With symptoms of disease and old age, I came to Little Paws to have my beloved cat sent off to the wild blue yonder. She has been with me for 19 yrs.
When I made the appointment to bring her... Read More
With symptoms of disease and old age, I came to Little Paws to have my beloved cat sent off to the wild blue yonder. She has been with me for 19 yrs.
When I made the appointment to bring her in, I was told Dr. Martinez could be a few minutes late, so I asked for a later time, to insure he would be there.
I arrived on time, and was shown into the operating room. After about 10 minutes alone with my cat, I waved to the attendant in the other room . He came in and said the doctor was stuck in traffic, but would arrive soon.
A few minutes later Dr. Martinez arrived. He explained the ‘2 shot’ system that he would administer for the euthanasia, and then gave her the first needle. He left the room, saying he'd be back in a few minutes.
After waiting another 5-10 minutes , I called to the attendant, to find out how much longer this would be . He said Dr. Martinez was busy with another client.
He finally returned, and asked if I was ready. I had been ready for some time. He gave her the second shot, and he quickly left again.
Even though he mentioned the stages of death, I was not sure of how long it would take, or what exactly would happen. No one was there to reassure me. I really wish the doctor or one of the 4 staff members there, would have stayed in the room. After what seemed like forever, Dr. Martinez came back, checked her pulse, and assured me she was gone. As I was anxious, and had heard her gasp in the minutes alone with her, I asked if he was certain. He then said he could give her another shot, ‘’for you”,(my piece of mind?) and before I knew it, he did.
He then left to see another patient. I was left in the room with my dead cat, until I finally opened the door. No one came to get me, or her. The assistants were huddled around the computer screen. I had to announce that I wanted to pay..”oh ok”, said one…”sorry for your loss…would you like a paw print?”
The experience of death can be difficult, even in the best of situations. But If you love animals, and you want to be a vet for the right reasons, please, look around, and be aware of your patients, and their needs. Even if it’s just to say a few kind words. Stay with them. Much more important than the business side of things, is reassurance, and kindness. It means so much. Especially in the last moments of a pets life. I’m sure the appointment could have taken much less time, if he had not been late, and then had to juggle two patients at once. At a cost of $200, for 2 needles, I would have appreciated his undivided attention and presence. This was my first and only visit to this clinic, and I am writing in hopes that no one else goes through such an unpleasant experience.
Compassion and peace to all beings. Read Less