Dr. Cherie Thomas took care of an elderly patient in a Tucson, Arizona emergency room. She had no idea that this patient would lead her to true love and companionship. Their’s is a story of soul mates coming together at exactly the right time.
Dr. Thomas’s Patient Worried About His Dog
Dr. Thomas is a licensed emergency room physician who has practiced and remains licensed in six states. She was working a shift in the emergency room of her latest employment. An elderly man came into her care who shared with her something that has changed her life.
The man was gravely ill. Despite his dire circumstance, he told Dr. Thomas that he was very worried about someone else entirely. His dog, Andy, was at home and he didn’t know who was going to take care of Andy while he was in the hospital. Dr. Thomas knew just what to do.
Dr. Thomas Called Upon PIMA Animal Care Center
Dr. Thomas said that she had become aware of local animal shelters offering to step in and take care of animals who needed care due to a hospitalization. COVID-19 led to a large spike in patients and the county animal care center was making themselves available to take care of the pets of people who were getting treatment. Dr. Thomas’s patient was not a COVID-19 case but she thought the shelter would be willing to help nonetheless. She was right!
A PIMA Animal Care Center staffer named George met Dr. Thomas and her patient at the hospital to make arrangements. George spoke with the patient who gave George his address and garage door opener. George went to fetch Andy and brought him home to foster until the patient was well. Unfortunately, the patient did not make it.
Dr. Thomas Learned that her Patient Died
The ailing patient had been transferred out of the emergency room into a hospital where he later died. The hospital let PIMA Animal Care Center know what happened. Andy had lost his human and would not be going home. George knew just what to do. He got on the phone and called Dr. Thomas.
I Want to Adopt Him!
The moment George called, Dr. Thomas followed her heart. She told him right away that she wanted to adopt Andy. She was thrilled to go to PIMA Animal Care Center as soon as possible and complete the adoption.
Andy and Dr. Thomas Saved Each Other
Andy has been with Dr. Thomas for a little over a week now. She says that Andy has saved her just as much as she has saved him. Always an animal lover, Dr. Thomas grew up around dogs and cats. She has had dogs in her adulthood as well, but it’s been about six years since she had a pet of her own. When talking to Dr. Thomas about Andy, the love she feels for him is readily apparent.
Dr. Thomas shared that she has had some recent personal heartbreaks and challenges. First, she and her boyfriend broke up completely unexpectedly. Then, just a few days ago, she was laid off from the emergency room where she worked. She credits Andy for helping her handle the heartbreak and uncertainty she is now facing.
Andy is a Senior Dog, Getting All He Needs
Dr. Thomas had never adopted a senior pet before. She always got her dogs as puppies and raised them from the beginning. She is so happy with her choice to adopt a senior dog! Andy is twelve. The Japanese Chin mix has just the right energy level to suit Dr. Thomas. She says that a high-energy puppy would not be the best thing for her at this time. Andy is so sweet and relaxed and low key. He is just the right companion for Dr. Thomas.
She has stocked up on every imaginable thing Andy needs. He has two “giant” beds that he loves to nap on. Andy goes out for walks with Dr. Thomas all the time. It is over 100 degrees early in the day during summer months in Arizona. She bought Andy a stroller so that he could manage long walks and high heat. Dr. Thomas is hopeful that both of them can help each other become the healthiest, happiest versions of themselves.
PIMA Animal Care Center
Dr. Thomas raves about the care Andy received from PIMA Animal Care Center. If you are looking for a new fur baby in the Tuscon, AZ area, or want to support the good work they are doing at PIMA Animal Care Center, you can donate here.
All images courtesy Dr. Cherie Thomas
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