On August 10, 2020, we added a new addition to our family. Bella Barbour, a beagle mix, is now exploring our home. We got her when she was 14 weeks old through RescueVets. She weighs 15 pounds now and is expected to grow to 20-25 pounds. Amazing how many items we had to move out of her reach.
It’s been 31 years since we last had a dog. Because of my PTSD. I’d been talking about getting a dog for the last 5 years. Looking at the snow and cold over that time. I kept telling myself, “Don’t do it.”
Then we saw a picture of Bella through RescueVets and we knew immediately she was the dog for us. I was told by a veterinarian that she would be a good comfort dog. There are many times in the past that she would have helped me through the bad memories, nightmares and flashbacks.
I’m sure there will be other tidbits about Bella in future columns.
For now, consider that I got the following information from Hines about appointments and moving forward during the crisis.
Hines VA Hospital has increased appointment availability and is moving forward with expanding facility services at its main facility and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs).
The following specialty care clinics will be available for increased face-to-face appointments: primary care, mental health, acupuncture, audiology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, medicine, nephrology, neurology, ophthalmology, optometry, orthopedics, physical medicine and rehabilitation, podiatry, pulmonology, respiratory therapy, surgery and urology.
“We’re expanding services while continuing to maintain the safety of our Veteran patients and staff,” said James Doelling, Hines VA Hospital Director. “Services will be expanded in a phased approach taking into account safety precautions and VA, local, state and federal guidelines.”
If you’re a Veteran patient who wishes to be seen, please call (708) 202-2707 to make an appointment beforehand. Veteran patients can also find appointment information at www.hines.va.gov/patients/appointments.asp. Hines VA will continue to offer telehealth, phone consults and wellness checks.
As a reminder, all patients and employees who enter the campus will be required to undergo a screening process and wear a face covering before entering any building at the VA medical center. The “no visitors” policy remains in place.
