Last Friday my veterinarian asked that I let him know how things went with Tegwen. I finally was able to make that call.

[Siwsan]

And, of course, started crying.

I could tell from the expression on his face, last Friday, that he knew she wasn't going to make it but he thought it important to give her a chance.

The staff at this clinic is absolutely amazing.

So a slight emotional set back for me, but I knew it was important to let them know.

[XanaDUer2]

1. Healing thoughts

[Bayard]

2. I'm so sorry, Siwsan

Your Tegwen knew she was well loved.

[3catwoman3]

3. I'm sure they are grieving with you.

Over a career, veterinarians must deal with so many more patient losses than human doctors do, because of the shorter life spans of their patients. I don’t know that I could do that.

[Siwsan]

4. There ise a lantern hanging right by the reception desk that lights when a fur baby is crossing over

There's a sign that explains why the lamp is lit, and asks people to please speak softly, out of respect.

[3catwoman3]

7. Our vets office has an electric candle for the same reason.

It's there all the time. Just seeing it on the counter top makes my eyes well up even when it's not lit.

[ShazzieB]

15. Veterinary medicine is a very high stress field.

There are lots of reasons, but I'm sure the shorter life spans of animals are a factor.

Working in the veterinary field and helping animals can bring joy to those in the profession. But data shows that veterinarians are more likely to die by suicide than the general population. Anna Spidel of Side Effects Public Media reports that it's a complex issue researchers and others are trying to solve. And a warning - this story contains discussions of both suicide and euthanasia.

Why Suicide Rates Are High Among Veterinary Professionals

[3catwoman3]

16. How many of us would choose to have children if we knew, without a doubt...

...that they would only live a few years?

I spent 45 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner. So many times, when people learned about my career field, they would say, "Oh, I could never work in pediatrics," thinking only of the serious and sad areas of pediatrics - oncology, hematology, genetics, devastating developmental delays. I was fortunate to work in out-patient peds, which is largely a happy specialty, especially when the kids are very young - breast feeding questions, sleep questions, potty training, diaper rashes, temper tantrums, ear infections, etc.

I could not have worked in heme/onc or hospice.

[GPV]

5. I'm so sorry. I'm in the process of losing a cat because

we couldn't spend anymore money. She's 12 and has had a good life til this year, but she's paper thin now. I'm sure she'll be gone soon.

[Siwsan]

6. My heart goes out to you.

A piece of our hearts leave with them.

[GPV]

8. Thank you, and to you too.

[niyad]

10. I am so very sorry, GPV. Your DU family is here for you.

[GPV]

12. Thank you!

[HeartsCanHope]

9. So sorry, Siwsan.

Take care.

[niyad]

11. I am so very sorry, Siwsan. I can only imagine how difficult it was to do this.

Huggggggs to you and the kittehs.

[Siwsan]

13. Now I'm worried about the ferals because we've got some heavy rain headed our way

Rain starts soon and is forecast to last through tomorrow. We could get up to 3" and we are under a flood watch. I put together a few extra shelters for them, just in case. Also made sure the storm drain grates are clear.

There are a few 'mystery kittens' that just kind of showed up. Sometimes I can approach and even, on rare occasion, pick them up. They are the ones I'm worried about.

[niyad]

14. Sending more vibes for more protection.