Christmas Angel

A couple of our clients were having lunch on the sidewalk near Lincoln and 9th Ave in San Francisco on December 23rd with their 1 ½ year old, mastiff mix, Panda.

A car jumped the curb and hit both Panda and one of the owners! Panda’s mom was taken to the hospital, but Panda, scared and hurt, ran towards the park. Animal Care and Control were able to retrieve Panda, and called Panda’s dad who rushed to pick him up and bring him straight into IPH.  Panda’s dad wanted to go with his wife, but his wife was insistent on him finding their precious Panda.

Once they arrived, we immediately brought Panda into a room where he was examined and determined stable.

Around the same time another client brought in her French Bulldog, Zaza, dressed in her cutest Santa sweater.  Zaza was getting ready for the holidays with a mani/pedi.  Zaza’s mom was waiting in the lobby; she overheard Panda’s dad on the phone getting an update on his wife as he waited for the doctor and medical staff to finish their analysis and treatments for Panda.

Zaza’s mom quietly whispered to the Front Desk staff…

Zaza’s mom approached Panda’s dad and said…“I’m taking care of your bill.  Santa’s come early this year”, as she pointed down to Zaza dressed in her Santa sweater looking sweetly up at them, “I just want YOU to be with your dog for Christmas!!”

Everyone was in tears! Zaza’s mom had never met Panda’s dad before today. She had only overheard his phone conversation in the lobby and didn’t hesitate to offer her help.

Thankfully, Panda and his mom are doing well.  Neither have any broken bones, they are just bruised, sore and shaken from the ordeal. All the IPH staff were relieved to hear of this news.

And as for the Zaza, well, she looks fabulous, as always!

There are little angels everywhere, willing to help others in their time of need. And the spirit of Santa, giving to others with all your heart (in anyway you can, even if you don’t know them) is what this season is all about!