On July 3rd, 2017 my sons dog of 5-years (Jamaica) developed symptoms of paralysis in his two hind legs.He was in excruciating pain and would howl at the mere touch. Although medical attention for our dog is not in our family budget, It was necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
In route to the SPCA in San Bernardino, my son said, "Mom he's in too much pain, lets just go to Animal Emergency hospital because my dog's in too much pain,"
Against my better judgement, we pulled into the Emergency Clinic. The sign outdoors stated that they would not open until 6pm it was 3pm. My son out of desperation for his dog knocked on the door and the angel we now know to be Maggie opened the door for us. There was no one else in the there, so she took us in, right away. Our dog was diagnosed and a perscription was given for two weeks.
At the end of our two weeks, my son's dog was not getting better but worse. We only had one day of pain medicine left, so again, we returned to the clinic to attempt to have his prescription renewed for an additional two weeks in order to make it to my next payday for a follow up appointment. This time we were greeted by another employee who was not as patient friendly. She was adamant that unless I paid for another dog visit with the Vet that our prescription could not be renewed. I literally begged her to ask the doctor to make an exception in our case due to my financial situation, to which the desk clerk replied, "Well if you can't afford our services you can always try another less expensive agency." Her words cut through me like a knife as my son was standing right next to me, and other people from the community were sitting in hearing distance of our discussion. At that moment, the tears began to fall from my eyes and immediately, Maggie appeared from behind the counter...she had been in the back but over heard everything. I took my son by the arm and we walked away to leave the clinic. I heard Maggie's voice say, "Wait! Don't go, I'll pay for your visit, It would be my honor, now go home and get that little doggy so we can reevaluate him for a refill of his prescriptions." I was stunned by her words! My son's facial expression confirmed that I really did hear Maggie say exactly what I thought she said.
We sped home, took our wounded little Jamaica back to the emergency clinic where he was seen, once again, by the Vet, and issued his prescriptions all paid for by Maggie.
Two days later, my son and I returned with a small gift and a card to express our gratitude for her kindness. She refused to accept my IOU for the 1st of August stating how important it is for us to display genuine kindness towards one another as often as we can.
As a home owner and member of the Grand Terrace community of over 11-years now, I have never experienced such a level of kindness as was shown to myself, my son Paul, and his little doggy, Jamaica.
I would ask that Maggie be publicly acknowledged as an outstanding member of the Grand Terrace Community, and perhaps ask that she be interviewed and honored for her life commitment to being in divine service to others.
Maggie Mann,"Until you are better paid, please accept our heart thankfulness"