"J" came into the ER and from the beginning we knew he had special needs. He is completely deaf and does not read lips. "J" needed admission and was threatening to leave AMA because he had his paralyzed dog with him in his truck and she had been there for almost 5 hours. "J" had explained to me that he did not have money to pay anyone to care for his dog and he didn't know how we could help him. I told him that I didn't know how we were going to help him either but that we were. He told me that he was afraid that if he agreed to stay as a patient that I would call Animal Control and then he would never see Lily again. I promised him that I would not call Animal Control. Two days later, we met with the vet who explained Lily's condition and prognosis. After reviewing the x-rays and asking lots of questions, "J" decided it was probably time to let Lily go.

This true life story has touched many of our lives in the ER and outside the ER. It reminds us of why we do what we do. It also reminds us to slow down and listen to our patients and realize that all people have a story and all people have needs. I have never seen people treat a patient with such loving kindness. Personally the "signing to the dog" from "J" is a site I will never forget. I am not surprised by Cheryl's actions this night and after. She does so much for others, even in her home community, that when she needs help day or night people respond. This says something of Cheryl.

This story does not stop where Cheryl ended it. She continues to be in touch with "J" and is available to help in any way that she can. She has reached out to others for some financial help with "J" and people have responded. I believe this is one man that we and especially Cheryl have touched and his life has changed for the better because of it.

Cheryl IS customer service at its finest.