Sadie's Story

In January 2011, Aaron and I noticed a lump our Golden Retriever Sadie's left chest. In Feb 2011, we had the lump removed by our local vet. It was diagnosed as a mast cell tumor. Our vet recommended we take Sadie to the U of M Vet Hospital in St. Paul. So on March 22nd, 2011 Sadie had her first appointment with Dr. Borgatti. Sadie was diagnosed with a grade II incompletely-excised mast cell tumor. Dr. Borgatti was very gentle and kind to Sadie during the exam. I could tell that Dr. Borgatti was very, very good at her job. She was thorough and complete in her explanation of Sadie's cancer diagnosis. All the while being thoughtful, respectful and compassionate of our fear of Sadie's fate. I left Sadie's appointment with HOPE. Hope that Sadie was going to be ok. That they were going to help us help Sadie to live a longer life. We weren't ready to live our life without Sadie.

Surgery was scheduled for March 22, 2011, with Dr. Davila as her surgeon. We came to MPLS the day before surgery and stayed the night. Aaron and I arrived at VMC on March 22, 2011, at 7 am. It was pouring rain and yup it was March. Dr. Davila walked in sat down cross-legged on the floor with Sadie. She just softly gently talked and petted Sadie right there on the floor. I thought I like her already. She patiently explained the surgery to us and walked Sadie in for her surgery. What a kind, nice Dr. I could tell she liked her job and that she loved dogs. We would see Sadie the next day.

March 23, 2011, Day 1 post-op. Surgery went great. We can take Sadie home. WOW!!! When we picked her up, she looked like where have you guys been. Let's go home. And what's this thing around my chest. When can it come off? Unbelievable! Unbelievable! VMC is an excellent, outstanding and superior hospital and clinic. With exceptional Drs and staff who deliver the highest quality of care to our animal companions. This kind of care is rare to find. Thank-you so very, very much.

It is now Sept 16th, 2015 and has been 4 1/2 years since Sadie's surgery. She is 11 1/2 years old. Sadie has grown to be a lovely senior citizen, who spends her days napping in the shade of our evergreen tree, on the couch or where ever she wants. Each day with Sadie is a gift that VMC, Dr. Borgatti, Dr. Davila and the staff has given to Aaron and I, and we are so grateful. Thank-you again for the Hope and saving Sadie.

Aaron and Vicki Kroetsch