Meisha's Hope Award
May 14th, 2009... It was a day that began like any other. We woke early, to the sound of the alarm clock, ready to begin another busy day. As I turned over after shutting of the alarm, I was greeted with a nice, big, wet, sloppy kiss from Casper, our three year old Pit/Boxer mix. He was curled up in bed between us, where he sleeps every night. We first met our boy, when he was just six months old. He had been found wandering the streets, scared and alone. He was taken to our local Humane Society. At the time, he was just twelve weeks old. It still breaks my heart to think of him out in the world on his own, because in addition to being so young at the time, Casper is completely deaf. We were told that he was most likely "dumped", because of his "handicap". But from the moment we met him, we knew he was meant to be our "son". We immediately applied to adopt him and he joined our family. On May 14th, we went about our usual morning routine of getting ready for work, and feeding Casper and his fur brothers, Champ and Kato. Everything was completely normal. It wasn't until later that day, that our world would be turned upside down.
I arrived home from work that day around two o'clock. I opened the door expecting to be greeted by my boys, as I am every day. But this time, I was met only by Champ. Casper was nowhere to be found. I walked around the house looking for him, only to find him standing in the hallway. He was on his way to meet me at the door, but just couldn't get there. He stood there completely still. There was no wagging tail, no jumping up and down, no movement at all, except his eyes looking up at me. I bent down to pet him and he licked me on the cheek. I put my purse down and started back to the living room, but he didn't follow me. He just stood there, looking at me, but still not moving. I couldn't understand what could be wrong, as he had acted completely normal earlier. He had been so full of energy and spunk. I went and got his leash to take him outside and he started to move, very slowly. Once outside, I could finally see just how weak he was. As he started to do his business, I glanced down and noticed that there was blood in his urine. A LOT of blood! Then, I saw blood in his stool. I was starting to panic. I didn't know exactly what was happening, but I could tell something was terribly wrong. He had become so weak from standing there, that he finally just laid down in the yard. I didn't know how I was going to get him back inside the house, as he weighs around 100 pounds, but I couldn't leave him laying there. I knelt down and pet him and he somehow managed to find the strength to get back into the house. I then called my husband and told him something was wrong with Casper. When I hung up the phone, I went back over to pet him. He was very hot to the touch. I got some ice, wrapped it in a towel, and put it on him in an effort to cool him down. My husband arrived home, called the vet and we were told to bring him right over.
When we got to the vet clinic, they could see that Casper was it trouble and rushed him right back. After examining him, Dr. Baer said that he was extremely anemic and had a temperature of almost 107. He was very weak and his respiration was rapid. They quickly ran some blood work and started him on I.V. fluids. One of the biggest concerns at that point, was getting his temperature down. They immediately started icing him down and putting fans on him, trying to cool him. Dr. Baer explained to us that Casper was very sick and told us that he wasn't sure that he would survive the night. Initially, it was thought that he might have gotten into something toxic. But when his blood clotted well, that became less likely. Dr. Baer told us that they were going to keep Casper in their hospital and that they would call us and let us know how he was doing. I completely broke down. This was my baby, my sweet little boy. There was just nothing I could do to help him, except pray, which I did with all my might. Dr. Baer stayed by Casper's side, for over four hours. Even though the office had long since closed, he stayed with our boy. Casper's temperature would break a little, only to spike again. But Dr. Baer was there, to do whatever was necessary to help him. Finally, his temperature stabilized. Dr. Baer called to tell us that while he was still a very sick little guy, that at least he was now stable. He knew how worried we were about him. He called us every hour with an update. In addition to telling us how Casper was doing, he would always ask us how WE were doing. He understood that this was our baby and showed so much compassion, for what we were going through. Because Casper is deaf, it upset me so much to think of him laying in that hospital. Imagining him to be scared, surrounded by strange sights and smells, with no one around to comfort him, was almost more than I could take. But Dr. Baer assured me that he would be there, to make sure he was okay. He promised to pet him, so that he wouldn't be so afraid, and that he would tell our boy how much we love him. Even though Casper is deaf, we still talk to him. He responds to facial expressions and is comforted by that. It meant the world to me that Dr. Baer was there for him, when we couldn't be. He told us that he felt Casper needed plasma, but because it is expensive, he wanted to first ask us if it was okay. We, of course, said to do anything and everything needed to save our boy. I, myself, have many medical problems and ongoing medical expenses, which impact our finances. We asked Dr. Baer if we could work out some kind of arrangements for payment. He quickly stopped us by saying "Don't worry about that. We can worry about all of that later. Let's just get our boy well." His only concern was for Casper and his well being.
The next morning, Dr. Baer called to say that Casper was still extremely sick, but was stable. He told us that we could come and see him. So, I immediately went over to visit my boy. I couldn't wait to get back there, to pet him and give him a hug. However, I wasn't ready for what happened next. I went back to his pen to find him laying there, still very weak. The vet tech said it was time for them to get his urine sample and that I could take him out on his leash. They got his leash and put it on him. He tried to stand up, but was still very weak. He finally managed to stand, but took only a couple of steps before collapsing right in front of me. I felt like someone had punched me in the chest. I dropped to my knees and started petting him. I kissed him and told him that he had to fight with all of his might. I explained to him how much we love him and that we couldn't bear to lose him. Dr. Baer was on his knees too, right there beside me. He was examining him and trying to help calm him. He said that Casper had become extremely anemic again and that we needed to find out why. He told me to take a few more minutes with my baby, then they would need to run some more tests. He gave me a hug and told me that he would do everything in his power to save him. I went out to the car and broke down. I couldn't bear to think that we might lose him. I refused to even consider that. Later that day, Dr. Baer called us to say that they had gotten the results of the blood work. Casper was then diagnosed with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. We had never heard of this, so he carefully explained it to us. He was very kind and patient, in answering all of our many questions. He told us that it was important that we get him started on steroids right away. He continued giving him plasma and started the steroids and others meds he needed. Casper had now become severely jaundiced. With every twist and turn, every complication, Dr. Baer quickly responded with the medicine and tests that were needed to treat the situation. Because of his quick actions and years of experience and dedication, Casper slowly began to improve.
When we had to be away from Casper to go to work, Dr. Baer called us several times each day, giving us updates to ease our minds. He knew how much we love our boy and how worried we were. He became concerned that Casper wasn't eating. Try as they might, they couldn't get him to take more than a few bites of food. He asked if I could come over, to see if I could get him to eat. So, I fixed some of Casper's favorite foods and headed over to the vet clinic. Casper immediately responded to my being there and gobbled up the food I gave him. Right there on his knees beside me, again was Dr. Baer. We both hand fed Casper, until all the food was gone. Casper was still very weak and the process was slow, but no matter how long it took, Dr. Baer was right there to help. He was always ready to do whatever he could, to help Casper regain his strength and be on the road to recovery. He understood that Casper needed more than just medicine, I.V.'s, tests and blood work. He needed his family. He needed that emotional connection, that was such an important part of his healing process. Even more so because of his deafness, he needed that comfort that he felt from those who love him and are familiar to him. Dr. Baer understood that and encouraged us to come over as much as possible, to feed Casper and spend time with him. He even allowed us to go visit, when the office was closed. Any time they were at the clinic, they would call us so that we could come over. We would either feed Casper, take him out, or simply just sit with him and pet him. We were given the opportunity to hug him and tell him we love him. Each day, slowly but surely, he improved. After spending six days in the hospital, he was finally ready to come home! Words can't begin to describe how happy we were. Dr. Baer explained to us that he would have to stay on the steroids for several months. He said that we would have a long road ahead of us, but we knew we could get through anything. All that mattered was that we had our little boy back. He had lost a lot of weight. He was still very weak and tired, but that light, that sparkle, was slowly coming back to his eyes. We had Dr. Baer, Dr. Hall and the entire staff of the Hope Vet Clinic to thank for it. Once Casper was home, Dr. Baer continued to call and check on him every day. He often consulted with the lab and other vets, to make sure that he was doing everything humanly possible to help our boy. His genuine concern for Casper was truly remarkable.
Each and every person that cared for Casper at Hope Vet Clinic, showed him (and us) the utmost compassion and professionalism. I have no doubt in my mind, that it was Dr. Baer's almost 30 years of experience and expertise that gave him the knowledge and skills needed to treat this often fatal disease and save our boy. I honestly believe we would not have Casper here today, if it had not been for Dr. Baer. His quick actions and extraordinary commitment made all the difference in the world. He is truly dedicated to helping animals and has a kindness and compassion, not often seen in the world today. He treats his patients as if they are his own family and goes above and beyond to care for them, and their human families as well. Every time we take Casper in for a follow-up visit, Dr. Baer comes out to greet him at the door. He always says "How's OUR boy?" and gives Casper a hug and a treat. I can't say enough about his medical skills and expertise, but it is the kindness and compassion he has shown both us and Casper, that I will always be thankful for and remember. For his honesty, experience, dedication, compassion, kindness and devotion to animals, he is truly our hero!
Penny & Mark Hamilton
