Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Pet Dilemma

I know I haven't posted in a while but all I do is go to work and plant myself on the couch at home. But here is something that I've been trying to decide on and would love people's opinions.

So our city and local veterinary organization give awards every year to special people and pets that have made a diffference in the lives of animals. I have one client and her dog that I would love to nominate but here is my dilemma- the dog is at least half pitbull and pitbulls are illegal in Miami and are confiscated and killed. Obviously I would love to be able to highlight this wonderful dog but don't want to put him at risk. Here's his story, tell me what you think. "Puppy" was found by his owners by the side of the road when he was 6 months old. He had 2 broken legs and his first response was to vigorously wag his tail. They brought him in and he was hospitalized for about a week and had 2 orthopedic surgeries and numerous other procedures. His response was still to wag his tail and give people kisses. As he grew he became a very large (approx 80 lbs) dog with a great friendly disposition. We are always asking the owners of young, large healthy dogs if they would consider them for blood donors. His owners happily agreed and said that would be a wonderful way for him to give back for all the help he initially recieved. In the past 2 years he has donated about 6 times with 4 of those recipients living because of him. His owners will bring him in any time day or night and he sits quietly for his donation. I don't have any other donors with this dispostion or high level of health. Because of their huge sacrifice I would love to be able to honor this family. What do you think?

3 comments:

Queen of the Castle said...

Could you honor this family by yourself or as a practice? Perhaps you could offer them discounted veterinary services or something.
I think a quiet thank you in this case might be more prudent. It would be difficult if "puppy" were euthanized and the family left to deal with the law. (worse case scenario, right?)

Shalie said...

that is a dilemma! I would honor them privately, because the law is the law and you don't want anything to happen to the sweet dog. Just my opinion.

Mary said...

I wish you could nominate him! I like the previous suggestions--maybe put a picture of him up in your office as a "Pet Hero" or Pet of the Year or something. That may get your clients asking what they can do to make their pets heroes, too!