**Diary Entry**
I witnessed something today that left a deep mark on me. An elderly man brought his dog to be put downnot because he wanted to, but because he couldnt afford the treatment to save his old companion. The moment I saw the tears in the mans eyes and the sorrow in the dogs, I knew what had to be done.
They say happiness isnt found in money, but sometimes, money dictates our choices all the same. The old man hadnt a penny to spare when the vet presented the bill to save his four-legged friend.
In the clinic, silence hung thick in the air. I watched thema scruffy mutt lying on the table and his owner, bent over him, absently stroking his ear. The only sounds were the dogs laboured breathing and the mans quiet sobs. He didnt want to let go.
Im Henry Whitaker, a young vet, and Ive seen my share of grief when putting animals to sleep. Its understandablepeople give their hearts to their pets. But this was different.
I remembered when they first came in three days ago. A quiet old man had brought his nine-year-old dog, Winston, in urgent need of care. The poor thing hadnt stood in days, and his owner was clearly desperate. Hes all Ive got left, the man had told me.
After examining Winston, I knewsevere infection, costly treatment, no time to waste. Without it, hed suffer terribly. If you cant pay, Id said bluntly, euthanasia is the kinder choice. At the time, I hadnt grasped the weight of my words.
That day, the old man had emptied his pocketscrumpled notes and loose changefor the consultation, then carried Winston home. Now, he was back. Forgive me, doctor, he murmured, eyes down. I could only scrape together enough for the end.
When he asked for five more minutes to say goodbye, something in me twisted. So many with wealth treat life carelessly, yet here was a penniless old man drowning in love for a dying dog.
My throat tightened. I put a hand on his shoulder. Ill treat him, I said, voice unsteady. At my own expense. Hes not done yethell run again. Under my palm, the old man shook with silent tears.
A week later, Winston was back on his feet. The IVs and proper care had worked. I felt lighter too. Maybe it was just a small kindness for a desperate man and his scruffy mutt, but it mattered.
Its a hard world, but thank God for the ones who still choose kindness. Thats a lesson I wont forget.
