BEWARE! A few weeks ago our family made the difficult decision to euthanize our family pet.. I was resured that our family pet would only feel a ""pinch"" to sedate her, then the vet. would come in shortly after to help he body slow down. \r
On the evening of the appt. our family was with her waiting for the technician. She came in, asked us to hold the dog, and proceeded to inject a need close to her spine (w/out medicine to help numb the pain). Our dog reacted from the pain. The technician proceeded in the same manner as the 1st in the 2nd attempt, except I was asking why she didn't numb her, why not in the paw, and why she (technician) was taking so long. She did not answer me. Our dog reacted from the pain again the 2nd time. It was the 3rd Injection when our dog finally succumbed to the medicine. Her suffering was so unncessary. We were relieved she was no longer in pain from the several attempts !\r
That same night I made an appt. to meet with Dr. Ron eventhough I was told that there is a charge/fee for talking to him. He called our home the next day. We discussed our concerns re: the technician's demeanor. We asked why wasn't there a more human approach, instead of an injection so close to the spine (& without numbing to minimize the pain). \r
He said there are different ways to euthanize an animal. We reiterated, :Why not use an IV in the paw which is less intrusive and far less painful/traumatic for the pet and family. He did not have an answer, nor did he feel concernd about the technician's incompetence. He said, ""Some people get too emotional,"" and ""You didn't hold the dog firmly enough"" (Our family dog was firmly held by a 6'1"" man), and ""You should've put a muzzle on her."" She didn't even bite anyone during all that pain. When we told him that given our experience we fel we couldn't recommend him to anyone, Dr. Ron said he doesn't mind losing ""a"" customer. His reaction to our concerns left us bewildered.\r
After contacting local veterinarian offices we know that the more compassionate approach is to place an IV sedative in the paw, and a veterinarian is with the pet from the beginning through the end. \r
I can't go back in time. It was all a very sad experience. There is no reason for an animal to suffer during its last moments when they are already frail and trusting you to take them bck home. \r
By sharing this experience with others I hope to inform about a situation that I would not wish on any family and their beloved pet.
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