Tribute to my best friend. He changed my life forever

I lost my best friend on July 31st.  He was almost 13 years old, a mixed Lab dog.  How does this have anything to do with medical transcription, you might ask?  Because his life and death, especially his death, have forever changed my perspective on everything, including my involvement in this medical transcription industry, for which I take full responsibility, as nobody forced me into it.  I just thought I had no other choices. 

My grief is compounded by the fact that my lack of proper finances caused me to not take him to the vet as often as often as he really needed.  I couldn't afford the expensive medicine to treat his Cushings disease that was diagnosed 5 years ago.  I couldn't afford to have the large lipoma removed from his abdomen that showed up about 4 years ago.  I couldn't afford to have small warts removed from his leg that irritated him.  I could barely afford his yearly vet visit that usually cost more than $300.  But, I couldn't give him up, either. 

He was such a loving and a wonderful dog.  I can't even explain it in words.

The thing about this JOB that makes me so angry right now is that my Lucky Dogg became more seriously ill two weeks ago.  He was diagnosed with lung worms.  He had gastrointestinal symptoms and a decreased appetite.  The lung worm treatment helped some, but not a lot.  I fed him baby food and anything that he would eat.  Finally, on July 31, we realized that nothing was working and took him back to the vet.  The vet said that the prognosis was very poor, and we asked the vet to put him to sleep, to send his sweet soul to heaven where he is truly free now.

During his last 2 weeks, my work queue suddenly perked up, and there was lots of work.  I even had work on Saturday and Sunday, something that hadn't happened in months.  I like working on weekends, but not when my dog is sick and needs my undivided attention.  But, what could I do?  I had to work when the work was available, to make up for all those weeks when there was little-to-nothing.   My vet bill was $360 over the past 2 weeks.  I had to use the money I had put aside to pay taxes (IC position). 

Well, I'm done with being available 24/7 to work when "work is available."  I'm going to have a schedule.  If work is not available during those times, then so be it.  I will look for other work more diligently.  Mornings will be devoted to my other dog.  She is the sister of the one who died this week.  She is also 13, in better health than her brother was, but she is getting old and time is limited.

Time cannot be reversed.  Spend more time on what really counts in life.  Spend more time with your loved ones and less time with jerks who take unfair advantage of us.  Use the jerks for your own benefit while you search for better opportunities.  Don't just put up with it like I did.

God bless you all.

Judy F.