I've made many trips to the vet over the past couple of days with my sister's cat. First, the emergency vet...(oops, they forgot to mention that they didn't have anyone there who could do an ultrasound until they had collected lots of my sister's cash). I picked him up the next day...Ultrasound, fine needle aspirations (spleen and liver). Brought him home hydrated and able to eat again. Today he had his follow up at the regular vet. Here's the part for the pet lovers. I saw many people who loved their pets very much at all of the vets, but was so touched by one woman that I had to share this. She was an older woman with her very old, sick beagle. Poor little guy had cancer. As they took him back for surgery, she said a very sad so long to him. She took notice of the cat I had in the carrier, so I went to sit with her. Seems she was too devastated to leave the vet at that moment. She and I talked for a few minutes and she became very tearful and told me that her beagle was all she had left in life. Everyone close to her had already passed. My heart sank. I wanted to find the right words to comfort her, but what are the right words for that? She said she was embarrassed to be crying in public. I reassured her that we all break down from time to time and, in her situation it was good for her to let the tears out. The receptionist saw her and joined us. This dear dog owner said "Please do everything you can for my baby. I don't care about the cost. I only get social security, but I will do without food if I need to just as long as you can help". I cannot express the profound sadness that I felt deep in my heart and soul for this dear woman. I gave her my number and assured her that she could call to talk, or for a meal if she needed. I was called back to the exam room and left her with a heavy heart. She was gone when I was back at the front desk, but I was hoping that the girl behind the desk would be kind enough to give me her number because I have a feeling she would hesitate to call me. This vet has some of the most compassionate employees and she did give me her number and address. I was especially concerned because, last night, in her dispair, she had fallen down the steps and hurt her back. I feel like I need to know how she is doing and how her dear dog made out. I did try to call, but haven't reached her yet. Some people in life touch you so deeply, that you know you have to talk to them again and she was one of those people. I would so much appreciate if anyone out there who reads this will keep this woman in their prayers. Also, I have always loved my pets, but this made me appreciate their value in my life all the more. It also made me realize that for me personally, some of the things I find important are so trivial compared to what she must be feeling. I do hope that when I reach her, she doesn't mind that I obtained her personal information from that office. I don't, in any way want to invade her personal life. I'm fairly certain that she won't mind and in reaching out to her, I hope she can feel that she does have more left in her life. I can't compare to the deep losses she has sustained, but maybe a new friend can take away at least some of the pain. Most of my point in this, is that we (myself included) sometimes take so much for granted. I came home and took my puppy out for some time together and realized that he means so much to me and how very grateful I am for his unconditional friendship and love. I hope this message doesn't make anyone feel too sad. I'm hoping the opposite is true. Not only do we value our pets, but in approaching a stranger in need, we help not only them, but ourselves in the possibility of forming a new friendship. I do not think that I did anything out of the ordinary today. When I considered what she was going through, I was honored that God allowed me to be part of her life. Through his love, I am able to love and that is one of the greatest gifts of all.