Dubai An XPRESS article highlighting the miserable condition of Dr Matt Pietrak last week has triggered a wave of sympathy and support for the popular veterinary surgeon.
Dr Pietrak of the Desert Veterinary Clinic, who is battling a form of lymphoma at a public hospital, told XPRESS in the June 18 issue he was in dire straits as he could not pay for his chemotherapy treatment. But ever since, there has been an outpouring of support for the community doctor who has saved the lives of thousands of pets, many of them free of cost, over the last three decades.
The many letters that XPRESS received vouched for the Polish doctor’s humane approach to treating animals.
“Thank you so much for this article,” wrote Eva Sztajnic, a long-time friend of Dr Pietrak and his wife Isabella, who is busy spreading the word about his situation on online forums.
“I have known them for 20 years and have never seen them turn a pet away. Dr Matt is a bad businessman and a good doctor who genuinely cares about animals. I truly hope he gets the help he deserves,” she said.
“Hi Dr Matt. It’s Cassy and Mo (buddy Bolan is our dog). We just moved back to Dubai and a friend showed me the article about you. I’m glad it (cancer) is easy to treat. We’d like to help out …,” said another letter.
Well-wishers pitch in
A third by Neerja Shoinek said: “Dr Matt has come to our house several times during the days he did not have a clinic and would offer mobile services. We had three dogs and the couple truly cared about animals. I am sure we can drum up some support for a good human being who has truly helped a lot of people.”
Teresa Godlewska wrote: “Dr Matt went out of his way to treat my dog for many years. He even came to my place when I was not able to visit his clinic. He absolutely deserves help and I only hope that your feature about him will reach the hearts of Good Samaritans.”
“Get well soon doc, the world needs more people like you,” said another reader.
Thanking all his well-wishers, Dr Pietrak said: “So many people - friends, Polish community and XPRESS readers - have come forward to help me. I needed over Dh60,000 and I have Dh25,300 today. I have a long way to go still but I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
The 61-year-old, who needs six cycles of chemotherapy, said he is waiting to undertake the third session. Weak but with his humour intact, he added: “If I had a dog with my condition, he would probably be lying on the floor, panting and not moving. Here I am tired, unable to move and sitting on the bed.”
Dr Matt Pietrak could be contacted at 050-553 5623.
