Anna we have had so many ticks in these parts that I have lost count. Actually this year hasn't been a bad one and now with Frontline I don't worry like I did before. It looks like your tick was somewhat engorged. I don't want to make you upset but it most likely had been attached to Malone to get that way. Before Frontline we had removed several that looked that way from past dogs. I think you should consider yourself lucky that this is your first encounter with one seeing as you live in a woodsy area. Bella actually did come down with Lyme disease last year (maybe it was even the year before, I can't even remember now ) before I began Frontline and, strangely enough, I had already taken her in for the first of the two Lyme vaccine shots. Thankfully after a month on antibiotics she was/and is fine! By the way, I hope you are feeling better.