Boy Did I Pick the Wrong Week to Send a Newsletter!

Ten days ago I came home to find that one of our dogs had bitten the other. I didn’t even know what was wrong at first except that Mikey (the dog) was in pain and couldn’t put any weight on his front leg.

It was a Sunday evening and the problem with veterinary care is they are mostly a 9-to-5 business. I don’t even think about it because emergency care is fairly infrequent. The only after-hours care I knew about was at Michigan State University’s Small Animal Clinic.

They took Mikey in but it turned out didn’t have surgical staff available. They provided a list of other veterinarians — a list of fourteen clinics ranging from Lake Michigan to Lake Erie across the lowest portion of the state. I suppose if it’s life threatening you’ll drive two hours; the whole thing was grim.

Luckily, we are blessed with a 24×7 clinic in the next community to the east, just 15 miles from MSU. When I arrived, which was around midnight, the parking lot was full. There would be at least a two hour wait in the car.

As I tried to sleep, the family in the car next to mine blared music like they were making the most of their time waiting. An hour into the car-party, they apparently got a call from the vets inside. First the car’s front door opened and slammed into my car. Then the back door opened and slammed into my car even harder.

The man yelled apologies and hurried into the clinic. I was too tired to check for dents and dings but the man returned a minute later and opened my passenger door.

“I’ll pay for the damage,” he said, choking up. “I don’t care how much. I’m sorry, but my dog has to be put down.”

I assured him he need not worry, and offered my sympathies.

Of course, I’m not simply trying to show what a great guy I am. I mean, I’m kind of great (depending on who you ask) but I really didn’t care about the dings. I was plenty worried about Mike, and also have said goodbye to some of the most beautiful dogs and cats in the world, so I didn’t want this family to worry about anything else.

No one should care about a little dent to a car when someone you love is dying.

Meanwhile, the doctors found punctures on Mike’s leg and that’s how they concluded he had been bitten. Emergency animal care isn’t cheap but it was worth every penny. We got home at four o’clock in the morning.

Again, I just want my little friend to be comfortable and heal.

I was stressed out the next two days because of the care Mike required. I wanted to get it right and sweated the details. Then it became routine and we just did all the things—the meds, the extra feedings, the wound cleaning, and the carefully controlled walks outside to pee and poop—and today he got his stitches out, all better.

That’s what hurts me the most about yesterday’s election. I think a lot of people voted their wallets, which is their right, but without considering how their neighbors and family will fare.

Taking care of our neighbors and family is the most satisfying source of joy in life. As we walk into an unknown future, I’ll be doing my best to help those in need.

In a couple of weeks, I hope to be my old self again, sharing funnier stories than this one. I wanted you to know how I feel right now, and to know that I’m pulling my loved ones closer than ever.

I hope you’ll do the same.