Euthanasia

What we saw on emergency this week: an aggressive dog with hemoabdomen, dog attacked by another dog which resulted in a hip luxation, an eviscerated dog after an attack, several cats that were found on the side of the road, dog with hepatozoonosis infection, a cat with saddle thrombus, dog with GDV, puppy who ate rat bait, dog with a snake bite, and a dog who was hit by a car and resulted in just a femur fracture.

I have worked several days and nights longer than I was scheduled to because my patient needed me to be there.  I have seen and experienced unimaginable things that would haunt the average person.  Am I still loving this profession?  Every. Single. Second.

Rant for the week:
This rant is a sensitive subject and I understand it will probably upset a lot of people so full warning.  However this is my own opinion and I know I'm not the only one willing to express it.  I euthanized my first cat this weekend, even worse, it was a suffering kitten.  Obviously the veterinarian was present and I have euthanzied a wild bird before, but this was different.  This kitten was found on the side of the road and only us to comfort it as we ended it's suffering.  Unfortunately, shortly beforehand, a dog had to be euthanzied and the owner elected not to be there.  I understand that this can be an extremely hard decision to have to make, let alone be in the room when it happens, and that is completely your decision.  However, I encourage you to be present.  Now I may sound harsh, but I hope you stay because your pet is looking for you as they make this terrifying journey.  This isn't the time for you to be selfish because this pet has never been selfish when it has come to YOUR life.  This pet has been there for you through your successes and losses, why is it so far to return to favor? I'm not telling you it's going to be easy but the veterinary staff don't judge you if you start crying or get mad; we are mourning with you.  Don't get me wrong, your pet won't be alone; it will be me and my assistant comforting them to their new journey, but that isn't who they want. They want you there, they want you petting them and reassuring them that you are with them.  Now please don't feel guilty or mad if you haven't been present in the past; your pet is going to meet you at rainbow bridge no matter what, but please be present for the future.   It's a mercy that we are granted the ability to end suffering.  It is a moment we are given to decide to let go and give them a chance to go without suffering. Yet, it is the hardest thing we do.  To stay late at work, to stay with a friend and help let go of one of their own.  It is a mercy and a curse.

Traveling for my externship this weekend!