In February 07, I was awakened about 6:00 a.m by my Yorkie, Benji. He was yelping w/pain. He was fine the night before, so I didn't know what to think. His pain got worse, so we took him to the animal emergency hospital that morning (Sunday). He was diagnosed as having pancreatitis and admitted to the hospital. The next day I transferred him to our regular Vet., Huffard Animal Hospital. Over the next few days he got worse. (Pancreatitis is a treatable disease for otherwise healthy dogs. Benji has diabetes controlled w/insulin just as we are. He has lost his vision in his right eye and 80% in his left eye as a result of his diabetes, so his vision is very poor. Pancreatitis is often seen in dogs w/diabetes.) The vet. (Dr, McAfferty) discussed the possibility of having to put him to sleep if he doesn't soon get better. Although he was getting powerful pain meds. he still cried out in pain. On day 5 he appeared to be stronger and feeling better. He showed continued signs of improvement and on day 7 he was allowed to go home, even though he still couldn't keep anything down. However, within 2 days, he was eating again w/dog food sold only at the Vet. office. He has since regained almost the 30% weight loss he experienced and is back to himself. Benji was about as close to death as one could come w/o actually dieing. I would visit him at least twice a day for several hours each time. It was difficult to see him crying out in pain. I felt so helpless. I cried all the time fearing losing him as I lost Mollie 7 months before.
The staff at Huffard showed the same patient, kind and compassionate care in the back office as they did w/Mollie. I can't begin to find the right words to say thank you, but I sent them a thank you note and baked them a cake to say thank you. I am greatly indebted to the staff of Huffard Animal Hospital. Once again, I give them 5 stars and more. I'm so lucky to have their services right here in our own small community. By Kathy Englert
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