I'm writing this review of Tanglewood Animal Hospital the day after one of the most difficult events that every pet owner dreads: the illness of a beloved pet, ending with the decision to euthanize.M... Read More
I'm writing this review of Tanglewood Animal Hospital the day after one of the most difficult events that every pet owner dreads: the illness of a beloved pet, ending with the decision to euthanize.My partner came to our relationship with two cats, and an ongoing and long-term relationship with Tanglewood Animal Hospital spanning more than a decade. So when our sweet female cat, Bean, showed signs of lethargy and other symptoms, we took her there.It was time for shots, so they updated everything, and did some blood work, which showed nothing remarkable at the time. They sent her home with some pain meds and an anti-inflammatory for what appeared to be some arthritis in an elderly lady cat. I appreciated the fact that they did NOT do every test and screen possible at that time, simply to run up a large bill. She got good care, a thorough exam, and we appreciated their obvious appreciation and enjoyment of Bean as a wonderful and charming cat. That goes a long way, when you're talking about pets that you love.Bean declined steadily over the next week, refusing food and water for several days over the weekend. We took her back on Monday morning for more blood work and some xrays at that point. Sadly, the xrays revealed a malignancy beneath her shoulder blade, the cancer having spread to her lung with one whole lobe involved, and bleeding into the chest cavity. She was having difficulty breathing, and had become anemic over the previous week. She was clearly in distress. With this diagnosis/prognosis, we made the choice to end her suffering.I made the trip to Tanglewood Animal Hospital for the procedure. This was my first time to have any direct contact with them. The staff were extraordinarily sensitive, respectful, caring, and kind to me. Drs. Noble and Rozycki each spent time with Bean and me as I held her while the sedative took effect. I asked to see the xrays, and Dr. Rozycki very considerately put up the films and allowed me to not only look at them but to photograph them. He treated me with great respect and professionalism, as well as with warmth, compassion, and empathy, as he pointed out the evidence revealed by the images. Both doctors allowed me to tell a few stories of Bean's kitty antics, and they really listened. They let me spend as much time alone with her as I wished. Everything was very sensitively handled. I couldn't have asked for more.We have another cat, old but well and spry, who will continue under their competent care. Happily, most veterinary care is routine. However, at a time of crisis, you really need to trust the advice you are getting, without feeling hustled into anything. I have no doubt that, had we chosen to continue treatment for Bean, that they would have provided us with referrals and support for as long as we wanted it. In our situation, I appreciated their support for the difficult, yet obvious, decision we made.They stayed in close communication the entire time. We dropped her off to be evaluated, and Dr. Rozycki called when the findings were in. He spend time with us each on speakerphone, explaining the situation, answering all of our questions, accommodating our request to receive an estimate via email, and making time for us to discuss our options and call back. He was factual, yet caring. He acknowledged the depth of our attachment to our pet, and we felt we could rely completely on his professional opinion.I am pleased to give them my highest recommendation. It's easy to give a good review when everything is happy and uneventful. Under difficult circumstances, a practice reveals what they are made of -- how they truly are. Tanglewood Animal Hospital is the real deal.. Read Less