A 'Prescription' For The Doctor

In a long and fulfilling life, Dr. Whyte first served his Colchester community as a general practitioner and then after further study, as a psychiatrist. Now a widower near 90, who lives in a large house with a large and beautiful enclosed garden, he has been diagnosed in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. As a physician, Dr. Whye knows of the diagnosis and is fully aware of the debilitating progress of the illness.

His daughter, Kathy Goodall, who lives nearby, knowing that her father loves animals and understanding how therapeutic a pet would be for him at this trying time, sought help from several humane organisations but was turned away on grounds that Dr. Whyte's illness made him an unsuitable pet owner. Kathy explained, to no avail, that this was not the case: her father was cared for by two round-the-clock 24/7 professional caregivers.

Sue Farley, adoption volunteer in North Shore Animal League International's (Registered Charity #1084442) “Pets on Prescription” programme, was not that easily put off. She interviewed Kathy, carefully investigated the circumstances of a pet in the Whyte home, including first-hand assurance that the round-the- clock professionals were also pet friendly – and, most importantly, she found Toc, a stray terrier in Wales who exuded lovability.

She decided to present Toc for an initial interview, which he passed with flying colours. It seemed like an A+ adoption. However, that first evening in Toc's new home, Dr. Whyte had a stroke. The professional staff, Kathy and her family all rallied round; fortunately it was a minor stroke and medical opinion confirmed the domestic view that an accelerated stroke recovery strengthened the case for Toc's presence.

Now, several months later, Toc is fully at home. While nothing is ever perfect, the only potential cloud over Toc's new life proved to be very potential and easily dealt with. The problem: professional staff, as well as Dr. Whyte, finds it hard to resist giving Toc snacks. Unrecognized in time, Toc might have become a little “fatty.” Forewarned is forearmed, however, and in addition the large enclosed garden provides a practical answer: chasing squirrels is one of Toc's favourite pastimes. He wouldn't want to cut his squirrel-chasing speed for a few snacks. It is no exaggeration to note that Toc, in fact, is now the third around-the-clock caregiver for Dr. Whyte.

For more information please contact NSALI. To make a contribution you may direct your gift to NSALI. Should you wish to include a bequest in your will to support this ongoing effort, the following wording is recommended: I bequeath to North Shore Animal League, International (Registered Charity No. 1084442) of Westwood Park, Little Horkesley, Colchester CO6 4BS, the sum of (amount in words) free from tax and duty to be applied to the general usage fund of the said charity and I declare that a receipt of the treasurer or other authorised official, for the time being of the said charity, shall be sufficient discharge of this bequest.

Henry Suhrke, Trustee of NSALI and our American Abroad