Dog closes the deal for this patient

To the Editor:

I met my new eye doctor the other day, a local one who was highly recommended. Since I was due for a routine exam, not a crisis, it was a good time to “meet and greet.”

This young man (to me, everyone still working is young) was quite personable, really a good listener (and talker) and I felt very comfortable. He addressed all of my questions and concerns in great detail (probably more than most patients want or need to hear) but for me, he seemed perfect.

One last thing before I committed my future eyesight to him — how does he feel about animals? I cannot have important people in my life, such as friends and health care providers, who do not feel compassion toward all living creatures.

Nearing the end of the exam, I asked: ‘”Do you have dogs or cats at home?” The response was a curt “No.”

I was more than a little disappointed, because I really liked this guy. Seconds later he added: “I don’t have a dog at home…..I have one here in the office.”

Wouldn’t you be taken aback? He proceeded to tell me that when he and his wife became empty nesters several years ago, his wife told him she was going back to work. He told her: “I’m getting a dog.”

At that point, a medium-sized black dog poked her head in the examining room. “That’s Zoe. She knows it’s almost lunchtime and is always ready for a handout.”

I hope this doctor realizes that Zoe was the deal closer.

— Ruth Pearl, founder and president of Pet Assistance, New Milford