1. Rushing into a white room, a dog is laying there focusing on the energy spent for every labored breath. Blood slides between the stainless steel table and its belly while hair flees from the body due to stress. Without hesitation the veterinarian steps into action grabbing a stethoscope and reaching for the dog's chest. A vet tech restrains the animal as he cries out in pain while being examined and contorted to meet the need of the vet. Every breath taken by the dog seems to align with those of the veterinarian; the intensity level is at an all-time high.
A needle is stuck into the front fore arm to inject Ketaset in order to anesthetize the animal for a better, less painful, examination. A tube is set for the intubation which sets the speed of breaths as to give the dog a break from panting. The monitor measures the oxygen levels in blood as well as the heart rate to comfort the vet while ensuring the continuing life laying in front of him.
Thick black fur hides the battle wounds this German shepherd attained at home from his brother. Gashes from large canine teeth are centered on the belly and chest, but it seems that wherever the competitor could grab was where a bite wound occurred. As the tech slowly trims the fur, the vet was able to reveal the wounds. Cotton and alcohol are used to dab away the blood so the slit in the skin was all remaining. Piercing of more skin continued while sutures were placed after drains were fit into each gash. Again and again, in and out, the purple vicryl strand was woven within the flaps of skin. The closing skin seemed to reduce the atrocity that first walked in.
A familiar high pitch sound chimes in an unforgettable pattern. The owner is on the phone worried about her friend; his quality of life is already being put into question. Rea**urance is key and can only be used as a way to buy time. Over and over the vet repeats the suture protocol. After strips of fur have been removed from the struggling body the vet can no longer identify any other cuts. Bruising has already set in, but the reawakening process has gone into effect. Time, time is the one thing no one can be patient enough to wait on. Until the dog wakes up and can breathe on his own, can anyone determine if he will even make it through the night.
Finally, he swallows and the intubation tube is withdrawn as the slow breathing engages. Big brown eyes flash open and closed at the vet and his tail starts wagging. Once his twitching turns into purposeful movements he is carried to a kennel where he can wake up on his own. Sleep is never an option for a vet who has patients on their last leg. Driving to the clinic in a panic for what will be found in the kennel is terrifying. By morning the vet returns and he is found sitting upright awaiting her arrival.
No longer can his brother be kept at his side, but instead they meet through a gate. While both are 110 pound German shepherds, only one has the drive and sick urge to attack. Something will need to be done before a human attack occurs, but until then the brother is locked away only to see the sunlight for bathroom breaks. Another life saved by the vet, another astonishing recovery made by an amazing pet whose love for his owner conquered d**h.
6. Gentle eyes set off the photo. A kind smile, wrinkled cheeks, and nose invoke a sense of compa**ion. While the grey hair indicates age, the spunk in her gaze implies her youth. She is outside in what looks like a field with what look to be gardening tools. Hardworking, loving, and a provider are the words that remain with me after looking at the photograph.