Gretchen’s ideas

Being the day after Christmas, it was relatively slow at the animal hospital. It was a routine day with routine procedures…nothing exciting. Not until my sweet 91 year old client named Gretchen came in with her cat named Smithers.

Gretchen’s idea #1: Smithers needs his vaccines today. Easy, no problem, piece of cake, let’s do this!!

Gretchen’s idea #2: Let’s take pictures while Smithers is getting his shots. This is where the boring day becomes not so boring. Anyways, Gretchen was so excited to use her Christmas gift…a brand new digital camera.

So as I was giving the shots and Gretchen FINALLY deciding on the best poses, she proceeds to take multiple pictures. FLASH!!! FLASH!!! FLASH!!!! Smithers hits the roof!!! Routine day…not so much anymore! From the first flash, Smithers was uncontrollable. He was frantically running around the room with urine and feces flying everywhere. (Luckily I brought another pair of pants that day!) The worse part was that Gretchen was oblivious to what was happening and kept on taking pictures. Finally with feces on their face, my technicians were able to hold Smithers for the injections and place him back in his carrier.
Gretchen’s idea #3: As Gretchen continues to innocently take pictures; she says “Doctor, I would like to have Smithers’ nails trimmed since we are here”. Forcing a smile, I politely refused but agreed to take a picture with Gretchen (minus Smithers).

Last time she is leaving the dog with the husband.

This case came in while I was working at an emergency facility in Los Angeles. A husband and wife bring in their sick Labrador named Harley. The wife clarifies that she has been away on business for 2 weeks while her husband has been home taking care of the dog. “Ever since I got back, Harley has been vomiting and is depressed”, explained the wife. The husband kept insisting that the dog has been always kept indoors and nothing unusual occurred. After an examination of the patient, I recommended that x-rays and blood tests be taken and hospitalization would be the next step. They agreed and the x-rays clearly revealed that Harley ate something which was now stuck in his intestines. After stabilization, I decided to surgically remove the “thing” that was making Harley ill. The next day after surgery, the patient was doing well and healthy enough to be sent home. The couple returned to pick up their dog and they wanted to know what was trapped in their beloved dog’s intestines. So, I explained to them that they “need to be more careful with their laundry so Harley can’t get to it.” As I was saying this, I revealed to them the “thing” that I removed from their dog: a woman’s purple lace underwear. The husband went pale and the wife said, “This isn’t mine.” Now, I went pale and quickly left the room. The last I heard at least the dog is doing fine!

Letter from Debra...

"I have 2 American Eskimos, one is 11 years old and the other is going to be 5.  I noticed that the older one was having problems with his back legs and went in to a local vet who recommended Metacam for the pain.  After getting home I felt that I didn't want him to be on pain meds for the remainder of his life and felt that Gluosamine might help.  I started him on your Joint Support and within 1 month he was doing better, now he is able to jump into bed (which is 3 feet off the floor) which he could not do before.  I have just started both dogs on you Multi-Vitamins and Advanced Skin and Coat, both dogs think they are treats and happily eat them with thier morning meal.  Thank you for making my "children" healthier and happier."