My Labrador Rex collapsed on 7th May 2020, he was 14yrs old and my world. I live alone and suffer with arthritis with compromised mobility and I have no friends or family close by. I rang the emerg... Read More
My Labrador Rex collapsed on 7th May 2020, he was 14yrs old and my world. I live alone and suffer with arthritis with compromised mobility and I have no friends or family close by. I rang the emergency line at the vets to be told after I explained the dogs symptoms that no way would they send a vet out to him, even though I explained I was unable to get him up from where he had collapsed and doubted he would walk again, he looked infact as if he was dying. They still remained adamant that due to social distancing and lockdown no way would they come out to him, continuing this argument even when I offered to distance myself from them inside my house. Eventually I gave up on my argument and phoned a relative who despite also being worried about social distancing came to help me get my dog to the vets. We had a terrible time carrying him to the car, he collapsed a further two times from the house to the car, once in the middle of the road, very kind compassionate people stopped their cars and came to help us, without a thought for their own safety. When we got to the vets it was like Fort Knox, had to ring the emergency number again to get a vet to attend to us and see my dog in the back of the car. We eventually got the dog into the vet surgery and examined by this time it was clear there was no hope, the vet came out to tell me and the decision was made to put him to sleep, I asked if I put on protective clothing could I go into the vets and spend the last minutes with him until he passed, I was told no. This whole episode has displayed to me a lack of compassion and disregard for the animal, I realise we are living in exceptional and difficult times but what was done at the vets on the car park could have been done in my home, I have no Covid symptoms and live alone and my dog was caused unnecessary suffering due to selfishness, ignorance and fear, thank god the NHS workers have not shown these colours or where would we be. Rex was much more to me than just a dog.... I have been left feeling shocked, grief stricken and very alone after this incident and I am taking my other elderly dog away from their clutches and finding another vet with hopefully more understanding and compassion. Your a disgrace Alfreton Park Vets, shame on you. Read Less