Help Rush for Meds

My sister’s dog recently spent almost two weeks hospitalized at the University of California’s vet school after suffering a severe case of an uncommon disease known as salmon poisoning. (Thank God she keeps a pet health insurance policy for him!)

Maddie’s a tough guy and he finally made it through, but it was touch and go for much longer than anyone expected. In fact, when he was first installed there, my sister was advised by the vet professionals there to judge wisely before visiting.

Given his delicate state and terrible appearance, they suggested her presence might prove more of a hindrance and a heartache than a source of comfort to him and relief for her own personal suffering.

It can be a tough call, to be sure, but to visit a hospitalized pet or not is a highly personal decision that doesn’t have to include taxing mental gymnastics or an emotional game of chess. Above all else, it involves knowing your pet well, being realistic about your expectations, and working carefully within the framework of individual hospital policy.