To the Editor:
It is with heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bridget Dunnigan and the staff of the Vineyard Veterinary Clinic that I write this letter today. Dr. Dunnigan and her staff provided quality veterinary care to our dear, adopted greyhound, Brad, for the past ten years.
Brad, a retired racer and registered therapy dog of Massachusetts, required a particularly challenging care during the last 2 ½; years of his life due to the diagnosis of a mass in the brain, near the pituitary gland. Though a candidate for radiation treatment, we chose to care for Brad in a minimally invasive way. Research indicated the survival rate post-diagnosis was approximately 305 days. Brad lived nearly 3 years longer, celebrating family holidays and seeing 10 more seasons change.
We are grateful for the constant support and encouragement Dr. Dunnigan offered to us. There were ups and downs over the past few years, but we can say with confidence that the quality of Brad’s life was the very best until his last week. With each appointment departure, she would say, “I love you, Brad.” We knew she meant it.
When Brad softly told us it was time to leave this world last week, Dr. Dunnigan was there for him, as the tears she wept shared our loss. Though Brad was irreplaceable, when our grief subsides and our hearts are able to love another greyhound in need, it is a great comfort and relief to know that Dr. Dunnigan, Dr. Williams, Dr. Buck, and the Vineyard Veterinary Clinic staff will be here on our little island to offer the finest veterinary care with the greatest compassion and love for the newest member of our family.
Esther Teves
Vineyard Haven