The financial situation of her owners allowed for a limited diagnostic workup to try and find out what the cause of her vomitting was. Dr. Geurts decided to perform x-rays as a first line of diagnostics. Immediately it was evident on x-ray that there was something suspicious lodged in Mia's intestinal tract. The next step was to have Mia swallow a contrast material that is visible on x- ray to better locate the blockage. The results of the tests showed that immediate surgery to remove the blockage was necessary.

Unfortunately for Mia, the cost of surgery was far in excess of what her owners could afford. As difficult as it was, euthanasia was the only option her owners could pursue. Dr. Geurts presented the option to Mia's owners of surrendering care of Mia to the vet clinic and Dr. Geurts would perform the surgery on her. Pending the outcome of surgery, the hope was to find Mia an adoptive home that would be willing to assume her aftercare. A situation that was well accepted in lieu of euthanasia.

Surgery was immediately undertaken, and Dr. Geurts found 5 spots in Mia's intestine where there were obstructions. She had eaten a pair of socks! The socks had plugged the flow of food through her intestine.

It was necessary to hospitalize Mia for several days on intravenous fluids and antibiotics, but Mia recovered very quickly after surgery and happily moved to her new home with the Gary Gove family. Gary had just lost his long time companion Honey to bone cancer, and found himself longing for another canine companion. When Gary and Mia met, there was instant happiness! Mia, being a very devoted and loving dog, immediately bonded to Gary and found a new spot in his heart that brought joy after the loss of his "Honey dog".

For Dr. Geurts, the heartwarming outcome of the situation was fulfillment enough for the medical services provided. "We hear wonderful stores about how Mia is doing in her new home and the joy she is bringing to the family. This is what we are about here at the Randolph Vet Clinic. We go home at the end of the day and know in our hearts, God gave us the talents to do positive things that make a difference!" -- Dr. Geurtsl