Community Corner
Close Call Gives Hearing Ear Dog and Owner Stronger Bond
Coco was diagnosed with liver disease, but her owner refused to give up.
It has often been said that a dog is man’s best friend, but for Susan Varrone, a dog is much more than that.
Varrone has a hearing impairment that makes her unable to hear everyday sounds like a doorbell, an oven timer, or the telephone. Her Golden Retriever Coco is often her only key to knowing what’s going on around her.
That’s why when Coco was diagnosed with liver disease in November, Varrone felt like she was on the verge of losing more than her best friend. She was about to lose part of herself.
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Varrone was determined to do all she could to save Coco.
She first took her to the Animal Hospital of Sandy Springs, then to nearby Georgia Veterinary Specialists after Coco's condition continued to worsen.
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It was Thanksgiving week, and although Varrone was surrounded by friends and family during the holiday, she had trouble thinking of anything else but her beloved dog.
Coco remained at the hospital for five days. Varrone visited her every day. During one visit, Coco's knowledge of sign language gave Varrone a glimmer of hope.
"I signed 'I love you' by touching the bars where Coco was laying, and her eyebrows moved," says Varrone. "I know she got my message."
Still, after five days of intensive care, the GVS staff agreed there was little more that could be done for Coco.
Varrone picked Coco up at the hospital to take her home.
“I was so worried,” says Varrone. “I kept pulling over and checking on her to make sure she was okay.”
Once home, Varrone refused to give up on Coco. She began feeding her cottage cheese, baby foods, vitamin K supplements, and, of course, giving her "plenty of TLC."
Within a few days, Coco was as good as new.
“I brought her back to GVS and the staff was amazed to see Coco walk in, wagging her tail,” says Varrone. “Everyone was in a state of shock and asked me what I did. I just told them ‘magic hands.’”
Now, Coco is back to helping Varrone with every day tasks. She says the experience has left her with a renewed appreciation for her furry companion.
“Coco and I are more attached than ever,” says Varrone. “I even sleep with her on the floor sometimes.”
