There was a very heartbreaking moment at the vet's, this morning

[Siwsan]

One of the exam room doors opened and a couple walked out. The woman was carrying a bundled towel as if it was a newborn baby, and tears were streaming down her face. Obviously they had just had to make that hardest of decisions about their beloved pet.

Usually they have people exit through the back door, rather than through the waiting room, but I think this couple were just on auto pilot.

It had me flashing back to Boudicca and Morgan, and truly affected me. It was all I could do not to jump up and give her a hug. Sitting here reflecting on it, I feel a little teary eyed.

I'm hugging my boys a lot, today, and Carys, tomorrow.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

1. Pets are our children, but with fur.

They have their own personalities. You look into their eyes and you are bonded. Plus, they add things to our lives that cannot be described in words.

When we lose them, we mourn in ways unlike that of humans.

[Siwsan]

3. It is such a hard situation

And you are right about looking into their eyes. The look Carys gave me right after I gave her a good bye kiss, this morning, just tore at my heart. I'm still working on fully gaining her trust and knew she was so scared, but I also know she's in good hands.

I bought some chicken thighs and I'm going to cook them up so she will have a treat when she gets home.

[2naSalit]

2. ...

The boys will probably be acting up while wondering where their new sister went. They will, no doubt, be glad when she comes back. She seems to have joined the family as far as they are concerned so I think they will be relieved too.

Just cuddle a lot and stay busy so it will go by faster.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

8. Sometimes I've seen when cats return from being at the vet, esp. overnight

The others act like the returning cat is an unknown intruder, presumably because their scent changes.

I've wondered before ... do the other cats act this way because the returnee smells like 'the vets office', which they hate going to?

[2naSalit]

10. Probably.

I have had the good fortune to watch cat behavior extensively over time, animal behavior is one of my interests, and I have seen that happen. Another test is when you have been to visit someone the cat hates and watch how they respond after you, the traitor, has returned for normal interaction. The cats will smell you first to see where you've been and act according to their perception of the person or place.

[murielm99]

4. I remember a sad moment at the vet some years ago.

Our dog was still at the unruly puppy stage. I went in for some shots for the dog. A young girl was there with her mother and her elderly dog. The mother told the girl that they "had to do this. Our dog is old and sick."

The girl and her mom stayed with the dog when they went to the back.

Later, I saw the girl sitting out front with the dog's leash and collar. She was crying.

[3catwoman3]

5. My vets' office has a candle (an electric one) that they turn on is someone is in...

...the office dealing with that most difficult of decisions. There is a little placard by it, explaining the purpose, and requesting that people behave quietly and respectfully if it is lit up.

I have never been there when the candle has been on, but just reading the placard made me cry.

[Siwsan]

7. When I had to say goodbye to Boudicca, they told me to take all the time I needed wit her

I let them know when I felt I could let them take her. They handled the cremation for me. The thing I so distinctly remember is the vet asking me if I wanted to stay in the room while he administered the drug. Of course I said of course. Why wouldn't I? He told me that some people just leave but it's so much better and more comforting for the fur baby to have their parents hold them as they head to the Rainbow Bridge.

Damn. Now I'm making myself cry, again.

[Ocelot II]

9. Our vet has that, too.

Just reading this thread makes me cry.

[3catwoman3]

11. Even the words Rainbow Bridge start...

…my waterworks going. I’ve read the poem once that I can recall, and it tore my heart out.

[Chicagogrl1]

6. We gad to put down our beloved dog

A few years back on St Patricks day. The world was celebrating & we were putting our beloved 3rd son (dog) down. He was just like a 3rd son, loved him just like the human kind. He slept in the bed just like a human. One of the hardest things to do. My human sons were devastated. We all were. He was only 12. We miss him every day.

[AnotherMother4Peace]

12. That was me the day after Christmas - our old rescue cat. He was suffering too much.

My son tried every intervention. He coaxed him in 4 years ago from living on the streets. His previous owner moved to assisted living. Anyway - very sad. I told my husband & son to stay home, dig the hole, and I'll bring him to the Vet (tears). They were both basket cases. We now have 4 geriatric cats....

Edit to add he was probably 17 to 19 yrs old - RIP.

[yellowdogintexas]

13. We had to let our 19 year old cat go Monday

He was doing well, we thought but his bladder had blocked up. If he were our only cat, I would have figured it out right away, but with 3 others you can't tell who is doing what.

He was born in our house, and is the last of the 3 brothers who remained with us. We lost one of his brothers in March, and the other one 2 years ago.

We will miss him terribly; Mr YD is especially broken up about this one because he was a lap sitter and loved being in his lap.

All 3 of those cats had a lot of personality and were quite conversational. Our remaining 3 are very quiet.

It's so hard when we have to make that decision. In retrospect we should have done it a week earlier but we did not know he would crash again. We always want them to stage a comeback and remain with us a while longer.

[Casandia]

14. The vet came to my home when I had to let my kitty Sabra go..

it didn’t make this one bit easier

[SouthernDem4ever]

15. Our pets establish that special place in our hearts

I always wished we could have them longer because it always leaves an empty space when they are gone.

[republianmushroom]

16. they become our extended family and as with any family member

it is hard to deal with at the time.

[Bayard]

17. We have lost too many of our kids this year

2022 has sucked.

[debm55]

18. Siswan, my Vet has a small room set off to the side. It is set up like a chapel with stain glass

windows and a church pew. They have a back door entrance to leave to the parking lot. It made me feel somewhat more at ease, though and I was heartbroken and cried my heart out when the last one died. It was the time we had 3 dogs and 5 cats. The problem was we got them so close together that it was like we were constantlly in the room. I stayed with my babies and heald them as I said the prayer of St. Anthony over them. I kissed them good=bye. and went out the back way to the car. My fur babies were like my own children. Because of a medical problem, I was not able to have children. But I had them and after all these years, I still think of them.-I hope Roxy, Bear, Clue aka Cuby, Rose, Tina, Thomas, Claire, Buffy, are all playing at the Rainbow Bridge. I loved them.

[Siwsan]

19. This vet clinic, 68 years in the same location, has just 2 exam rooms, both with back exits

It is basically a cinder block building. The operatory is in the back and there are two kennel rooms. They usually ask, even after routine visits, to leave by the back exit.

I was a tear drenched mess after losing Sophie, Boudicca and Morgan. My heart was equally broken when I found Spooky Jr and Mittens the Kitten, two of the ferals I've been feeding for the past 4 years, dead in my yard.

I think this couple was just too grieved to remember.