An Angel to Animals, She Was.

Pam was an angel to animals. She had boarded our dogs, years ago, in a place called home. Here is an edited version of a letter sent her, in Dec. 1994, soon after the death of one of her 'clients'. ... Pam was a kennel owner, like no other. Her passion and concern, for animals, went above and beyond anything that exists in the kennel world, today. Her loss is still felt today. She sent us a note thanking us for sending her the letter of appreciation. She read it to her family to help explain her love of animals and why she became a kennel owner, as a career choice. ... Sadly, this angel to animals died several years ago. ... Let us not wait to tell those closest to us how special they are in our lives. Do not wait or hesitate. Let them know today. Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one!  Death does not take a holiday.

Dear Pam:

It has been 4 months since we last saw you. At that time, we had just picked up our family treasures, Sumai, our 13-year-old 'grannie' and Chushee, our 6-year-old boy. Your business card read 'Worry-Free Boarding'. It should also have said, 'Heaven Sent.'

A family outing to visit friends was to be a first in a long time. I was concerned about leaving our pets behind, considering Shumai's delicate condition. Her breathing difficulties requiring aminophylline, twice daily and prednisone, to be administered once or twice weekly, as needed, were grave concerns of ours. Would her medications be given as directed? We did not know you. Dogs, like children, cannot tell stories. 'Parents' of both must rely heavily upon good, reliable references and the integrity and honesty of those in whose care we entrust our pets and children.

We visited you, on a few occasions, to meet with you and view the facilities which would house our pets. On one of those meetings, it was a very hot and humid day. That whole summer seemed like one very long hot, humid, sticky day, conditions that made breathing very difficult for those of us - animal or human – with lung disease. In our case, high humidity could easily kill our precious 'granny'. She became cyanotic, one morning, when she was walked, a bit too far, one very humid summer's morning. A trip to the emergency clinic resulted. 

 

I worried non-stop about finding excellent kennel care. Finding another person, like me, was too much to expect. Then we found you, the angel we had been looking for! One meeting lasted for nearly two hours. Questions about cleanliness, routines, and our biggest worry- the management of heat and humidity - were laid to rest. Three ceiling fans above, in her 'kennel rooms', created air-conditioned comfort, making breathing easy. You understood. You cared. You listened. Your attention to details: the bulletin board and the covered pails for each 'client' were much appreciated. ... 

 

What remained in our memory, long after we returned from our trip, was 'Big Band Saturday Night' , a program of band music from the 40's and 50's that our pups listened to. You had insisted. We would mention this to everyone we knew. ... “There is this woman who keeps the radio going for the animals, knows them all by bark and realizes the importance of music and the human voice in keeping them all happy”. We could not have asked for more.

As the primary caregiver in our home, it was comforting to leave them, with you, for the few days I was able to get away. We'd had them in kennels before but nothing quite like your 'home away from home'. I spoke with the assistant manager of the veterinary clinic whose husband was our doctor and the best, anywhere. A friend of hers had also been consulted when we went looking to find care. Both had recommended you highly. 

 

On our return, I was told by clinic staff that you had called numerous times - long distance - for further information about 'granny.' I was blown away by your actions. Who does that? Who was this angel? You had gone above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Even our young sons, who had accompanied their dad to pickup the dogs, were crazy with excitement, when they returned home with our pets. Your total commitment to caring for animals was evident. I asked our boys what they thought of you. They soared with enthusiasm, as they spoke of you and the dogs.

On November 28^th, Sumai died. She was 13 years old. Her final days had become a struggle that neither she or nor we could bear, any longer. Our youngest son, age 11, remained home from school that day, sketching her all day long, in all manner of poses. We loved her so much.

 

The time she spent with you will always hold a special place in my heart. You treated her like your own. I will never forget that. Thank you for giving us piece of mind, knowing she was with family when she was with you, for a few days, in August. Your concern for animals places you in a very special place in our lives and in our hearts. You are royalty. Our fragile pretty girl knew it and so did we! Thank you for your priceless gift of caring and love.