This week we are pleased to give a heart-felt Paws Up to Dr. Myles McAtee, a first-year oncology resident, and Holly Aschliman, RVT, a veterinary technician in Medical Oncology. Both were mentioned by name in a thoughtful message shared by the owners of a dog named Benny after he was seen by the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital Medical Oncology team.
The couple brought Benny to Purdue earlier this month and faced the heartbreaking decision to say goodbye to their beloved companion just shy of his fifth birthday. “Although his life was far too short, we take comfort in knowing that he was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about his well-being,” they said. As they shared about the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they and their pet received from the entire Medical Oncology team, they commended Holly and Dr. McAtee in particular for going “…above and beyond:”
“Holly – Your kindness and compassion meant more to us than words can adequately express. The tenderness you showed Benny and the way you shared in our grief brought us comfort during an otherwise unbearable moment. We truly appreciate the love and dignity you gave him in his final hours. We are certain Benny appreciated the music you played for him, too. Thank you for treating our boy as though he were your own.”
“Dr. McAtee – We are incredibly grateful for the optimism, honesty, and compassion you demonstrated throughout Benny’s care. We especially appreciated your willingness to provide straightforward answers while remaining sensitive to the emotions we were experiencing. Your guidance helped us navigate an impossible decision, and the compassion you showed as we said goodbye to our best friend will never be forgotten.”
Thank you Holly and Dr. McAtee for your example of providing expert, compassionate, sensitive and supportive care and guidance to help this family so meaningfully during such a difficult time.
Fostering a healthy work environment involves expressing appreciation and gratitude. Is there someone at PVM you would like to acknowledge today? Please take a moment to submit a Paws Up nomination for that person. Any PVM staff, faculty, student, or team may be nominated by anyone in our college. It’s easy to do! Complete the simple nomination form. In doing so, you help foster a healthy work environment by expressing appreciation and gratitude. Submissions are published anonymously and may be edited for style and length. Sponsored by the PVM Wellness Committee.
