Today - 10-18/14 - I received in the mail, from Dr. Karen Kelly, a plaster cast of my cat's paw prints. It brought back all of the painful memories of putting my Sluggo to sleep 9 days ago. It also reminded me of how professional and empathetic Dr. Karen is.
My cat, Sluggo, was diagnosed on 9-16/14 with kidney disease. As a somewhat older cat (11-13 y.o.), this wasn't unbelievable. I was sent home with special food, special pills, and a home IV kit. Like any cat, he hated getting force-fed pills, and he wasn't crazy about getting punctured. After only a few days, I decided to stop treatment and let him go naturally; if I only had him around for 2 weeks instead of 2 months, so be it. I didn't want him stressed about anything. Let him romp around inside and outside - with his friends, the other building cats - as carefree as possible for as long as he had.
When it became what I thought was time for him to go, I Googled "In Home Pet Euthanasia." The obvious choice from there was petlossathome.com. I visited their website and entered my zipcode. I was then referred to Dr. Amy, who I called and left a message. She called me back promptly, and advised that she did not serve my area code, but referred me instead to Dr. Robin. So, I called Dr. Robin, only to find that she was out of town, but to please leave a message and someone would get back to me. So, I did. Within 20 minutes, I received a call back from Celeste(?), Dr. Robin's Assistant. Celeste advised me that while Dr. Robin was out of town, referrals were being sent to Dr. Karen Kelly. So, I called called Dr. Karen, and left a message.
Dr. Karen called me back promptly. I told her that I was pretty sure it was time, but could she come to my house tomorrow? Either way? Give me her diagnosis/prognosis? Yes, of course she can.
So, 9 days ago, around 1pm, she arrived. We chatted briefly about what I wanted (for Sluggo to live forever, of course!), and what I could expect. At this point, Sluggo was feeling pretty crappy, and was hiding under the bed. I went and got him so Dr. Karen could have a look. I think it was about 2 seconds and Dr. Karen knew what I suspected: It was time. She said that he was surely in considerable discomfort; that with kidneys as enlarged as they were, it was most likely renal cancer. Though I had been anticipating this, it did not make the news any less heartbreaking. I asked Dr. Karen if it was okay for me to get my neighbors across the hall; they loved Sluggo too, knew this was happening, and wanted to say goodbye.
So here is where I must interject the gist of this review. Of course, Dr. Karen said it was okay to get my neighbors. Whatever I wanted; however much time I needed; she was there for the duration. Always professional, always sympathetic/empathetic. She sat politely and patiently as my neighbors and I petted and loved Sluggo and said our goodbyes before putting him to sleep.
That's really almost all I have to say. Dr. Karen administered the drugs and my sweet guy died on my lap. She let me and my neighbors bawl as much as we needed. She then showed her true bedside manner. She started asking questions about Sluggo and his life; reminding us of his happy life, not his death. Her timing and manner were perfect. What a pro!
Saying goodbye to a family member is always heartbreaking. If you are lucky enough to get Dr. Karen, it will be as smooth and pleasant an experience as possible.
Thanks, Dr. Karen! read more