Heartfelt Stories of Love and Loss: three stories remind me why I do what i do.

This post is a little bit different from other posts as I would like to take this opportunity to share three stories that I personally experienced during my last 15 years of working in the field of veterinary medicine. Each of these stories holds a special place in my heart and has taught me valuable lessons that I hope you will also learn from by the end of this post.

The first story takes us back 13 years ago when I was still an intern for a veterinary technician. It was a typical day at the hospital when a black Labrador retriever and his owner walked in. As part of my responsibilities, I checked in the dog and gathered some important history about his condition and why he was brought to the hospital.

Once I had gathered all the necessary information, I promptly brought a doctor into the room to examine the dog. As the owner explained what was going on with her beloved pet, the doctor excused himself momentarily to retrieve some instruments and check on some medication in the back room.
In that brief moment, I found myself alone with the owner and the dog. The dog, a black Labrador retriever, was lying down on the bench, appearing quite mellow. However, I couldn't help but wonder if his calm demeanor was due to his illness or if he was naturally a docile dog. At that time, I was still in the early stages of my veterinary career and lacked the medical knowledge and experience to make a definitive judgment.
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It was during this moment of solitude that the owner began to open up and share a deeply personal situation with me. Despite knowing that I was just an intern, she confided in me and asked for my help in saving her beloved dog. It was a heart-wrenching conversation as she revealed that the dog was her only family. She had recently lost her husband and had no children. In her 60s or 70s, she expressed her fear of losing her faithful companion, emphasizing how much the dog meant to her.
Listening to her emotional plea, I couldn't help but feel the weight of her pain. Though I was unable to provide any immediate solutions, I offered her a sympathetic ear. Unfortunately, I do not have the details of whether the dog ultimately recovered or not, but I do recall that he was not particularly old at the time.

The second story I want to share with you took place approximately 7-8 years ago. It revolves around a dog who was transferred from a regular veterinary practice to the emergency department where I was working at the time. This poor dog was suffering from a severe case of constipation, and despite the regular practice's attempt to alleviate the issue with an enema, it proved to be unsuccessful. It became evident from the radiograph that surgery was the only viable solution to relieve the dog's distress.

I entered the room and introduced myself to the owner, who happened to be in a wheelchair He was patiently waiting for a staff member to return. As I approached him, he shared with me that he had recently undergone cardiac surgery and had spent the past week in the hospital. During his hospitalization, his beloved dog had been cared for by his family. This loyal canine had always been his constant companion and emotional support, especially since the owner had been confined to a wheelchair for an extended period of time. The owner's eyes were filled with tears as he recounted his story to me, expressing his deep love and gratitude for his furry friend.

What struck me the most was the dog's unwavering loyalty and devotion to her owner. Despite her own discomfort and illness, her sole focus was on providing comfort and solace to the person who meant the world to her. As if sensing her owner's distress, she gently approached him and began licking his face, attempting to wipe away his tears. It was a touching display of empathy and affection that left me in awe of the incredible bond between humans and animals.
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Regrettably, as the day went on, it became evident that surgery was not a viable option for him. Consequently, the difficult choice was made to euthanize her at another hospital. This was a devastating outcome, particularly given that she was not even an elderly dog.

The third story I want to share with you is about a heart-wrenching incident involving a one-year-old dog. This particular incident took place during my time working at a hospital, where the dog was brought in already lifeless. The owner, understandably devastated, recounted how the dog had been unresponsive when she woke up that morning. It was a sudden and shocking turn of events, as the dog had been perfectly fine the day before.

The owner, who had a deep affection for her first-ever dog, was desperate to understand what had caused her beloved pet's untimely demise. She expressed her need to know the cause so that she could avoid making the same mistake in the future, if it was something she had done.

In an attempt to shed some light on the situation, a veterinarian and I explained to the owner that determining the cause of death in such cases can be incredibly challenging. There were no visible signs of physical trauma, making it even more perplexing. We informed her that there was no guarantee that the outside lab, a university with advanced diagnostic capabilities, would be able to find the cause. We were at a loss as to where to begin, so we made the decision to send the dog's full body to the university for further examination.

What many people may not be aware of is that there is no dedicated field of forensic medicine for pets. In situations like this, it is up to the veterinarian to order the necessary tests for the lab to perform. We found ourselves in a position of uncertainty, not knowing which specific tests to request. Contrary to popular belief, the lab does not independently choose the types of tests or conduct autopsies on different parts of the body like a scene from a CSI show. It is the responsibility of the hospital and the veterinarian to select the appropriate tests, which often involves a certain level of guesswork.

As we delved deeper into the investigation, we realized that ordering tests was not a one-time affair. In fact, we had to request tests multiple times, each time hoping to uncover some clue that would lead us closer to the truth. The complexity of the case even led us to transfer the dog's body to another university in search of answers. Remarkably, the owner remained undeterred by the cost and time involved in this arduous process. Her unwavering determination to uncover the cause of her dog's death was a testament to the profound love she had for her furry companion.
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After nearly eight long months of tireless efforts, the university laboratory finally discovered potential evidence pointing to the dry food the dog had been consuming. To our surprise, the brand of food was widely recognized and had earned a reputation for its high quality. The test results were promptly reported to the FDA, leading to a recall of the product.

As you can clearly observe, it is evident that the three owners mentioned above had an immense adoration for their beloved dogs. Their love for their furry companions was so profound that they were willing to go to any lengths to ensure their dogs' well-being and even save their lives. It is important to note that there is absolutely no reason to place blame on these owners for their actions. However, it is natural for one to question oneself to some extent in such situations. The thought of "what if I had done things differently?" or "should I have done more?" often crosses one's mind.
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Having personally bid farewell to four dogs in the past, I can relate to this feeling of self-doubt as a dog owner. Each time I had to say goodbye to a beloved pet, I found myself questioning whether I had done everything within my power to provide them with the best possible care and support. It is a common concern among pet owners, as we strive to ensure the well-being of our furry friends.

As you may already be aware, many pet illnesses can be attributed to their diet, much like our own health issues. Certain foods have the potential to cause or accelerate the deterioration of the immune system, cognitive decline, inflammation, and even cancer in our beloved companions. However, unlike us, our pets are unable to make choices about what they consume. They place their complete trust in us, their owners, relying on our judgment to make decisions that will promote their health and longevity. Therefore, it is our responsibility to be knowledgeable about the foods that are beneficial for their well-being and to ensure that we ourselves are in good health to care for them.

In light of this, my mission is to provide valuable information about the importance of proper nutrition and medicinal properties of food for both humans and their furry companions. By sharing my blogs and newsletters with your friends and family, you are actively contributing to the dissemination of this vital information. The act of sharing increases the likelihood of reaching individuals who may be in dire need of this knowledge to improve the lives of their pets. (It happened to my dog in the past.) Your support and engagement are greatly appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to read this elongated text. 
I look forward to sharing more valuable insights with you in the future. 

Until then, take care and see you next time!