Hooked Up

If you have a dog, more than likely you have had the same experience Julie Klein had.

On her first visit to the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital with her dog Maggie, Klein was attempting to complete paperwork at the reception desk.

Maggie had other thoughts.

I had Maggie on a leash and found it difficult to hold onto her and complete paperwork while she tried to greet all the other patients and their parents," Klein said. “I went looking for a hook where I could attach her leash, but there weren't any.”

That problem has been solved thanks to Klein. She donated funds to purchase and install a series of dog hooks Hixson-Lied clients can utilize when they are busy with paperwork. The hooks have been attached to the base wall of the reception desk at five client-facing stations.

Sweet Maggie, as she was known to the Hixson-Lied staff, had been diagnosed by Klein’s primary veterinarian with cancer. She received radiation treatments at Iowa State for her illness over two-week stay.

“Everyone at Iowa State was so kind and loving to Maggie and me while we were there,” Klein said. “She was treated with so much love, compassion and respect.

“During Maggie’s stay I received two phone calls a day, one each from a vet student and either Dr. (Raquel) Doke or Dr. (Carlos) Ortiz. They also sent me photos which was so great for this doggie momma’s heart.”

Maggie holds a special spot in the hearts of Klein and her husband. Maggie was picked out from a litter of Golden Retriever puppies by Klein and her son Keaton. Maggie and Keaton developed a special bond.

Tragically, Keaton passed away from an accident while in Europe studying abroad.

“One of my last pictures of Keaton was him holding Maggie,” Klein said. “Our sweet Maggie was our last connection to Keaton, and we just wanted to honor both of them in some way. That’s where I thought we could help Iowa State’s future patients and their parents by donating the hooks.”