Buster

Buster

This is a letter from Brent Palmer:


Today God brought to our family a very special Angel.

Before I tell you our Angels name I would like to tell you a short story. My son and I have lived in Pilot Valley for almost four years. In this time we have come to know some very special people, and with regret some not so nice people. This beautiful desert valley is much like the rest of the world, we have good and bad but the good does out weigh the bad. Today started out to be a good day with good intentions. It took only seconds to change that to panic, fear and sadness. Our new dog Buster was shot. My boy found Buster. I was on my way to a fire department Chief's meeting. I was in my old 1948 Dodge Power Wagon and was approaching the meeting place when I saw a truck pull onto the county road ahead of me. I recognized the truck. The driver of the truck was flashing his headlights at me. I knew that someone was in need of help. I know this because as I said, I recognized the truck and I know who the driver was. I stopped and waited only a few seconds for the truck to reach me. I was given the news that my Dog Buster had been shot and that my son had found him. Buster was in trouble and needed help now. Now, I have been a firefighter going on 34 years. I am the one who gives the help, I am not supposed to be the one getting help for me or my family. I was out of my comfort zone. It isn't supposed to be this way. Or so said my pride Our Angel responded to God's call. Our Angel took over, loaded us up in his truck and we headed to Elko some 125 miles to the west of us. Destination was the Elko Animal Clinic which has an emergency room set up for pets. I know a bit about our Angel and what he and his wife are dealing with right now. And I thought to myself that it's not right for our Angel and his family to have to deal with our problem. Stubborn Angel's I thought to myself. Buster was greeted at the ER with a staff and a waiting gurney. Buster was rushed into the treatment room. Many thoughts were going through my mind and my sons. Buster was all covered in blood and 4 big holes in him. I was worried for Buster, but I also knew that I did not have the money to pay for his life saving surgery. The Three of us sat there talking in the waiting room while waiting for the doctor to come and talk to us. Finally he came out and told us what was going on. It was good news Buster could be saved but it would be costly. I know what our money situation is right now, so I was concerned on how we were going to pay for this, yet I also knew that I could not let Buster die. Our Angel was with us the whole time. He provided comfort to us just by his presence. Buster underwent surgery. The doctor said that Buster was lucky. I was thinking something else. When it came time to leave and head home I was faced with the bill. I knew I could not pay it. I could not even pay for half of the bill that the Vet required and then they would let me make payments. Our Angel took care of the bill and said we could work it out with them later. Me and my Son didn't know what to say. What can you say? Thank you just doesn't say what is in our Hearts. Tears did start to fill me and my sons eyes. I had to turn and look away from our Angel. Like I said, it's not a comfortable feeling for a firefighter to be on the the receiving end of help. From our Hearts to your Hearts........Thank You JT and Sandy. You are our Angels!!! Brent, Nick, and Buster