My Australian Terrier Kumbi, diabetic and blind, died suddenly and unexpectedly at home, Tuesday 8 June, 2010 – just before his breakfast-time.
I carried him out to the car, laid him on the passenger seat, and drove to the clinic, compressing his chest all the way, though Kumbi was thoroughly dead. Half an hour before opening time, after a long wait, Dr. Ute Mannhardt arrived. She took us right in. Dr. Carla Bell had the day off, and Dr Amanda Booth was on a plane to Anaheim, for a conference of Internal Medicine specialists (she’s a board-certified specialist).
Dr. Ute and I exchanged hugs over Kumbi’s body. I asked for an informal post-mortem exam; Dr. Ute agreed. I went home, dawdling – no Kumbi at home. He was my last living animal companion.
Over the next three days, Dr. Amanda sent me daily email from the conference. Kumbi had died of cancer, not diabetes. Dr. Carla had come in on her day off to assist Dr. Ute with the post-mortem, and all three vets had been in touch with each other.
Kumbi had been in hospital the day before for observation, and all had said he appeared quite chipper. He just took us all by surprise, before we could do the planned ultrasound. Kumbi was my first dog ever to die without euthanasia.
My vets all work together, and see to it that all the vets and staff get continuing education. It is we human clients – and the animals – who benefit. My vets work as team-mates, and we, the clients, are also team-mates; the vets ask for our observations. This practice makes for the best possible care for the animals.
A neighbor showed up at my home with a huge basket of food sent by the staff.
My vets and staff pitched in and helped me work on finding a dog to adopt. Dr. Amanda wrote me a reference letter. So, eventually, Camellia, a badly traumatized Havanese, aged 3.5 years, became my next dog. She is doing very well, and has the usual aid from my vets and their staff. Camellia has Trupanion insurance.
This story is only one of the many acts of kindness I’ve had from these vets in the more than 20 years I’ve been with them. I know others have had similar kindnesses. Also, this clinic sets aside a percentage of time and funds to care for homeless animals – who are not paying clients.
So you can see why these vets are my Tru Heros.
-Carol from Shirley, BC
Sassenos vet clinic and Dr Amanda imparticular has been a part of my family for over 20 years. Together with them I have been blessed to see all of my animals make it into their teens to late teens. This never would have happened with out the caring expertise of Sassenos vet clinic. It is with great appreciatation that I whole heartedly vote for Kumbi. Thank you for being such skilled, compasionate and caring vets and staff. I would never take my animals any where else!!
Having worked with the wonderful staff of Saseenos, and having known Carol and her dogs- I am so proud to vote for her story.
I am fortunate enough to know Carol and to work with all these wonderful vets. Good Luck with the contest Carol.
I vote for Kumbi. You guys are awesome!
I wish I’d been able to do the planned ultrasound…Although we now know it would have shown bad news, at least I could have helped to soften the blow of his sudden death. My heart goes out to Carol…and I’d love to meet Camellia someday!
Sincerely, Chris at CVUES ultrasound
I have the fortunate distinction of being Carol’s neighbour and I have seen first hand the wonderful care she gives to her furry companions. It only stands to reason that Carol would choose to associate herself with an incredible team like Saseenos Vet Clinic.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet Kumbi but I know in my heart that he was well loved and cared for. Camelia tells me daily how happy she is with Carol by her side and it has been a pleasure to watch Carol pull her out of her shell.
Good Luck with the contest Carol, I sincerely hope you win!
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, although I’m happy to hear that you had the love and support of your vets. I’ve personally experienced the amazing care by the vets and staff at Sasseenos. They’ve gone above and beyond for us and our furry friend. Good luck with the contest, Carol!
Our vote is for Kumbi!
Carol & Kumbi
My votes for Kumbi
The vets at Saseenos look like very caring doctors. I’m sure Kumbi is missed by his non-fur folk.
My vote is for Kumbi! Carol is a wonderful lady who is utterly devoted to her dogs! I have been fortunate enough to be able to help provide care for Kumbi and Kwali, and now her newest, Camellia!
Dr. Amanda Booth saved our dog Chester by removing his spleen with a large canteloped sized growth on it. We have experince the same care for him from Saseenos Vet Services.
Our vote is for Kumbi and the staff at Saseenos!
I have worked with Saseenos Veterinary Services for a number of years and have found them to be very professional and dedicated.
My vote is for Kumbi
I want to vote for Kumbi .
Thanks !
Darla
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Our vote is for Kumbi and the staff at Saseenos
My vote is for Kumbi I know very personally the family who started the funds for the Jake and Elwood fund they are the most loving and compassionate family and so is Dr Amanda She is truly an angel for the animals in her care
I vote for Kumbi’s story!
Definitely vote for Kumbi. We have had first hand experience with Amanda and Carla and all the great staff at Saseenos Vet.
my vote goes to Carol & Kumbi, and the Saseenos staff
I vote for Kumbi. I have known Dr. Booth and the wonderful staff
at the Saseenos clinic for many years and they are truly dedicated
and caring folk.
Have shared many years of shared stories as well as shared tears with Carol and remeber the day we lost Kumbi. Carols veterinarian partners and her storey certainly get my vote.
I want to vote for Kumbi .
Thanks !
I vote for Kumbi’s story!
I’ve had the delight and honor to have been friends with Carol and Kumbi through membership of a group called Muffin, formed to support people with diabetic animals. Diabetes is a disease that requires daily owner participation in the animal’s care, and it is essential to have a strong working relationship with your vet. Carol most obviously did, and shared her knowledge of the disease via email to other members of the group. My thanks to her vets, who gave Carol the support and excellent care for Kumbi, and bless his heart, we remember him well.
Dedication to animals and love…..this is what Carol W. is all about.
I wish I had such vets in my neck of the woods. And should I ever need pet insurance, I will surely follow in Carols’ footsteps. Please include me in the list as a voter for Carol, Kumbi and her wonderful vets and staff.
1 vote for Carol, please and thank you!
My vote is for Kumbi. Thank you for all who care for the animals!
My vote is for Kumbi!
My fur kids and I vote for Carol and Kumbi! Carol took me under her wing when I first joined the muffin group when my shih tzu became diabetic! She got me going in the right direction to care for my little dog!! What a terrific, caring lady! Muffin Group (Support for diabetic pet owners), has many terrific members! I remember, with a sad heart, the day we lost Kumbi! Carol and her Vets. did everything humanly possible for that little dog, and Carol’s Vet. Partner’s and friends did everything they could for her! Now thats love!!
Joy Hamada
My vote is for Kumbi!
My vote is for Kumbi.My dog is under the care of the doctors at the Sasseenos vet clinic. Having had many pets in my life I can attest to the devotion of the staff.
Kudos to Saseenos Veterinary Services. You have my vote.
‘ve known Carol from my dog list for years and she, like all of us, are extremely discriminating when it comes to vet care. She and her darlng were so lucky to have such good care, for dog and human alike (no physician for humans i know can do that). Vets who comfort their patients *and* their patients’ human caregivers are a very special sortof human. They out to be recognized and lauded. Carol is so very lucky.
Our dog Bruno, a lovely bouvier with a taste for unusual foods, was several times saved from his own appetites by the caring and dedicated staff at Saseenos Vet Services. I vote for Kumbi’s story as an example of this dedicated and caring clinic.
Carol and Kumbi.
Amanda, Carla and the staff at Saseenos have looked after all my dogs and cats for 30 years and have been caring professionals all this time Thanks from all of us.
I vote for Kumbi and Carol and their kind and caring vets!
The story of Kumbi that Carol has offered truly reflects the care,kindness and love that Dr. Amanda and her staff at Saseenos offers. We certainly appreciate the time this past May that Dr. Amanda and the staff took to come to our home with only a few hours notice, to have our beloved Cromwell helped to the other side of Rainbow Bridge. They sat with us, they held us, and they cried with us as he slipped away. They also stayed with us and helped us with Cromwell for his last ride (he was 175 pounds and needed four people to carry him). Their caring for Cromwell and us was second to none. To Carol, we are so sorry for your loss of Kumbi and sharing your story truly is a great way to remember him and you have our vote.
Carol and Kumbi – All the way!
Our vote is for Kumbi!!! Carol is a wonderful person & has helped out so many others with their diabetic critters & without a doubt made a wonderful choice in vetrinarian & staff members who gave Kumbi all their love. Tru Heros for sure!
I vote for Kumbi’s Story
My vote goes to kumbi , Carol, and the amazing staff at Saseenos . The staff have always been welcoming and kind to both animals and people.
I vote for Kumbi.
I vote for Kumbi
I vote for Kumbi! I’ve been going to Sassenos Vet for years with my cats and have received amazing support through difficult situations thanks to vets and staff. I’ve learned a lot as they’ve always taken the time to explain what’s going on, what the treatment options are, and what I can do at home. They’ve been incredibly knowledgeable and caring so it’s great to vote for them.
I vote for Kumbi. Dr. Booth and Dr. Bell are the greatest!
Wish we had such caring vets in my area too!
My vote is for Kumbi and the dedicated vets who cared for him so lovingly.
My vote’s for Carol, Kumbi and the awesome women of Saseenos Vet Clinic. Best of luck!