I would like to share an accident that happened to our dog, Suki, a few Saturdays ago. We took a short cruise to Sucia Island. As is our custom in the evening, we took her in our dingy to the dock for her final walk of the day. While she was on leash, we allowed her to jump onto the dock first as we tied up. Like a laser, she nailed some left-over bait.

Unfortunately, the bait was still on a treble, barbed hook with monofilament line attached. Another boater and my husband tried to locate this hook in hopes that she hadn’t swallowed it. She had.

We untied from our buoy and two hours later were in Dr. Sonja Webster-Hills clinic. X-rays revealed that this hook was in her mid-esophagus. By 9 p.m. Dr. Sonja had performed all that she could for Suki and arranged for specialized emergency surgery at Seattle Veterinary Specialists in Kirkland. By 5 p.m. Sunday, Suki was fine. The hook had not moved and the esophagoscopy was successful with minimal trauma to her.

While we take full responsibility for Suki’s going for the bait, and our experience served as a very expensive lesson, we caution anyone who is in an environment where there may be fishing tackle or other harmful items to be watchful of their dogs. All dog owners know but sometimes need reminding, us included, that dogs are attracted to and will eat just about anything.

I also ask those who are fishing especially in public places to be very watchful of their tackle and pick up after themselves. If not our dog, someone could very easily have stepped on this hook receiving a very painful injury.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Sonja’s coming to Suki’s aid when we called. Her response, concern and professionalism are very much appreciated.

Gay Graham

Friday Harbor