I would like to share with you all my experience of a recent visit to the Lutterworth Practice on Saturday 20th May 2017 at 10:30.
I booked my 14 year old German Shepherd into the practice on this da... Read More
I would like to share with you all my experience of a recent visit to the Lutterworth Practice on Saturday 20th May 2017 at 10:30.
I booked my 14 year old German Shepherd into the practice on this day to be euthanised after prolonged consideration of what would be best for my girl. I had made prior enquiries regarding the process, cost and was assured that the practice would be supportive of my final decision. I was informed that I should come to the surgery at 10:30-unless the vet makes contact with me to inform of a delay.
We arrived at the surgery promptly. The two reception staff reported that the vet was not there and questioned why I had come given that the vet was going to call? I advised that this was not my understanding. Given that whilst my dog was able to walk, she was not strong and required regular rests it would probably better to sit and wait. The surgery was empty so we remained in the waiting room, I used this opportunity to choose a casket for the ashes and wanted to make payments. I was told that the price would be dependent on Skye’s weight and therefore, I couldn’t pay until afterwards.
The vet arrived at 11:15, after taking off her coat she approached me with a clipboard and asked me to sign the form ( form to commit to paying the cost) she then wanted to ‘borrow’ my dog. I instructed that I would be with Skye throughout the process and offered that she did not really like the vet and would need me for reassurance. The Vet continued with how she was used to ‘grumpy’ dogs and that a nurse would be brought in to restrain her. My partner had to intervene and reiterated that this would not be necessary as I could help restrain her, to provide reassurance and comfort (in order to put the cannula in her leg).
The vet walked off and asked for us to join her in the first side room. Skye got up and wanted to head out of the front door. The Vet saw this and offered words of encouragement like’ come on in here, it will be fun!’ Now whilst she did not understand the words used, I did. I was mortified! I continued coercing my dog into a room to be laid to rest.. hardly fun. The vet appeared rushed, and offered to get me a lead. I stated that Skye would not willingly walk in her direction and was having difficulty anyway and I offered to pick her up. The vet got me a muzzle as Skye was very stressed about being picked up and going into this room.
We entered the room, the Vet said that she wanted me to hold Skye’s head to the right, into my lap, I assumed that the vet was going to insert the cannula as indicated. However, she didn’t. She injected my dog, with the muzzle on her face, scared, shaking and anxious. Skyes head dropped into my hands and lap and the nurse verified that she had passed away.
The vet got up and informed that she had a clinic and would be in the next room ‘if I needed her’ and left. I was told that I could spend as much time with the body and left in the room. When I came out, the subject went onto payment. I was offered to pay on Monday, like that would have made a difference. I am collecting her ashes on Thursday (tomorrow) and could have paid then. But no, as it was so important, I paid the balance on Saturday. A figure of £239.88 came on the till. It is difficult to understand how I would be charged, especially as they mentioned something to do with her weight, of which she was never weighed. I did not get an invoice, so I don’t know what I have paid for.
In light of this, what was already a very emotionally challenging day for any animal owner, I especially feel that I let my dog down by taking her to your practice.
My response from Helen Robinson, director, received this morning exactly a week to Skye's death was insulting and offensive! I will be complaining to the regulators of your very biased response and will never be using your practice again. Read Less