13 years ago Dave & Diane went to the Arizona Animal Welfare League and adopted a 6-month-old black shepherd mix named Beau. They came through my obedience class and then became private clients. We worked together to deal with Beau's adolescent behavior as a one-dog wrecking crew! Through the years we became good friends.
Last summer, Dave (42 years old) became seriously ill and was hospitalized. He was told he was in kidney failure with Polycystic Kidney Disease. He was immediately placed on dialysis to save his life. He recieves dialysis three times a week and is in end-stage renal failure. He is on the transplant list for a new kidney which would enable him to stop dialysis and live a normal life. Because his options are limited, I went through days of testing to see if I was a match for a kidney donation. We recieved the amazing news that I am and we are moving forward with the surgery! I am generally a very private person, but I share this for two reasons. The first is that I am honored to be able to do this for a friend to improve the qualify of his life! The second reason is that the transplant surgery and recovery will have an impact on my business and my clients.
The surgery will take place on September 28th. I will be out of commission for a couple weeks following the surgery while I recuperate. Marsha will be taking calls and e-mails for the first week following my surgery. I will be available on a limited basis via phone and e-mail from the second week on as I recover. Once I am cleared to drive and lift more than 20 pounds, I will ease back into a full work schedule!
I understand that when there is a behavior problem, people need help right away so I will do my best to do phone consultations until I am cleared to return to work. I ask for your patience, continued business, and referrals so I can get back to work as soon as possible!
To be a match for an organ transplant for a friend is an awesome and humbling experience. We are working through the challenges involved with unreimbursed expenses associated with the transplant. With the help of friends and family, everything will come together.
I want poeple to understand why I will be taking some time off and to ask for your continued business and referrals both before and after the surgery. More importantly, I wanted to share the most amazing part of this very personal story. Isn't it amazing how our pets are often the catalyst for our closest relationships? Through Beau's adoption and training, lives crossed, friendships were formed, and many lives will be forever affected by that experience!
I thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to contact me directly at sam@petbehaviorsolutions.com. Thank you!
Sam Kabbel, CPDT-KA, President
Pet Behavior Solutions
602-324-8948
