Are we Good at This or Just Lucky?

I stole a few minutes between appointments to call the hospital phone number Greg Trujillo had given me. I’d committed to updating him on Sadie. I drummed my fingers on the desk while waiting for the receptionist to track him down, knowing my next client was also waiting. When Greg picked up I explained his dog’s so-far, so-good status. It turned out that the same was true for Susan, his wife. The poor guy was stressed to the max. I wished them both godspeed and promised to stay in touch.

Sadie’s temperature had dipped to 99 degrees but by 7 PM was hovering around 100 – low normal for her species. Her eyes were open and her paws were moving a little. She hadn’t seizured for several hours. I knew that with overnight care, we had a shot at getting her through this.

Under normal circumstances, the pet parent would ferry their dog or cat to the emergency clinic. It turned out that Susan’s appendix had ruptured. Her survival was not assured but her doctor was hopeful. She needed Greg at her bedside. Amos, Doug, and I hoisted semi-conscious, and sometimes moderately flailing, Sadie into the back of my Subaru wagon. I, too was uncertain but hopeful. After delivering her, I hauled my tail home. I have no memory of even entering my house that night, only being jolted awake when my alarm clock unceremoniously violated me.

Besides killing flies in livestock barns, Golden Malrin is often used to eliminate racoons. It’s especially toxic to cats. My call to the emergency clinic the next morning bore good news. Sadie the Newfoundland was fortunate. Had she been a smaller dog she might not have survived. When I arrived at my office that morning Greg called. Susan was recovering.

Modern medicine is a wonderful thing. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do but it can be a scary business. We don’t win every time. We do our best but that nagging voice in the back of our minds is always there. Still, we swing for the fences.

For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.

Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.