congregation of flustered nuns scrambling to control a rogue goat that had wandered in from the neighboring fields.

“We thought you were the new vet, Dr. Benna! Our dear goat, Ġbejna, has taken quite the liking to the holy water and won’t budge!”

The Landmark Turned Petting Zoo

As a man of science (and an animal lover), Dr. Benna couldn’t simply leave the nuns and Ġbejna to their dilemma. He attempted various medical techniques to lure the goat out, including offering a bite of his pastizz – an offer that no Maltese goat could refuse.

The Sudden Celebrity Surgeon

What followed was pandemonium that would make Valletta’s carnival look tame. Tourists cheered, nuns prayed, and Dr. Benna chased the pastizz-loving goat around the shrine with the fervor of a man possessed. It wouldn’t be a story if it didn’t end with the goat eating his pastizz and peacefully wandering out, leaving Benna as the hero of the hour.

The Unexpected Job Offers

Word of the ordeal spread faster than gossip in a Maltese festa, and by the time Dr. Benna returned to his clinic, his answering machine was inundated with requests. Not for medical consultations, but for him to deal with various animal antics across the Maltese Islands.

Dr. Benna: The Unwitting Veterinarian

Feeling the peer pressure, he contemplated a career shift. After all, one goat’s admiration was enough to spark his fame beyond the halls of medicine. But, after a sumptuous rabbit stew for dinner and some reflection, he decided to remain within the (human) confines of his clinic.

The Aftermath: ‘Times of Mela’ Exclusive Interview

‘Times of Mela’: So, Dr. Benna, how does it feel to be the savior of Ta’ Pinu’s rogue resident?

Dr. Benna: I never expected chasing a goat would overshadow years of medical practice, but mela, it’s been quite an adventure.

‘Times of Mela’: Any plans to add veterinary services to your repertoire?

Dr. Benna: Kollox is possible in Malta. But for now, I’ll stick to two-legged patients. Though, I might keep an extra pastizz on hand—just in case!

Conclusion: The Accidental Hero

And so, Dr. Benna returned to his clinic, resuming his routine, albeit with a new sense of whimsy. Occasionally, he’d chuckle upon receiving a tongue-in-cheek referral to treat a distressed parrot or a cantankerous cat.

As for the goat Ġbejna, her newfound taste for pastizzi made her a local celebrity. The shrine now offers a “Dr. Benna Special” tour, featuring the tale of the day a doctor turned veterinarian brought peace to a chaotic afternoon with nothing but his wits and a flaky, pea-filled pastry.

In truth, sometimes all it takes is a mistaken message and a mischievous goat for one to become a legend in the annals of the ‘Times of Mela’.