Letter To The Editor

I'm no Ambrose Bennett, but once in a great while I pen a letter to the editor for our local papers. It's been years since the last time I submitted an LTE, but it was needed. This time I felt it equally so. Here's what Kathy and I submitted:

Losing a pet is not an easy thing. Last year our dog, Meatball, was attacked and poisoned outside of our home in As Lito by thoughtless cowards. As a result, she suffered renal failure and died a month before turning the age of two.

Following the attack, we brought our dog to Paradise Island Animal Hospital with no idea as to the extent of her injuries, but Dr. Tudor discovered and diagnosed them. While we hoped for the best possible outcome for our dog, Dr. Tudor managed our expectations with honesty and compassion.

Meatball had been to Dr. Tudor’s office since she was six weeks old and received all of the shots and pills necessary to keep a dog healthy and happy.

The staff at Paradise Island Animal Hospital had come to know Meaty during her regular check-ups and saw her grow from a tiny little pup to an 80lbs. behemoth.

While receiving treatment for her injuries at Paradise Island Animal Hospital, Meatball received first class care from a staff that went far beyond professional courtesy that you might expect from the only show in town. They were kind. They were caring. They genuinely felt the pain that we were going through at the time and did whatever they could to accommodate us.

Dr. Tudor allowed us to visit our ailing dog after regular hours and on days when his office was closed. While we were charged for the medicine he prescribed and services rendered, Dr. Tudor waived or reduced countless charges during the final couple of weeks of Meatball’s life.

After he exhausted every treatment available for our Meaty, short of dialysis, Dr. Tudor offered daily check-ups for Meatball free of charge, provided us with supplies for her final days, and prepared us for what to expect when the inevitable arrived.

When the end finally came, it was heartbreaking. Our dog died in our arms and we were left with a mountain of pain and medical bills. Dr. Tudor and his staff displayed compassion for both the emotional and financial costs we endured, and for that we will be forever grateful.

It’s been almost a year since Meatball lost her fight and as we prepare to welcome a new puppy into our home, we’ll gladly be back to the Paradise Island Animal Hospital to ensure the best possible care from people who genuinely do.

To Dr. Tudor and his staff, thank you so much for helping care for our dog, Meatball. You and your staff earned our trust, loyalty and respect and provided much needed support during a very difficult time.

Thank you.

Brad Ruszala and Kathy Pagapular

Read the letter for yourself in the Saipan Tribune and the Marianas Variety.