Local Emergency Vet Proves Vital in Ice Storm
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — “She was crying so loud and we just didn’t know what to do,” says Sissy Freeman, took dog to the South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care. “It was a type of whine, that we hadn’t heard in 14 years,” says Tommy Freeman, husband of Sissy Freeman. After hearing that cry from their fourteen year old chihuahua, “Tiki,” the Freemans says they knew she needed medical attention. “We called our Veterinarian in Chapin first and of course they were closed,” says Sissy Freeman But, another call to the South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care brought hope. “I was ecstatic that I didn’t get the answering machine, but I got the people who work here,” says Tommy Freeman The couple decided to brave icy roads to help “Tiki.” “The interstates were good, but the secondary roads were pretty rough,” says Tommy Freeman The Freemans aren’t alone. Since the storm, veterinarians at the emergency care center say they’ve seen 30 patients, that’s more than normal for a Tuesday and Wednesday. “We’ve had people come in all hours of the day and night, despite the weather,” says Courtney Bruner, DMV at South Carolina Veterinary Specialists and Emergency Care. Dr. Bruner is one of the veterinarians on call. We’re told the staff is the backbone and lifeline of the facility. “Everyone has been trying to help each other out so we can stay open, we can help everybody as best we can,” says Bruner With the center open 24 hours/7 days a week, some staff members are bunking here. “If there is an emergency, we’re one of the only places open,” says Bruner “Tiki” has since been diagnosed with Pancreatitis. She spent the night at the facility Wednesday night; the Freeman’s had to go home without their door greeter. “That was kind of tough, but I knew she was in distress and that they were going to help,” says Sissy Freeman When we met them Thursday, they were ready to take “Tiki” home. “She has been on fluids the last 12 hours and hopefully she’ll be better,” says Sissy Freeman
