Mary recently cared for a patient that required a colonoscopy for abdominal pain and rectal bleeding. While in the room waiting on the physician, the patient seemed withdrawn and distraught. After beginning conversation with her, she mentioned that her family consisted of her dogs and cats. Being an animal lover, Mary talked with her about the animals to whom she referred to as her "kids". The patient began to cry and expressed that her worst fear was that her cancer was back and that she had no one to care for her animals. Mary gave her information on a "no kill group" that she could contact.

A few months later when the patient returned for another procedure, the patient wanted to talk with Mary. She had contacted the "no kill" organization and they have agreed to care for her "kids" and find them good homes if she should die before they do. She thanked Mary for helping to ensure that her "kids" would be taken care of. Mary saw her obituary two weeks later. Her "kids" were ok and she was able to live the short time she had left without having to worry.