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| Endal - recovered and back home with Allen. His huge bunch of flowers says it all. |
AT the beginning of January over one weekend my world's worst nightmare came true when Endal had to be rushed in to the vet. He was kept in the clinic overnight on drips etc., and was diagnosed with a very severe case of haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
At one moment it looked really bleak as he was getting worse and worse. All very worrying, but the vet practice has been brilliant and managed not only Endal in his distress, but a very distressed disabled person as well, with professionalism and kindness.
This scenario was exactly the reason why I am at present writing an article for the UK Veterinary Times about what happens when an assistance dog has to be rushed to the vets and the procedures to follow. But not for one moment did I ever expect I would be experiencing this situation first-hand.
I have had Endal for 10 years now and he has never had a day's illness in that time, bar his OCD, and this has all hit home so hard. I was not expecting the flood of emotions and uncharacteristic panic that set in (despite 20 years in the military).
The Petersfield practice kept me totally informed, was very supportive and allowed me to call them as and when I felt it necessary for updates (though I chose not to do so, but knowing I could was so reassuring).
I explained to the vet the following morning it had been the first time I have awakened and his Lordship was not there to help me - very emotional but the bond we share with our helping hounds runs truly so very deep. The relationship between both man and dog is so strong that it is difficult to see where one starts and the other ends as we are as one.
Now he is home and recovered and I can now speak with a wee bit of passion, knowledge and experience gained about the process, both good and bad.
Endal is back to his normal self now and his annoying ways but I so love him to bits. I now truly appreciate what he does for me each day much more than I ever did. It is so humbling at times to be the recipient of such love and devotion from him, it leaves me wondering what I ever did in my life that warrants this.
Endal received more get well cards than I did when I was injured in the Gulf war in 1991 - even his insurance company sent him a huge bunch of flowers. He looks like a patchwork quilt with the shavings on his legs and chest, but the public really has taken him to heart - the postman struggles up the garden path with Endal's mail every day! - Allen Parton
