The old man brought his dog to be put to sleep because he didn’t have the money to save his pet. Seeing the man’s tears and the dog’s sadness, the vet made the only right decision.
They say money can’t buy happiness, but sometimes it can determine our fate. The elderly gentleman had not a penny to spare when the bill arrived for his loyal four-legged friend’s life.
In the vet’s office, it was quiet. The vet observed the pair: a mixed-breed dog lying on the table, and the old man, head bowed, absentmindedly stroking the dog’s ear. All that could be heard was the heavy breathing of the dog and the man’s sobs. The old man didn’t want to let go of his friend and wept.
Dr. Andrew Smith, a young veterinarian, often witnessed such genuine displays of human emotion when pets were put to sleep. It was normal; people grow deeply attached to their animal companions. But this case felt special to the vet.
He recalled first seeing the pair at his office’s doorstep three days earlier. The quiet old man brought in his 9-year-old dog, Daisy, for an emergency appointment. The animal hadn’t been able to stand for two days, and the elderly visitor was genuinely concerned. As the man explained, besides Daisy, he had no one else.
Dr. Andrew conducted an examination. The dog indeed had a severe infection that required urgent and costly treatment. Otherwise, a painful death awaited the animal. “So,” the vet had said matter-of-factly, “if you don’t plan to treat her, it would be more humane to put her to sleep.” Now Andrew could easily imagine how the man felt, but on that day the young vet hadn’t realized.
After hearing the vet’s words, the old man, with trembling hands, emptied some change and crumpled notes onto the table — a payment for the service. Gently he picked up his dog and left. Today, he appeared again at the vet’s doorstep. “I’m sorry, doctor, I could only afford to pay for the euthanasia,” the elderly client said, lowering his gaze.
Now, when the old man asked for another five minutes to say goodbye to his companion, Dr. Andrew looked at the pair, struggling to comprehend the world’s injustice. So often people with millions show no compassion for the living, yet here was a poor old man and his dying mixed-breed dog, filled with so much emotion.
A lump rose in the young vet’s throat. He walked over to the old man and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll treat her,” he said in a shaky voice, “I’ll cover the costs for Daisy’s treatment. After all, she’s not that old. She has some running left in her.” The vet felt the shoulders of the elderly man start to shake with silent sobs beneath his hand.
A week later, Daisy was standing strong on her feet. The IV treatments and careful care had worked. The young doctor felt happy. Maybe it seemed like a small gesture for a despairing old man and his mixed-breed dog, but in truth, it was an act of great kindness and compassion.
It’s wonderful that there are still caring and compassionate people in the world!
