At Town N Country, we understand that the loss of a pet brings about a unique kind of grief. The grief takes on a new dimension when a family makes the difficult decision to euthanize a pet.
One of our younger friends had a two and a half year old pet rat named Boyle which she adored. Two and a half years is a long life for a sweet rattie, and it was time to say goodbye to Boyle. Here’s the story as her mother shared it with us.
I don’t know if it’s possible to have a great experience euthanizing a pet, but today Town ‘N’ Country Animal Hospital in Burlington came pretty darn close.
Our daughter’s beloved rat, Boyle, had experienced a sharp decline in health over the last two months. First, he had paralysis in his hind legs. That’s common in older rats. Then, in the last three weeks, he started losing drastic amounts of weight, despite our best efforts to keep food and water easily at his reach. Each day, I’ve gone in and gently tapped his cage to make sure he was still “there.”
Finally, two days ago, my daughter asked if we could look into humanely letting him go because he had gotten so weak and she was worried he was in pain. She knew the end was near and hated watching him linger.
Enter Town N Country. Not only did they work around my wonky schedule (two jobs, plus kids), but they showed unbelievable compassion. I realize that “rat” isn’t everyone’s idea of a pet, but my baby loved that furry guy. The staff treated us with as much respect and love as if we had brought in a 15 year old golden retriever that had saved a bunch of kids in a house fire. They gave us a private room, as much time as we wanted to say goodbye, returned him swaddled in a towel, and took paw AND nose prints for her as a keepsake. Yes, she will get a forever “boop” print from her buddy! They even asked her favorite color so that they could mount the prints on a color she loves.
As an extra bonus, Amanda, who fostered Boyle temporarily while our house was on the market, was present and stayed with him the whole time. Knowing that a “rat person” was holding his paw through it all made us feel like he was getting the best possible treatment.
Thank you to the doctors and staff. I know it’s your job to keep animals well and safe, but I also appreciate your dedication to making the last goodbyes a little easier and filled with dignity.
If you’re wondering about your pet and end of life, talk to us. At Town N Country, we understand the deep sorrow that comes with saying goodbye. We want to be with you during every stage of your pet’s life.
