What makes a vet an awesome vet?
It's been 2 weeks today since we let Lucy go. As difficult of a decision as it was to make, our vet was as supportive and gentle as we could ever ask someone in that position to be. She sat on the floor with us and held my arm while Lucy went to sleep and teared up right along with us (well, she teared, we cried). About a week later, we got a sympathy card in the mail that was signed by not only our vet, but every vet tech in the clinic. Each girl wrote a personal message/tribute about Lucy and offered their condolences to us. It was really personal and was so touching to us. Today we went to pick up Lucy's ashes. Everyone came out to say hello (in the middle of a busy waiting room) to see how we were doing and then a vet tech brought Lucy out to us and handed us a little Lucy paw print set in plaster that they got for us from the cremation service. It's one of those things that is very sweet but makes you cry until time heals the pain of missing your pal. Although, obviously, medical care is first and foremost, having a vet who has ben so thoughtful has really made this experience easier to get through. I think bedside manner makes all the difference in the world and it really helps you to build a lot of trust in your relationship with your vet, which is essential in the medical care of your dog. Knowing that someone cares that much makes their services priceless. |
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| That is super thoughtful!! What a wonderful vet. Ours is good, im not sure if she is that good though......
I bet the paw print made you tear up...give it a touch for me.... |
| Our vet's office was similarly compassionate when we lost Merlin, and during the months before. Merlin had lost the use of his hind legs and for a time was able to use a wheel chair with a support sling. Later, after that was no longer possible, we moved him and the struggle to keep him clean was quite a task. The groomer asked us to bring him in so she could give him a really good bath, which she did. She refused to take any money for her time. I thought I would cry, it meant so much to me that she did this out of love for our dog. This is even more impressive when you realize that I had done all of his grooming, although when he boarded at the vets for more than a few days, they always did a bath.
We had Merlin cremated, as well, and we received a condolence card signed by all of the vet staff, including the offic staff and vet techs. |
| your vet's a keeper. Our vet waited all day long so that all the members of the family could visit if they wanted. My father at first said he couldn't and was frantic at 5 pm because he wished he had. I called and they said that they were actually waiting for him to call. The vet stayed late that night and once everyone had their personal visit she called and had me come. You don't forget that kindness. I trust you will never forget everyone's compassion. It has to help a bit to know that Lucy was surrounded by love. |
| I haven't lost a pet in a long time and each time it was someone other than me who brought the pet to the vet, but your vet office sounds amazing. The one I worked at definitely didn't do all that although all the workers were very sympathetic and kind.
Good to hear patients and their owners are treated so well there. |
| Your story is touching. You have a wonderful vet Jill.
We love ours too. Everyone in the clinic is so supportive and caring when Max is there. If it wasn't for our ole country, Max would never have walked again. 
Lori |
| Here is my definition: when Beau was diagnosed with synovi sarcoma our vet was fairly new to us. He gave us a referral to a specialist and then called me to see how Beau was doing, his handsome Beau was what he always called him. After the consultation with the surgeon he asked us if we felt more comfortable staying there since the cancer was pretty rare and he didn't know much about it. I told him I would rather stay with him and he said he would learn everything possible about it. Well, he certainly did! He contacted vets all over the world for information and advice. He set up the radiation for us, and called every few days for updates.
When we needed blood drawn for toxicity from the drugs he came to our house at no extra charge since it was difficult to get Beau in the truck. He answered every question (in 2 years I had tons) wth infinite patience and made sure I understood what he was saying. When it came time to let Beau go we were concerned about getting him to the office and he made arrangments for us to use his gurney. After Beau was gone he helped put him in his casket, when the lid was closed he had tears in his eyes , touched the casket and said "you were such a brave boy my handsome Beau". His office staff is equally wonderful, they did a paw print for us and sent a card with the rainbow bridge poem and a rainbow pin. They were just as wonderful when Daisy was ill, although she went to a specialist he called me to see how she was doing and would always ask if I had any questions he could answer. I have the highest regard for my vet and trust him without question. |
| Our vet is also wonderful. For all of our big dogs she has come to the home, done the deed and helped us bury the dogs, including this last time actually throwing the dirt over Fox since my husband was fresh out of the hospital. Tears of course, hugs and cards, telephone calls.
Such considerate vets are to be cherished. |
| Our vet is great too. Thankfully, we have had limited opportunity to test the death issues.
They are part of a 3 town group, so they take 24 hour call within their practice. No expensive emergency vets trips needed. It is so nice in an emergency or after hours to have the vet be part of the group and have access to all your dog's chart and history. There is an after hour charge, but nowhere near the inflated rates some of you have been forced to pay when your pet needs emergency care! They also are a large animal practice too, so they see our sheep as well. I have had times when I have had them out in the middle of the night, freezing cold to help with a bad lambing. Over the years I have met all the vets, and thankfully I can say they all are professional, compassionate and really nice people. It is so nice to know that when you are calling in an emergency, you aren't worrying "oh, I hope Dr _____ isn't on call"! They also dispense meds, which is great for me as I can give most meds and injections myself (those that legally can be given by non-vets). It saves me lots of $$$. They also work great with our basset rescue - the other officers love working with my vet. They don't give big discounts - but they always squeeze a new dog in quickly, treat all the dogs with compassion and the prices are so reasonable anyway. They write up reports on bad issues that come up, (like Bubba's case, and my foster Honey who had the dragging udders) and offer options for the rescue to decide what we want to do. The vet techs are great too. I very frequently call and ask odd questions, and they always find an answer for me, even if they have to research it and call me back. 
The vets are in 3 smaller towns around Mankato, but there are lots of people who drive the extra distance go to them instead of the ones in the city.  |
| My parents' vet did the same thing when they lost Maggie last fall. With the card and the paw print. My dad was SO touched. It's always so amazing to find a wonderful, caring vet (or any other professional). |
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