An elderly man came to have his dog put to sleep because he couldn’t afford the cost of saving his pet. Witnessing the man’s tears and the dog’s sorrow, the vet made a compassionate decision…
People often say that money can’t buy happiness, but sometimes it determines our fate. The old man didn’t have a penny to spare when the bill for saving his beloved dog was presented.
The veterinary office was quiet. The vet observed the scene: a mongrel lying on the table and an old man, his head bowed, absentmindedly petting his companion’s ear. The only sounds were the labored breathing of the dog and the man’s sobs. The elderly gentleman was reluctant to let go of his friend and was in tears.
James Smith, a young vet, was no stranger to witnessing such deep emotions when people faced the loss of their pets. It was common, since people grow attached to their animals. But he sensed this was a special situation.
He recalled the day he first saw this pair at his office entrance, just three days ago. The quiet old man had brought his 9-year-old dog, Buster, for an urgent appointment. The dog hadn’t been able to stand for two days, and the elderly visitor was deeply worried. As the man explained, besides Buster, he had no one.
James examined the dog. Indeed, Buster had a severe infection that needed immediate and costly treatment. Without it, the animal would suffer a painful death. “Therefore,” the vet had said bluntly, “if you’re not going to treat the dog, it would be kinder to put him to sleep.” James could now fathom what the man felt back then, but at the time, young James was oblivious.
Following the vet’s words, the old man, with trembling hands, poured out change and crumpled bills onto the table – payment for services rendered. He gently picked up his dog and left. Today, he was back at the vet’s office. “I’m sorry, doctor, I could only find money for the euthanasia,” the old client said, his gaze lowered.
And now, when the elderly man asked for another five minutes to say goodbye to his friend, James watched this pair, struggling to understand the world’s unfairness. Often, those with abundant wealth show little compassion for life, yet here was a poor old man with a dying dog, steeped in emotion.
A lump formed in the young vet’s throat. He approached the old man, placing a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll cover the cost,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ll make sure Buster gets better. He’s not old yet. He still has time to run and play.” The vet could feel the man’s shoulders trembling under his hand, a silent cry of relief and gratitude.
A week later, Buster was back on his feet. The IV treatments and careful care had worked wonders. The young doctor felt a deep sense of happiness. He might have performed what seemed like a small act for the unfortunate old man and the mongrel, yet it was truly a gesture of great kindness and humane spirit.
It’s wonderful that there are empathetic and responsive people in the world!
