Addressed to Shari O’Neill, Mutville veterinarian
Dear Dr. O’Neill,
I am writing to you as I believe that you are the most important person at Muttville, but also the most INVISIBLE, for good reason as you are SO busy.
On Oct 24th, you operated on Paparazzi and removed an extensive mammary tumor.
We visited Muttville on Oct 25 and asked to see Paparazzi. Please see this photo of her between us. I was seeking a small dog who would bond with my wife and free up some time for me, as her 24-hour caregiver.
We established an immediate bond and on Tuesday Oct 28th, a very lovely volunteer, Linda, brought Paparazzi to transfer to us. Amazingly, Linda, who was almost as young as us, shared much in common with us and knew people my wife worked with over 50 years ago at St Luke’s Hospital.
Upon reaching our home, Paparazzi, who we renamed “Penny,” jumped on our bed and went “cracker dog,” rolling on her back and kicking her four legs in sheer happiness.
Her everyday happiness is very infectious and she immediately assumed her role as companion and attentive carer for my wife. I am not a religious person but I feel that there can only be a spiritual explanation for the understanding and bond between us and our four legged companions. I have no other explanation for how this sweet soul understood and took on her intended role right away.
But none of this would have been possible without your amazing surgical skill and caring, Dr O’Neill, and the dedication of your staff.
Thank you ALL so very much. I would also like to acknowledge Breanne who managed our adoption process and our family friend Rebecca, who introduced us to Muttville. Also the super attentive and kind volunteers who cared for us on our two Saturday visits to Muttville.
Please know that you achieve so much more than healing the dogs that transit through Muttville: You facilitate a great deal of human healing through the dogs you save.
Thank you, Dr O’Neill.
Sincerely,
John Balcomb
12/15/25
Are you the proud parent of a Muttville dog? Send us your story! Include three of your favorite photos and send it to success_stories@muttville.org with the subject line 'Success Story'.
