We laughed when "Marley and Me" came out because of all the similarities between Marley's story and our own. Our yellow lab was named Barley - and over the years he had as many tales and adventures as Marley. He was the worst dog we ever loved.
One day when he was 9, I noticed that he seemed to be straining when peeing. I thought maybe he had bladder stones like our old dog Tai had had years before. So off we went to our vets at Anderson Mill Animal Clinic and we were lucky enough to get an appointment with Dr Swanzy that day. Her examination of Barley was thorough, and in the end, over several days with assorted exams and x-rays, the news was not good. He had a tumor near his anus and we could not be sure if it was malignant or not without going in, but she suspected by the size and look of it that it was.
Devastating news delivered with the most sensitive and caring demeanor. Dr Swanzy was so thoughtful and respectful during the process, taking my phone calls in the weeks to come to answer any little question I had - and also calling to check on Barley now and then herself. When I told her that I was not ready to give up hope, she recommended a very good veterinary oncologist up in Round Rock - the news there was indeed bad. Almost certainly malignant, and inoperable.
In the end, we knew we had to make the ultimate heartbreaking decision. I called Dr. Swanzy multiple times - "how will I know when it's time?", "what will happen if we wait too long?", "how much pain is he going to be in?" - she was so patient with us and she was always delicate but truthful in delivering the news and explaining what our options were.
The day arrived. It was time. Dr. Swanzy came to our home with a technician and we all sat on our living room floor whispering softly, stroking Barley, and some of us crying. Dr. Swanzy was so incredibly patient and kind and when we were ready, quietly told us what she was doing and what each shot meant. When she confirmed that it was over, she gave us time alone with him to grieve. Never hurrying, she never made us feel like she had anywhere else to be.
It's never a easy decision, and we lose a bit of our hearts when we have to say goodbye to a trusted and loving friend - but Dr. Swanzy's bedside manner and total care from the initial diagnosis to the final moments were simply outstanding. In the end, it made it a little bit less painful for us knowing that Barley's final moments were calm and relaxed, in his own home, and not in a vet's office with fluorescent lights and sterilized tables. Every animal should pass in this way. Every family facing this difficult time should have the kind of care that Dr. Swanzy offers. She's a fabulous vet.
A week or so later we received a gift from Dr. Swanzy and the staff at Anderson Mill Animal Clinic. It was a heart shaped plaque with Barley's actual paw print on it surrounded by his name and assorted doggie tchotchkes (little fire hydrant, little heart, etc). A bittersweet but greatly greatly appreciated memento of a our very own world's worst dog. read more
