Small Towns

In the last three weeks of Mario's life we took him in to the vet twice a day, morning and evening, everyday. As soon as we walked in, the endearing call of Mario's name was lovingly uttered from behind the desk and the staff ushered us to the back for Mario's fluids and shots. We joked that for Mario, walking into the vet's office was like walking into Cheers--Where everyone knows your name.

For three weeks we were given first-class service and red carpet treatment for our terminal little friend. Dr. Gibbs gave us her home phone number and told us she was availible 24/7 if Mario needed her. In the end, she was true to her word as she crawled out of bed and met us in the early morning hours on 10 minutes notice.

The day after we had to say goodbye to Mario, we sent the office a beautiful bouquet of flowers as a very small token of appreciation for service and love beyond the call of duty.

Yesterday around five o'clock I received a call from Dr. Gibbs. She was delighted we were home and, without asking, said her and the wife of the other vet in the office were going to drop by in five minutes. Besides the most furious house cleaning one has ever seen in five minutes the purpose of the visit was a mystery. Perhaps they had discovered something more on why Mario became ill, maybe they wanted to break the news lightly on what three weeks of twice a day service was really going to cost. Didn't know, but they were on the way.

Dr. Gibbs and Ms Woody showed up bearing gifts. They presented us with a wonderful card signed by everyone in the office and the comments were lengthily and heartfelt. They also presented us with a gift, a small yorkie figurine that was not inexpensive. We invited them in--for just a minute they said--and about forty minutes later conversation and stories were still being told in our living room.

The whole time this is happening my mind is in a blur. Even though I was witnessing a house call by my vet to offer consolation, not to mention bearing gifts, I just couldn't believe such behavior could or would happen in this day and age. Yet, before me, I felt as if the clock had been turned back and we were living in an age long passed, an age where neighbor's stood together and in times of grief or tragedy, came together as a family.

Franklin, although not the small town it was just ten years ago, still has that wonderful small town atmosphere and still has those wonderful souls that renew one's faith in mankind.

Dr. Woody, Dr. Gibbs and Ms Woody, I cannot find the words to say how much that simple visit meant to our family. Never in a million years would I have ever expected such a magnificent show of compassion. Thank You.