I think I can finally write a review without breaking down in sobs. Here goes. Our seemingly healthy 11 1/2 year old cat Zoe, out of nowhere, last Thursday night at 9:45, appeared to have a stroke, ... Read More
I think I can finally write a review without breaking down in sobs. Here goes. Our seemingly healthy 11 1/2 year old cat Zoe, out of nowhere, last Thursday night at 9:45, appeared to have a stroke, she couldn't see or hear us and had labored breathing. We were very attached to our sweet girl and were immediately majorly concerned if not totally freaked out. We googled 24/7 vets in the area, and Olympia Pet Emergency was what came up. Our normal vet was obviously closed so we called Olympia Pet Emergency and asked a few questions and were told to bring her in. The receptionist/vet tech Tammie was incredibly helpful during the phone call.When we got there, Zoey, had gotten even worse. My son was sobbing as we knew the situation wasn't good. As soon as we came in, even though there were others in the waiting area, Tammie came over to us, looked at Zoey, and called for immediate triage. She treated us with respect, compassion, and tenderness in this difficult time. The other tech took Zoey back to the exam room to get her on oxygen and figure out what was going on. Tammie then immediately brought us to a private room as my son continued to cry and she wanted to give us privacy.Long story short, Zoey had some type of stroke/seizure/neurological issue which called for one of the most painful and difficult decisions of our life, to euthanize her (she had no brain function). Dr. Burggren was so kind, patient, competent, and knowledgeable during the entire process. He explained everything step by step, gave us facts, reassured us, answered questions, and listened ever so patiently. He had wonderful bedside manner and was absolutely caring and compassionate. He assured us we made the right decision after we made it. They were very appropriate during questions of what we wanted to do, costs, and billing. Their costs seems fair, upfront, and reasonable. True, it is an unexpected high cost, but vet care is expensive, and that is part of being an animal owner.We were in such shock that we initially thought we wanted Zoey cremated with a group of animals and ashes spread on Mt. Rainier. The following day we realized we wanted Zoeys cremains in our own backyard where we could have a little memorial for her. We called OPE and Tammie was sooo sweet and understanding. She told me it was probably not to late and to call Tacoma Crematorium where Zoey was being taken for cremation. I called them and they were able to cremate her by herself so we could have her ashes back.Our oldest daughter who is EXTREMELY attached to the cat was in Portland when the incident happened and was unable to say good bye. Tammie was so compassionate about this issue and even took a paw print of one of Zoey's paws for her. Tammie will probably never understand how important this paw print is to my daughter who has carried it around since she was given it. What an incredibly kind thing to do. My daughter and I brought a rose and card to the staff a few days afterwards to thank them for their above and beyond service. Tammie hugged my daughter and I and was genuinely sad and again so compassionate.I know the staff must deal with emergencies and animals/pet owners in distress on a frequent basis, based on the nature of their business, but they made us feel important and not just a number. They acted as if Zoey was their pet and they understood our grief and pain. They are 100 percent in the right business and obviously this is their calling. I can't imagine going through what we did and having staff being anything other than how they were to us. They made a horrible experience a little easier by their compassion and kindness. Tammie and Dr. Burggren, your kindness will never be forgotten. I would not hesitate to recommend OPE. I hope I don't ever have to use them again (the pain of losing one kitty was enough for a lifetime) but if I do, I know we will be in good hands."At the end of the day people won't remember what you said or did, they will remember how you made them feel."― Maya Angelou****The only suggestion I would make is to have a sign closer to the roadway, we were frantically trying to find the place, and the sign and building is about 100-150 yards off the roadway - tucked in behind Weddings With Joy.******** Read Less