The Night I Was Examined by A Vet

By Devon Wilkins

AUDIO VERSION

Several years ago, I travelled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend two conferences: the first hosted by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, and the second by Assistance Dogs International.

While there, I became quite ill with what I diagnosed as a nasty sinus infection, and then some. I was a board member of the IAADP at the time, and several other board members did whatever they could to convince me that I should seek medical attention. I knew, though, that doing so would cost me a pretty penny.

Finally, out of desperation, the wife of the president of IAADP struck a bargain with me. “If I can convince a vet to have a look at you, and if she thinks you should see a doctor, will you do it?”

I was feeling sicker by the day, so I decided that it would cost a whole lot less to see a doctor than to perhaps have to spend a few days in hospital in the U.S.

So, at about 8:30 that night, the vet took me into the bathroom where the light was better, and had an extensive look down my throat.

“Your throat is very red,” she said at length, “and it will be quite a few days before you get back to Canada.  I agree that you need to see a doctor.”

I was eventually reimbursed for my medical expenses, which were well over $100.  But thank goodness for traveller’s insurance!