Our family photos tell the story of a girl and her cat, Sophie grew up with Lucy curled up sleeping at the end of her bed. She loved and cared for Lucy her entire life. Pulling into the parking lot I had knots in my stomach and tears in my eyes. I have helped clients through this many times, but looking at my 12 year old daughter I knew this would be the hardest. Making the decision to say goodbye to a pet is never easy. At Bayview Animal Hospital we understand that your pet is part of your family. Lucy was part of our family for more than 14 years. She was our first “baby” and we are so blessed to have had her companionship.
In 2013 during her annual exam, Lucy was diagnosed with Degenerative Arthritis. We continued feeding her Mobility Support to decrease inflammation and improve mobility. In addition she was given an anti inflammatory medication for pain management. In June 2014, Lucy had a visit due to a mouth problem that led to a routine dental cleaning. The night of her cleaning after being let out of her kennel, she attempted to jump up on the couch and fell. The days following she was a bit lame. A week later she still seemed to be uncomfortable, so I brought her back to Bayview Animal Hospital. She was re-checked from the dental and it was recommended she have x-rays for her lameness. Unfortunately, it was discovered that she had a broken pelvis (from the fall when she attempted to jump on the couch) and there was significant bone loss (possibly due to cancer) since her last x-rays. The Veterinarian also had noted a sore on her foot that had not cleared since the dental and that it had spread, this was diagnosed as part of an autoimmune disease which had also caused the lesions in her mouth. Lucy rested a lot and was heavily medicated for the pelvic pain. On her next visit, it was apparent that she may not get better. We had made a date to have the compassionate euthanasia, but she had a few really good days. So we postponed our decision. After a period of a few good days (likely due to the medication and not her pelvis healing), her discomfort became more obvious and we made the difficult decision to say good bye.
In the exam room, my senses are heightened. I feel anxious, a sense of guilt and I am questioning my decision as I look from my daughter to our cat. Dr. Bond enters, she is so tender and caring. Even though I am familiar with the routine, she explains what will happen during the appointment. She administers a sedative to relax Lucy . Once she is relaxed we are able to hold her as longs as we need, we both find this comforting. Lucy is brought to another room for the procedure, I stayed with her until she passes. She is returned to our room for my daughter and I to say our final good bye. The range of emotions I was feeling as we left for home without Lucy was overwhelming.
Nine months later and Lucy is still very much missed, but I am able to reflect on her life with a smile and know that I did the best for her in every stage of her life.
This is beautifully written.
We too have had to make that difficult decision for our beloved Willow. It was so hard, but the staff at Bayview treated Willow with such tenderness and care, and gave us the time and space to say goodbye and deal with our loss. We appreciate the attention and care given to Willow, to us, and even still, to our younger boy Duncan. Great caring team make such a difference. Thank you