Reba (my namesake) and Me

Hello,
Check out this picture. It’s a collage of Reba and me at about the same ages. I have Reba’s name as part of mine. I’m registered as “Stone Ridge Nichole of Reba”.

Reba was the Airedale that lived here before me. She died September 4, 2005 and my family was so sad that they had to get another Airedale. I’m not Reba; I’m my own girl, with my own different personality. My Mom says I can’t take the place of Reba but I’m sure taking away some of the grief at losing her. My antics and my looks remind her of Reba and that’s a good thing.

My Mom was so mad at losing Reba that she wrote a letter to the animal hospital. We don’t go there anymore. No one from that clinic has had the courtesy to respond to her letter, not any of the doctors, the owner or the staff. It is sad because our family had been going to that facility since my Mom had dogs as a child. I’m going to post the letter and you can read it for yourself. I'm removing the name of the hospital (I don't know if it's legal to print it) and removing Mom's name.

I’m sure that if you’re an animal lover (and you must be if you’re reading this blog) you’re going to agree with my Mom.


September 7, 2005


To the Doctors and Staff at Cxxxx Hxxx Animal Hospital:

When I looked up the definition of “hospital” I found that the term refers to a facility that admits patients and keeps them until they are able or should go home. These are called inpatients.

A “clinic” on the other hand has patients that come in for diagnosis and/or therapy and then leave (outpatients).

So why am I telling you this, because I am heartbroken, crushed and mad as well. Our family’s beloved dog, Reba, died Sunday after being released Saturday afternoon from your facility because you were closing for the weekend and as Monday was a holiday would not be open until Tuesday. Well my Reba didn’t last 24 hours after being released.

Reba had suffered a pancreatic attack that was very serious and was in fact life threatening. My dog was sent home with an IV bag and needle to be used subcutaneously if needed on Sunday and Monday by us, non medical people, who in retrospect didn’t realize our Reba was so sick.

We were told we could take her to a 24/7 animal hospital in Aurora or Mokena but, after consultation with her regular two doctors we believed Reba was well enough and would be more comfortable at home. She wasn’t. Sunday morning she seemed very sick so we bundled her up and drove to the Aurora hospital, which was the only facility that could keep her until she was healthy. By the time we arrived, Reba wasn’t able to stand and shortly thereafter died during efforts to save her, including two attempts to restart her heart.

I am taking responsibility for Reba’s untimely death. I should have taken her to the Aurora hospital sooner and I will live with that the rest of my life. I let her down but I also believe in my heart that you too let her down.

I’m not a trained veterinarian. When my Reba’s life was draining out of her she needed professional help, your help. But it was the weekend, you couldn’t be bothered, you couldn’t even call to check up on a very sick dog.

There is a doctor in front of your name. That should stand for something. We look to you for guidance and trust you with our most precious companions. Please don’t let my Reba’s death be in vain. Please institute a call back program to check up on your patients that couldn’t stay. If I had talked to the doctor I’m sure she or he would have told me to immediately take her to the hospital.

You have three offices, can you not have one with a full time staff?

I’m furious that so many veterinarian offices are not staffed full time, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. These are medical people, doctors and staff who are supposed to give care to our pets. When I asked your front desk, why they don’t stay open full time she candidly said, “Nobody wants to work the hours.” Well, too bad, your dedication is to a living pet not some paperwork that can wait until tomorrow or after the weekend.

My Reba is dead, but I sure hope you all enjoyed your holiday weekend.

I believe the word hospital should be removed from every veterinarian office’s name if you’re not open for the pets’ full time. YOU are not a hospital, you’re just a clinic. The word hospital is not deserved.

I apologize for such a bitter letter, but I am bitter. It just is such a waste of a beautiful animal, my Reba. So don’t send me a card telling me she is due for shots for the only thing I can bring in is ashes.

Sorrowfully,
xxxxx xxxxxx
(Reba: August 1, 1997 to September 4, 2005)

On top of all that happened, when my family left Reba at the Aurora hospital for a private cremation they forgot to tag her as “Private Cremation” and she got cremated with a bunch of other dogs. Mom really was crying and mad about that.

But the hospital that screwed up did apologize and refunded all monies paid them, even the bill for her emergency procedures. We respect them for that.

On a lighter note, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to everyone. Our day will be filled with people and dogs. Everyone invited is welcomed to bring their dog too. Hope it's nice outside so we can all play in the yard.

Ciao for now, Nicki

PS If you are wondering who is who in the collage, from left to right, starting at the top: 1 Nicki, 2 Reba, 3 Reba, 4 Nicki, 5 Reba, 6 Nicki, 7 Nicki, 8 Reba,
9 Nicki, 10 Reba, 11 Nicki, 12 Reba, 13 Nicki, 14 Reba, 15 Nicki, 16 Nicki