My 9 year old large breed dog became lethargic and would just stand in the hallway and stare. I knew something was wrong, he hadn't eaten in five days. On a Saturday at 11:40 AM, I called his vet in L... Read More
My 9 year old large breed dog became lethargic and would just stand in the hallway and stare. I knew something was wrong, he hadn't eaten in five days. On a Saturday at 11:40 AM, I called his vet in Libertyville. I told them what was going on, and that I was seriously concerned that he was going to die, and could I please bring him in to be examined by his long-time vet. The receptionist said "Well, we're closing in 20 minutes, you'll have to bring him to Animal Emergency in Buffalo Grove". I was frantic.I gambled and called AMC at Fort Sheridan and told them the same thing. I had never been there before, and thus, they had no incentive to keep a customer, so to speak. They told me to bring him in right away. They didn't care that I wasn't a regular, they were concerned that my buddy boy might die. I brought him in within 20 minutes.The doctor was SO compassionate - she took x-rays and determined that my dog had fluid build up around his heart, and it was making it difficult for his heart to pump. She said it was not uncommon in large breed dogs and it was difficult to say what the cause was. She told me that they could have the fluid drained at a specialty center ($$$$) but there would be no guarantees about his survivability - in fact, the procedure generally provides temporary relief, but... well, it didn't look good. She managed my own expectations like a professional, while showing empathy for my dog.I decided to bring my long-time friend back to his home, in his comfy bed, and let him live out the rest of his life with those who loved him. The next day, on a SUNDAY at 11:30 AM, I received a call from this veterinarian to find out how my friend, my dog, was doing. I explained that he hadn't even been able to get up to go to the bathroom. The pressure on his heart made it impossible for him to even stand. I told her that I was second guessing the notion of letting him pass away at home because he was just lying there waiting to die.She told me that she had spoken with the main vet there and that I should bring him in, and they would do the necessary procedure there to relieve the pressure on his heart. She then asked when I could be there. I told her in an hour in a half. When I arrived, they were waiting for my dog - to help him. It wasn't about money. Regardless of the outcome, I have never seen people so dedicated to animal humanity (is that even a phrase?) in my life. They cared about my dog - not whether or not I was a regular customer, not about the fact that it was Sunday. They were worried about him because he was in critical condition, and if he didn't pass away last night, they didn't want him to suffer more. You CAN NOT get better care than this. When it counts, they stood ready to help my beloved friend who was waiting for his heart to give out. These people have behaved in a way that was touching, compassionate, and humane. No one cares for ones pet like the owner - except perhaps for AMC. I am personally moved. Read Less