A very nice homeless man lived on the street since the 1980s after a motorcycle accident rendered him disabled. Because of his disability, he had a service dog, who was his only companion that traveled with him everywhere for the past seven years. He was a very nice gentleman with a heart of gold, admitted to the SICU after a pedestrian vs. automobile accident. This gentleman sustained multiple rib fractures and bilateral pneumothoraxes.
His dog was his best and only friend and unfortunately was also involved in the accident. Despite this gentleman's pain and multiple traumatic injuries, all he cared about was his dog and if he was OK.
John called around to the local animal shelters and eventually located the dog. Unfortunately, he was badly injured and needed to be put down; there was no other option. Throughout this process, John provided spiritual support to the patient and helped him through one of the most difficult times in his life.