The Business of Pet Therapy.

Mahesh* is a 49 year old former site foreman in a road construction company. He is well built and handsome. He came to the clinic as a part of his annual check up. From his looks he didn't need any.

However his past medical history was a shocker. One harsh summer afternoon, seven years back, he was found comatose at a  road construction site by his colleagues.

After changing a couple of doctors, it was found that he had had a diabetic ketoacidotic coma- a dreaded complication of untreated diabetes. When he regained consciousness in the hospital three days later, he found that he had a complete paralysis of the right half of his body. His speech and swallowing reflexes had gone. After a few months he regained some independance and with continued rehab he later regained most of his physical and mental functions. That was his first and only major hospitalization. His family history (medical) was spotless. His physician suggested that he give up site work. He did.

But then he did not have an alternative profession. He had major liabilities to service and could not gather additional capital to start his own business. His family and friends could not help him from sliding into a depression. Luckily for Mahesh, a friend who was migrating abroad gifted him his dog. In a few days time the two hit it off and Mahesh's blues turned to different hues. Soon Mahesh found that he had a natural affinity for animals, birds and fish. He felt as if he understood their needs.

One thing led to another and soon Mahesh was supplying dogs, fish and other pets to people around him. Today he is the leading pet supplier of the city he lives in. 

During the check up he came for, he had the guts to tell one of his doctors, a senior lady, "Madam, at your age, I am sure the empty nest syndrome will hit soon, if it has not already. Why don't you just try having a pet dog at home. He will shower so much affection on you, all your mood swings will go away for good". I have no idea whether the lady agreed to his suggestion or whether she gave him a good firing, but the fact that an ebullient Mahesh came to me after his session with that doctor meant that the chap was sure sharpening his marketing skills on every conceivable occasion.

It was hard not to succumb to the temptation of asking him if one or the other spouse in a household would not object to the additional costs incurred in having a pet dog at home. He was visibly upset for his face became tense and he asked me what I meant. I clarified about the costs of visits to the vet. He declared, "Doctor, people care more for their pets than they do for their old and ailing mothers. The dog always comes first." Saying that, he smiled. Though I didn't like that mean smile, it was clear that this was the line he must be using to close a sale. Seeing that dogs didn't interest me, he proffered a suggestion, "Doctor, a small aquarium with some fish in it in  the waiting room will calm even your most agitated patients." I brushed aside his suggestion, did my examination and directed him out. This guy was relentless, I thought. 

We haven't brought home a dog yet, and, its not coming any time soon. Fish, though, are welcome! So some of Mahesh's charm worked-diluted perhaps. We may soon be his clients in the business of pet therapy.

--------

* Name and details changed to maintain confidentiality.