Companions Are Priceless During Difficult Times

Companions are priceless during difficult times


Julie A. Hass DVM, MS
Veterinary Care Specialists
Milford, MI
248.684.0468



Rosemary is a cancer survivor. Recently, when I saw her, she was calmly surveying a makeshift auditorium. She sat patiently on her mistress’ lap waiting for the ceremony to begin. The chatter and general hubbub that surrounded her was familiar. Rosey was an elder states woman at this event and I was her fortunate guest. Despite unpleasant weather I and about 100 other people attended the Celebration of Life at Michigan State’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

Approximately 78 patients, both living and passed, were recognized and they each had their own, very special story. It appeared they were selected for a variety of reasons. They may have struggled bravely against disease or adverse circumstances or they may have served their owners valiantly prior to their illness. Some appeared to have extraordinary personalities and charm that won the hearts of the veterinarians and staff. But, to be sure, each had their story and during the presentation some of the stories were shared.

What struck me about each of these animals, whether it was a horse, cat, dog or ferret, was that they were all exceptional companions. They were members of closely knit families, beloved confidants of children, or hunting companions. They, in turn, were embraced and loved for the contribution that they made to the people surrounding them. When illness struck, the families did every thing within their means to ease the pets suffering and return them to good health.

Based on my own experiences as a veterinarian, I know that the stories that I heard that day are not uncommon. Almost every pet and owner I meet has a special bond and an equally interesting story. I think most pet owners would say that their pet provides a priceless commodity, companionship, and that they would do what ever is within their means to care for that pet.

Companionship is most often appreciated when times are the darkest. The silent, non-judgmental, friendship that a pet offers can be most comforting.

Over the past month I have been involved in a food drive for a group called Community Sharing. Not only do they provide food for the humans within a family, but they also have a pet pantry to aide the pets within those families. During the early phases of the food drive I eagerly took on the responsibility to organize the pet food collections. When I met with the representatives at Community Sharing one woman explained that she was concerned that by collecting pet food they might be taking food resources away from area rescue groups. I was impressed by this thoughtful observation. However, I quickly suggested that their program is also supporting the rescue groups who are already over burdened with pets surrendered by people who can no longer care for them. By keeping pets at home, healthy and fed, the folks at Community Sharing are helping decrease the number of pets within the shelter system.

There is an even more important contribution that is being made by keeping pets in their homes. Children, concerned with what each day may bring, will still have their cat to cuddle and the dog’s owner will have a reason to take time for a short walk each day. These pet owners, just like the ones I met with Rosemary, would most likely do what ever they could for their pet because they are family, friends -companions.