This is the story of a personal interaction with a monarch known for his deep affection for animals.
In 2004, my colleague Joe and I had the rare honor of being invited to the King of Thailand’s Klai Kangwon summer palace, a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Bangkok on the Malay Peninsula. The palace is located on the Gulf of Thailand. The gardens are decorated with exotic plants and flowers from all over the world. The palace is protected around the clock by Thailand’s military. Several Thai Navy ships are moored a kilometer from the shore and several thousand soldiers are housed in barracks within the palace grounds.
Our journey to the palace began in the luxury of the King’s white Rolls Royce, which whisked us away from the bustling city to the serene settings of the royal residence in the south. Two memories from that journey remain vivid. First, the reaction of the people we passed - cheering ecstatically because they thought their beloved monarch was in the car. Second, the speed with which we navigated our way through the heart of Bangkok – the six police motorcycles escorting us may have helped!
Upon arrival at our destination, the opulence of the palace was unmistakable. Each detail spoke volumes of the royal taste and tradition.
Our patient was Tongdaeng, a dog the King had rescued from the streets (see my previous blog post). Tongdaeng was not just any pet; she was a beloved figure in the royal household and throughout Thailand, now suffering from seizures that needed immediate attention.
As we waited in one of the palace’s reception halls, a distinguished officer briefed us on the etiquette of interacting with the King - advice that would soon lead to an amusing yet heartwarming encounter. All I remembered from this meeting was “Don’t approach the King and don’t attempt to shake the King’s hand.”
Before the King’s grand entrance, Tongdaeng herself made a memorable appearance, descending a magnificent gold staircase and humorously marking her territory on the corner of a rug. The meticulous cleanup by a palace staff member, who retreated in a respectful backward crawl, reminded me of scenes from "The King and I."
The atmosphere tensed slightly with the arrival of the King, flanked by armed guards and followed by his entourage. The King approached with a broad smile and extended his hand - a gesture that challenged our recent instructions yet spoke volumes of his personal warmth. His immediate understanding of my reluctance to shake hands, his glance at the officer who had instructed us earlier, his statement “I see you have met my executive officer,” and his warm smile, eased any lingering tension. The King reached forward and took my hand in his.
Turning our attention to Tongdaeng, Joe and I conducted a thorough physical and neurological examination. Despite her constant growls, the dog was cooperative, allowing us to conclude that her neurological condition appeared normal (other than the history of seizures). Given her age and unvaccinated street-dwelling past, we discussed potential causes for her seizures, ranging from infectious diseases to the possibility of a brain tumor.
We recommended further diagnostic tests, and Tongdaeng became one of the first dogs in Thailand to undergo an MRI procedure of the brain. After extensive testing, it was determined that Tongdaeng had a form of canine distemper that had resulted from her exposure to the distemper virus during puppy-hood. Tongdaeng responded well to anti-seizure medication.
Our experience at the palace was not just a professional assignment but a vivid chapter in Joe’s and my respective careers, marked by the intersection of royal tradition and the universal language of compassion towards animals. The King’s involvement and care for his beloved dog underscored his commitment to animal welfare.
After we had delivered our findings to the King, we retired to dinner and enjoyed a six course meal prepared by the King's personal chef. The meal was absolutely mouth watering.
As Joe and I look back, this royal encounter remains a highlight of our veterinary careers. We are reminded of the unique paths our profession can take us and the extraordinary individuals and animals we get to meet along the way.
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