When we take on ownership of a pet, we all know there will come a time when, for one reason or another, the pet will no longer be with us. We experienced that finality today with our cat Dashiell - €D... Read More
When we take on ownership of a pet, we all know there will come a time when, for one reason or another, the pet will no longer be with us. We experienced that finality today with our cat Dashiell - €Dash.€
He came into our lives a neutered stray, jumping the fence into our back yard. We watched lost cat notices intently, for who would not look for such a fine, sociable, lost spotted tabby? This was in 2004. After a week we took him on board.
What can I say? He was fun to be with. Raking leaves, shoveling snow, walking the dog, painting, writing, Dash was always at our side.
A month ago Suzanne took him to the Aspenwood, for he was loosing weight, and seem a bit lethargic. There was a kidney problem, the vet - Dr Kelly - tried to help, but Dash ate less and less. By Saturday Dash had stopped eating entirely.
Today we took him to Aspenwood to have him €taken down.€ For the first time in his life he did not have to ride in the cat carrier. He always hated the experience, and would cry the whole trip. This time he was on Suzanne€s lap, and did not a cry.
Dr Kelly, who had been working to fix Dash€s kidney problems, saw us in a small room. We were worried that strange barking dogs would scare him, but there were no barking dog sounds for the entire time of this event. The patient [pet] table had three blankets to keep Dash comfortable. Dr Kelly took Dash into another room to insert an IV tube. She brought Dash back with a sleeve over the incision€or insertion.
She first administered a tranquilizer. Dash was in Suzanne€s arms. For the first time in weeks he had his satisfied, all is cool, look. The Dr Kelly gave him something to put him to sleep. And he slept. Not curled up with his tail or paw over his eyes, as was his habit, but obvious sleep. She then gave him something that stopped his heart - stopped it rather quickly. And Dash stepped out of this stupendous mystery he had roamed about in, these 14 or so years. All is cool.
If you ever have to make such a choice, I urge you to go to a vet for euthanasia. Not all vets let you witness, so if that is what you want€make sure they offer it. My hat's off to Dr Kelly of Aspenwood€a real pro. Read Less