| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 05:19:58 AM
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With heavy hearts we had to make the decision to put our sweet dog Missy to sleep. She was only 9 years old but she was diagnosed with diabetes in late March and by June was totally blind and having kidney issues. Sdaly, she became very fearful and disoriented and try as we might she quickly went down hill and wasn't the Missy we have known and loved, poor baby.
The saddest part is the way the vet and his staff treated Missy when it was time. We weren't give a chance to say goodbye, we weren't allowed to stay with her or anything. The vet completely ignored us as his untrained staff person attempted to drag Missy to the "execution" room after being told that Missy was very frightened and totally blind. I quickly picked her up and carried her to that awful door and there had to hand her to that unfeeling staff person with a warning to please not drag her again!
We have other furbabies but the loss of our beloved Missy has been very hard for us to accept. Mostly because of the way she was treated in the end, to which we feel so very very guilty.
If only we knew that Missy is happy and forgives us for how the end came to her life, I wrote a letter to the vet (he also owns the business) and told him how devasting and overwhelmingly heartless and cruel the ordeal was. Of course there was no reply to my letter.
With Christmas quickly approaching we are feeling the loss so deeply, Missy loved Christmas, she loved getting new toys and her excitement over them made everyone laugh. She is so very missed and loved.
I just felt the need to share, there's no way we can undo what happened or the way it happened. Missy is gone and she is buried here in her special place but the guilt and sorrow we feel over how it ended is as heartbreaking as the day it happened. Sadly, it will be exactly 6 months from when she left us this Christmas Day. 
Hopefully, no pet owner or beloved pet will ever have to endure what we and our Missy went through, please don't be afraid to speak up for your pets when they are being mishandled.....I tried to speak up for Missy and wish I had just carried her out of that place when the vet wouldn't bother to give us the time of day. He sure didn't mind charging nearly $100.00 for the horrible treatment though!  It's so hard to move past this experience, we've lost beloved pets before but never in a way to cause such undo heartache as this.
Thank you for letting me share, it helps with the hurt.
Blessings, Sher
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Autumn Leaves |
Posted - Nov 29 2009 : 7:21:55 PM
So sorry to you all for your losses. Four years ago last week we also had to do the same thing for our 14 year old furbaby. She also was diabetic, it is a horrible thing to watch as ours also became blind and very scared. We gave insulin shots and a special diet for two years before it was time. Looking back now I only have the guilt of I believe waiting too long, we just were so devastated by the thought of the end that it impared our actions. She finally had two strokes that left her unable to stand, luckily we have a wonderful vet who came to our house and let me hold her in my arms until she was gone. Pets are the greatest blessings and true givers of unconditional love. Again I am so sorry. I know how you feel.
Warm Wishes
Jennifer
Never let yesterday use up too much of today - Will Rogers
http://jenscountrylife.blogspot.com |
| babysmama |
Posted - Nov 25 2009 : 1:53:15 PM
I am so sorry for the loss of your pet. You did the right thing in the end, because sometimes the pets themselves let us know that it is their time to go. She is out of her pain and apparently lived a wonderful life as a beloved pet and part of your family, which is the purpose of a dog's life.
But I am appalled at the vet and his staff. And you didn't even recieve a letter aknowledging your letter? I would write them one last letter...explaining that you are changing vet's and will be telling all your friends about your "experience" with them and lack of compassion at their office. Seriously, sounds like they aren't the most caring bunch in the world.
-Elizabeth
www.trenchesofmommyhood.blogspot.com |
| tribalcime |
Posted - Nov 25 2009 : 02:42:46 AM
So sorry to hear :( I lost my 3 kittes and dog this fall ..slowly getting over the grief of it all so i know how you feel !!!!
http://www.tribalhorse.blogspot.com ..... http://www.tribalbarter.blogspot.com ( items for sale here ) |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Nov 24 2009 : 3:57:30 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Hosanna
I had to put my old Dalmation down this past friday. I totally feel your pain and grief.
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your beloved pet. I hope the passing was peaceful for both you and your pet as the letting go is hard enough without an abundance of remorse, guilt and sorrow over the way the final moments came to be. I'm so sorry for your loss, I believe Missy now has a new friend to play with as they wait for us at rainbow bridge!
Hugs, Sher
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| ozarkjammer |
Posted - Nov 24 2009 : 10:20:52 AM
I am deeply sorry and sympathetic for your loss. I believe Missy knows that the tragedy of the way she was mistreated had nothing to do with you and that you did what you could. Please don't beat yourself up over it...I know, easier said than done.
She's such a cutie. I can see why you love her.
(((Hugs from Arkansas))) |
| Hosanna |
Posted - Nov 24 2009 : 07:52:03 AM
I had to put my old Dalmation down this past friday. I totally feel your pain and grief.
www.happilyeverafterhosanna.blogspot.com
www.thewindofheaven.blogspot.com
www.CarolinaRoses.etsy.com |
| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 24 2009 : 01:23:38 AM
Karrieann...that was just beautiful.
Sher...I would let your local newspaper know your story in a tactful way. Everyone out there should know how you and Missy were treated. Maybe then this vet would change his ways. God bless you and Missy.
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
West-Central WI Farmgirls
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog...Charles F. Doran |
| Karrieann |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 9:05:27 PM
...just for some comfort.
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Missy will never be forgotten, (hold you and yours in my heart and prayers)
Karrieann ~ Farmgirl Sister #766
(29 Sept 2009) |
| Beverley |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 7:47:15 PM
That just angers me so to hear how you were treated. I had to put our golden retriever down this pass summer and the vet and his staff were wonderful. He let us stay as long as we wanted and said if we wanted he would just mail the bill and we could leave out the back door if we wanted and another staff person brought us some tissues and they sent a card afterward that everyone in the office signed. It probably happened so fast and you weren't expecting that behavior and were so upset anyway , that you just did not think to pick her up and leave. so they get away with acting that way and charging you. I would not pay for it if I were you. and I would write and tell them why when I sent it back to them. that is truely unforgivable...no excuse...
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog....Charles F. Doran
beverley baggett Beverley with an extra E...
http://bevsdoggies.googlepages.com/ |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 10:15:18 AM
Heartfelt appreciation to all who have taken the time to share with me. Your kindness will not soon be forgotten, thank you once more.
Sincerely,
Sher
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| FebruaryViolet |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 07:30:18 AM
I am so sorry for your experience...and for the loss of Sweet Missy. When I had to make the decision for my Lily, our vet came to our home and she passed in her living room, with her cats and familiar smells, and my husband and I right beside her. I have heard, many times, the same experience you shared and I am so very sorry. That, alone, is probably making her loss most difficult to get over. And, you won't ever get over a love like that, but "how we die" makes a difference in how those left behind "grieve and grow, and move on".
I am hoping that you remember Missy in all the good ways this season. Give to a shelter in her name. Donate old towels or blankets, or toys that you knew she loved to an animal in need. She knows she was loved, please don't forget that...
Musings from our family in the Bluegrass http://sweetvioletmae.blogspot.com/ |
| Annika |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 07:24:45 AM
Oh I'm so sorry that you lost your sweet Missy and that the vets were so cruel. I lost my sweetheart of a dog, Hooligan, June before last and still come to tears thinking about him and missing him. I understand how sad you feel. My deepest sympathies for you and your family.
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| magnoliakathy |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 07:16:16 AM
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Missy is at the Rainbow bridge waiting for you, happy, and healthy now.
When you free your mind your heart can fly. Farmgirl # 714, |
| Annab |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 03:52:39 AM
That's so sad. And I'm deeply sorry for your loss. 
In the future I imagine you will probably find another "vet". That one sounded too heartless.
What vet would ever separate the owner and not allow a proper good by???
Recall the happy times you shared and allow yourself plenty of time to grieve.
((((((Hugs from NC))))))) |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Nov 23 2009 : 02:21:48 AM
Once again I thank you all for sharing your stories and sympathies. Missy truly was a sweet dog, she was so smart and funny! Her most favorite toy was a tennis ball- she'd often fall asleep with it in her mouth and if not that then her stuffed squeaker toys, which she loved to make squeak in her mouth while playing!
She also liked to chase snowballs and after playing outside she'd come in the house with her fuzzy fur face, tummy and feet just loaded with snow clumps! She loved everyone...human and animal and liked to play "hide and seek" with her kitty brother and the two of them would have such fun and we'd roar with laughter at their antics!
After her initial diagnosis we took her to another vet for a second opinion, our regular vet and his staff made it known that they were not happy with us for doing so. However, we felt it necessary to know as much as possible as well as any and all treatment options available.
All along we did what we believed to be the best for Missy, her quality of life was our main concern. Had the ending been handled differently there's no doubt in my mind that we would not still be filled with overwhelming feelings of remorse, guilt and grief. Missy deserved to have been treated so much better than what was shown to her by that heartless vet and his staff. She was one of the sweetest dogs and I remember her giving me tons of kisses as I held her close with tears streaming down my face while still trying to reassure her that she would be okay and told her over and over how much we loved her and always would! We waited near the front desk for the paperwork to be completed that would bring an end to her life. I was kneeling on the floor with Missy in my arms, sobbing as other customers and their pets walked by us. Neither the vet nor the staff ever offered us a private area to wait so we were left to grieve in the presence of strangers the entire time --- before, during and after, even when they wheeled her cardboard coffin out on a stretcher with her collar sitting on top. That sight alone caused even more heartache and tears, and yet not one person in that office ever said a word or showed an ounce of compassion. We brought our sweet Missy home, she was gently laid to rest upon her bed with her favorite toys - tennis ball and stuffed toy complete with squeaker, we said our final good-byes and buried her near our first dog who had passed years earlier.
Im my heart I know that she is in a better place, happy and free to run and play once more and is safe in Heaven with other loved ones. I also believe she is with us often as we feel her presence and she is in our dreams as well. Hopefully the grief will lessen as time goes on and we'll then be able to remember her with smiles and laughter and not tears of sorrow.
Thank you all for reading my notes, sharing and finding support has helped a great deal. For all who have lost their beloved pets, I offer you my most sincere sympathy and pray that your hearts will not be left to grieve for long. I was told by a family member who has watched our grief that "Missy wouldn't want us to be sad", we know that is true, she'd want us to continue on content with her memory alive in our hearts and minds and with the hope of being reunited with her and all our loved ones (animals and humans)once more when our time comes to leave this world behind.
Once again, my sincerest thanks for all your kindness shown here, you all have really helped in more ways then you know. Thank you!
Blessings, Sher
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| oldfashioned girl |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 8:10:31 PM
Sher, I am so sorry for your loss of Missy! She looks like a beautiful sweet dog! I am appalled to hear of the treatment you and Missy received from the vet and staff!! I honestly would report the vet to the better business bureau! You may also want to try looking them up online because sometimes there are sites where you can rate a business and that way you could get the word out so that hopefully other do not go what you went through!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
| MissLiss |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 7:44:35 PM
When I was a child I had a dog named Missy who died in the same kind of way...in fact, I was named after her! We really loved Missy and it was terrible when she died. I believe she was 14, my parents had her before I was born and she died when I was 12. It really was so hard for us, but we had a vet that we loved and she was kind enough to let my Mom hold Missy in her lap while she administered the final injection. She wouldn't let us kids in though and I was always angry about that. So I know how you feel, a bit, about not being given the chance to say good-bye. I know that Missy knows how much you and your family love her, she's up in doggie heaven playing with my Missy now having a great time! You don't need to worry about her anymore, but you do need to find yourself a new vet. We always go into vet offices and ask the people waiting around what they think of the doc before we make our first apt anywhere. This vet you had should be hung up by his toes for treating you and your pup this way. I would contact the better business bureau in your area to make a complaint against this vet and let him know that you are doing it. If it doesn't change his ways, it will at least alert others who check him out to the horrible way he treats people and pets. I'm sorry you had to go through this at such a hard time to begin with. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Melissa ~ Farmgirl #724
Mother Hen to The Knitty Gritty Farmgirls of the Inland Empire
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| prariehawk |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 6:42:42 PM
I would write to whatever veterinary association this vet belongs to and tell them about the way you were treated. there is NO EXCUSE for them not letting you be with your sweet puppy at the end. I'm sure that Missy knows that you loved her and even now she's sending you doggie kisses from heaven. Maybe if you have a special ceremony at her grave for Christmas--such as presenting her with a special toy--it might help to ease the pain and she'll know that she's still loved and thought of.
Cindy
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| ClaireSky |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 4:31:23 PM
Oh Sher..I read your story about Missy with tears in my eyes. What a beautiful companion Missy was. My heart goes out to you! My prayers are with you! God Bless!
Julie
Farmgirl Sister #399
West-Central WI Farmgirls
Folks will know how large your soul is by the way you treat a dog...Charles F. Doran |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 11:36:17 AM
Sher:
My Luck Dog, and seven cats; Zoe, Gracie, Nadia, Moon, Audrey, Pepper, and Kitty, all send you and group hug.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Alee |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 10:01:18 AM
Oh Sher! That is so horrible! I am so sorry that you didn't get to be with her! My heart goes out to you for the loss of your beloved friend and the pain you had to go through as well!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| 1badmamawolf |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 09:30:26 AM
Sher, i am so incredibly sorry that this Vet, and his staff were so cold, cruel and completly thoughtless in a time like this. I am sorry that in hindsight you were not able to take your sweet Missy and run with her to a Vet that actually cared about animals. It amazes me on the horror stories I've heard about some Vets in the last few years, so many are not there for the animal, they are there for the almighty buck, SHAME, SHAME, SHAME ON THEM!!! My deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
"Treat the earth well, it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children" |
| hapyhrt |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 09:23:02 AM
Words can't thank you enough for the support and caring expressed to us here, we appreciate your kindness. Also, thank you for sharing your stories of how your beloved pet left this world. I have warned everyone I know in my area about this vet and his horrible attitude displayed that day. He didn't speak one word to us, nothing, not even an "I'm sorry" and he also ignored all that was going on. We have other pets and they will never step one paw in that office ever again!
I was looking for Utahfarmgirl aka Patricia. She does pet readings and has helped me in the past. I emailed her and hope she does reply soon but was wondering if anyone knows how she's doing? I noticed she hasn't posted since April '09, though I understand how time gets away from us all as I myself have been out of the loop so to speak.
Thanks again for your kindness.
Sincerely, Sher
"Think happy thoughts...any others aren't worth your time!" Ü |
| Bear5 |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 09:12:32 AM
My deep sympathy for your loss. I'm also sorry you had to endure such an ordeal. So very sad. Missy's picture is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for sharing her sweet little face with us.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
| Cindy Lou |
Posted - Nov 22 2009 : 07:39:51 AM
Seeing Missy's picture makes a person with a heart fall in love with her immediately. You have my sympathy and understanding of your loss. I am so sorry she and you were treated so heartlessly. I would never return to that vet and make sure I let any pet loving friends know that office is to be avoided!
We had to have our Jake put to sleep a couple of years ago. Our experience was more like Kristen's with kind and caring people who left the room after her shot and let us spend as much time as we felt we needed with him at the end. His problem was his hips, he was about 12 years old.He was huge by Australian Shepherd standards at 88 lbs, not overweight, just massive. He had always been my constant companion and near the end he couldn't stand up by himself. He'd come with me to the garden and if I moved from one area to another he would try to struggle to his feet even when I was fairly close, I'd go back, help him up and bring him to where I was working next. Maybe his vision was failing or maybe he just wanted to be as close as possible. My daughter came with me to have him put to sleep, she said it was so sad to have half of a wonderful dog.
"You can't roller skate in a buffalo herd.....
But you can be happy if you've a mind to. All you've gotta do in knuckle down, buckle down and do it, do it, do it!" |
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