Because Chapman Mills is close to home, we decided to euthanize our cat there. It is a long, and rather painful story, and not a decision we came to lightly whatsoever. We were devastated and heartbro... Read More
Because Chapman Mills is close to home, we decided to euthanize our cat there. It is a long, and rather painful story, and not a decision we came to lightly whatsoever. We were devastated and heartbroken, but we didn't know what else to do.
Not long after my husband booked the appointment, they called me. I was at work, feeling devastated, knowing that in a little over 24 hours, we would be losing our cat.
The receptionist from Chapman Mills told me that they were sorry, but in order for our cat to be put down at their clinic, a physical exam would have to be done prior, to determine if there was a medical issue - as he had not been seen there in over a year. This was frustrating to me, but I understood this policy. I know why it is in place - to protect the animals - and I appreciated that.
But I asked if there could be an exception in this case.
We had already been through so much with our cat, and a quick phone call to the other local veterinarians who had been dealing with his case in the recent past would verify this, specifically everything we have done to try and get to the bottom of his issues: the numerous consultations and examinations, the blood tests, the urine tests, and even an x-ray.
But they were firm. This was their policy. So I conceded. I just didn't have the fight in me anymore.
Then the receptionist said something that I will never forget.
She told me, "We don't do convenience euthanasia."
I was appalled.
Convenience? I couldn't respond. I wasnt sure I heard her right. I immediately choked up.
How dare you call this convenience after what we have been through, I wanted to say.
But I couldnt.
Trying desperately not to burst into tears in front of my colleagues, I think i asked for her an exception. I dont remember. I do remember hanging up.
My husband immediately cancelled our appointment with Chapman Mills.
So if you're reading this, I want you to know something: please choose your words carefully. I know you don't know me, and I know that part of your job is to enforce a policy that I am sure needs to be in place.
But you work in an industry that requires compassion. You see owners facing difficult decisions every day - some forking over hundreds, even thousands so that they can give their best friend the life they deserve.
Guess what?
Im that owner. Thats who we are, too.
I love my animals, and my family has done everything we possibly could to ensure that they are happy and healthy. You may not have known our entire story, but before you even tried to, you assumed the worst of us.
What you said was insensitive, cruel, and could not be further from the truth.
We werent asking for convenience. We were asking for compassion. Understanding. We were asking for mercy.
You were wrong, and that is a reflection of you, and your clinic.
In the past, I have been fairly happy with the care our cats received at Chapman Mills, but I cannot bring myself to ever set foot in your offices again.
I hope you read this. And I hope next time, you remember that compassion.
We are all human, and we are all doing the best we can. Read Less