A pet owner’s gratitude
By Dr. Tony Johnson
November 2, 2009
I have written mostly about some of the tragedies that I have seen and dealt with while here at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.
ER work, unfortunately, has a shadowy side, and there are lots of times when things don’t go the way we wish they would. Sad endings seem to edge out over the happy ones some days.
But, just today I had one of those moments while walking down the hall that reminds me of why we do it.
My office is just across from some exam rooms and near one exit of the teaching hospital. I often can hear the discussions that take place in the exam rooms between family members and doctors or students at Purdue.
Sometimes I can hear the families talking, or even arguing about what to do next. And the hallway outside is a convenient place to make a call as the cellular reception is not great in the building, but there’s a little area right here where it is OK – so I can often hear just one side of these conversations. I sort of have to make up the other side, but you can usually get the jist of what is going on. There’s a lot to grapple with here sometimes.
But, today, just a few minutes ago – I rounded the corner and heard the tail end of a conversation. Just a few lines of dialog between caregiver and pet owner, but it seemed to sum up a lot.
A large dog (I only got a glimpse of him – maybe a sighthound like a Borzoi or Greyhound) was leaving with his owners. He had his back end in a sling, but was walking under his own power; he just need a bit of help.
The clinician was holding a bag in one hand, and holding the door for the family in the other (he is one of the many folks I have yet to meet here – I don’t know his name, or even his specialty yet) and said
“Thanks for the apples“
and the owners said
“Thanks for the miracle“
Oh yeah … little doses of that really will lift you over the rough patches, Dr. T!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 2, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Hi Dr. Tony Johnson nice article thanks.
Comment by Jonathan — November 2, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
Please write more!
Comment by Meagan — November 2, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
NICE!
Any news on Trevor?
Comment by catmom5 — November 2, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
That makes me cry. Been there, done that at a vet school, had the miracle.
Comment by Phyllis DeGioia — November 3, 2009 @ 5:46 am
My daughter, the vet, has performed many miracles for my pets, as well as for many others at CSU, although not in the emergency room.
However, my apple tree refused to grow apples this year. What to do, I ask myself.
Veterinarians are such a special lot—their motivation (with exceptions) seems to be for the welfare of animals and their owners rather than be the richest and most powerful person around. I cannot sing their praises enough!
Comment by Colorado Transplant — November 3, 2009 @ 8:13 am
CT … tell your wonderful daughter she needs to write something for us. We miss her, lots.
Being super-mega-busy is no excuse. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 3, 2009 @ 9:18 am
Being super-mega-busy is no excuse. :)
Well, it seems to work for me!
Thanks, all for the positive feedback. I live for your praise! :)
I am sad to report that Trevor lost his battle after another surgery and another week in ICU. The abscess was caused by a fungus, which is a near untreatable situation to be in. He is at peace now, which is the most important thing, and the owners and all those caring for him know that they did their very best. Thanks to all of you who wished him, and us, the best. You are a very kind lot and this website is a special place to be involved in. I am honored, humbled and happy to be a part of it.
Comment by Dr. Tony Johnson — November 3, 2009 @ 10:23 am
We cut you a little slack for getting married and going to Italy for a honeymoon. :)
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 3, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Silence is golden, Gina (which I never learned, big-mouth me) but I will ask Dr. Narda. I was reluctant to bri
However, with your writing skills and engaging abilities, you might have a better chance at getting super-mega-busy Dr. Narda to write.
However, I will ask her about it. After all, I have a “big mouth”. :)
Comment by Colorado Transplant — November 3, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
My husband was talking to me so forgot to finish the sentence above. He thinks I spend too much time on the computer instead of paying attetion to him.
The sentence above should read: I was reluctant to bring up my daughter’s profession because psychically I felt it would get a strong response from someone, positive or whatever.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — November 3, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
CT … I’m just teasing you. You know we are grateful for whatever our bloggers and community members bring to our site.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — November 3, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
I know, but I just wrote to her,anyway. I like to read her writing, too.
I always enjoy super-mega-busy Dr. Tony’s posting. I am intrigued by the stories about the emergency hospital happenings.
You attract such good writers, all of them that post and comment. You are a magnet in attracting and extracting interesting “stuff” from us humans.
Comment by Colorado Transplant — November 3, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
Thanks for the update on Trevor. I’m glad to know that he is now at peace and his people realize that all that could have been done was done. I think that’s one of the hardest things - the wondering and “what ifs”!
Comment by catmom5 — November 3, 2009 @ 3:14 pm