How many times I’ve heard someone say, “I have to get rid of my pet because the doctor told me to do so.”
I know there are some illnesses that can be aggravated by pets, but this is not the case with every medical problem. Sadly, however, this medical advice is very common, especially from doctors who do not appreciate the value of animal companionship, either because they are not aware of it and don’t have experience with animal companions, or because they simply do not like animals.
I want to share an experience that left a strong impression on me. It has been three years since the death of my father, an extraordinary man. Five years before his death he was diagnosed with a disease known as Shy-Drager, which is so rare that only five cases of it were then known to exist in Mexico. The disease destroyed his autonomous nervous system, including the control of his body temperature, blood pressure, and little by little all his bodily functions, from walking to eating.
Four years before his death the disease affected his intestines, and he had to have a colostomy. He had complications during his hospitalization and had to have a tracheotomy. A tube was also passed through his nose to enable him to eat, and there were other unpleasant details.
He spent about three weeks in the hospital and then was released because, as a result of his condition, it was considered more dangerous for him to remain there than to leave.
During those last years of his life my father remained at home and in bed. He often required oxygen. He was unable to move more than his eyes and his fingers (very slightly), but his mind was perfectly lucid, and he had an amazing sense of humor, although he felt justifiably upset on occasion.
I’m recounting all this to indicate the gravity of his condition. During this period, he was attended by his cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, otolaryngologist, and all the other “ologists” that were needed, plus various dentists and nurses.
Also, during this time Gala and Tomas shared my parents’ home with them, along with the rest of us who flowed through the house. Gala was my sister’s female dog and Tomas was her adopted cat; both had the usual characteristics of their species.
What I want to impress on you is that during the four-year period that my father remained in his delicate condition, which we painfully watched deteriorate day by day as that terrible illness devoured more of him, at no time did the presence of those two pets worsen his condition. None of the specialists or others who attended him advised us to remove Gala and Tomás from the house or to confine them to a patio. All of us simply took reasonable and adequate sanitary measures with them, keeping them always clean, treated for parasites, and vaccinated. Using just normal sanitary precautions, we frequently washed our own hands.
At no time did the presence
of those two pets worsen
his condition.
My sister had to return to her family in Mexico City and took Gala and Tomás with her since they belonged to her. When they left, my father asked me to find him another dog. And that’s how our dear Lola, a little black dog rescued in Guanajuato, arrived in his home.
Often people say that they don’t want pets anymore because they make more work, but in the case of my parents I can attest that those little animals, each during its time in the house, helped to break the routines and distracted us with their dog and cat chores. Above all, they provided all of us with selfless and affectionate companionship.
My father was able to escape from his miserable prison three years ago. Fortunately, my mother still has the unconditional affection and company of Lola, who follows her about the house all the time, and reminds her with a slight “grrrrrr” when it is time to go to bed at night.
I close by asking that everyone consider very carefully before making the decision to give away their dog or cat because, aside from the affection that we receive from our pets, for them we are their family. The cruelest thing we can do is to abandon them.