March 3, 2004

Thanks from a grateful dog owner
Vin Santo owners save dog's life

Editor,

What can I say? My dog Murphy is a snoop. Snooping, however, nearly cost him his life.

When my husband and I adopted him six years ago, we were told that Cocker Spaniels are snoopy. We soon learned that Murphy would do anything for food. This included going through purses, luggage, backpacks, and grocery bags…anything that was accessible. He even was brazen enough to steal the Thanksgiving ham off of the kitchen table while our family was dining in the living room one year.

Thankfully, over the years, he has not eaten anything that would be extremely harmful—a few chocolate kisses, chips, power bars—he likes to chew gum. Murphy is 11 years old and has been blind for almost three years. You would never know he is blind—I even forget sometimes.

But on Monday, Feb. 2 at 10:30 p.m., snooping in my visiting aunt's luggage nearly cost him his life. Aunt Jackie had some powdered cocoa in a bag with her medications. Murphy was after the cocoa, and while rooting around in the bag, one of the pill containers must have opened. He licked the cocoa, which must have covered the pills. We figured he ingested over 50 muscle relaxants and anti-inflammatory pills along with the cocoa.

I immediately picked him up to take him to the emergency veterinarian. It didn't take long for him to start seizing and crying in agony. I thought I remembered where the emergency animal clinic was, but in the midst of the confusion, I was at a loss as to how to get there. And then I lost it…

I drove to the Arco station on Saratoga Avenue and pleaded for someone to help me. “Call 911,” I screamed! I guess I forgot that my dog was a dog and not a human being. The girl at the counter was kind enough to call and get the number to the clinic. As I held my dying dog in my arms, I continued to beg for help. A few patrons just stared at me in disbelief.

I didn't know what to do, so I drove my car into the middle of the intersection of Kiely and Saratoga Avenues and blocked the four-way intersection. Waving my arms and screaming for help, a few passers by offered me their cell phones—I do remember that.

In disbelief, my plea was answered. I soon saw a very handsome man and beautiful woman standing next to me. Like angels in the night, they directed me to get back in my car and to follow them—they knew how to get to the emergency clinic. Pleading with God not to take my Murphy, I raced behind them with their emergency lights flashing, negotiating red lights and intersections (yes, we broke the law). I drove into the parking lot and before I could exit my car, the dog was gone and in the clinic. How did that man do that?

The nice couple stayed with me a few minutes. I tried to justify my behavior. How could I have just lost my husband suddenly a couple of years ago (he was only 43 and Murphy adored him), and help take care of my mother who recently died of cancer in my home and maintain my sanity, but completely lose it over my dog? I was a complete mess. As they departed, the woman turned back and kindly told me that she knew my dog would be okay. How did she know?

After having his stomach pumped, surviving multiple seizures, vomiting into his lungs and finally going into a coma, things did not look good for Murphy at about 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning. The doctor told me to go home and come back at 7:30 a.m.—she would call me if anything changed.

I went back at 7:30 a.m. Was Murphy still alive? What should I expect? My aunt was with me and said, “Murphy must be okay, I can hear him barking.” Barking? That couldn't be MY dog—no way—I expected the worst.

Murphy was indeed still alive. If he made it through the next 72 hours, he would be okay. He left the emergency clinic with pneumonia and some antibiotics. The vet was even amazed.

Well, my pal Murphy did make it through the critical 72 hours and is lying right beside me (snoring away) as I write.

I guess I hadn't completely lost it that night because I did get the names of the couple who saved Murphy's life. They are Greg and Susan Russi, owners of Vin Santo Ristorante in Willow Glen.

Greg and Susan, along with Dr. Erin Hohava and the staff at the United Emergency Animal Clinic are my heroes. They gave me back my best buddy—my Murphy.

It's nice to know that there are angels in the night…

Royana Gazlay and Murphy

Times publicity leads to large attendance

Editor,

We want to express our genuine appreciation to you for publishing the information regarding John Dominic Crossan's lecture at First Congregational Church (United Church of Christ) of San Jose on Feb. 15. We had nearly 500 [people] in attendance, several of whom learned about his appearance from your article printed in the Feb. 11 issue. His presence was of importance to the Christian community and we thank you for your help in getting the word out.

Hazel James,
Moderator