Chico (my senior chihuahua's) troubles at Benarda Veterinary Hospital began in November of '21 with…read morewhat I thought was going to be a prescription renewal for dental antibiotics, and to check on a chronic cough. He had badly decayed teeth and a heart murmur-- so surgery had always been discouraged. Dr. Daroowalla however, declared with certainty by phone that Chico was not as old as thought, and was in good health. She continued (by phone) that he had a good chance to flourish for at least a couple more years after a full set of tooth extractions. She said his cough would go away with the extractions, too. I was shocked but elated-- and then made it clear that I am indigent poor. The staff was supportive, and the office manager said they have a great payment program to help people like me.
It was an emotionally charged decision. Even though I knew I should insist on continuing with antibiotics for the rest of his natural life, I wanted dearly to give Chico a stab at healthy longevity and I trusted Dr. D's assessment, as I had known her for many years. I caved and said yes, with high hopes. It would be the worst "yes" I ever said.
Post-surgery was rough, and he spent his 1st night lying in his urine in the unheated laundry room because he was disoriented. But always the trooper, he pulled through and we enjoyed our last Xmas together. In a few weeks he started coughing again, and panting heavily. Back to Benarda we went. Up, up, climbed the vet bills. He coughed and panted as his lungs filled with fluid. When I knew he was dying, I called Benarda again. "Chico's really miserable and I'm broke. Can you please put him down for me?" No, we're not a blank check, said the staff person. "Oh. Well he can die at home." No! they said, get him to a vet ASAP! They gave me a list to call. They all charged at least $100 except for PACC, and that wasn't an option.
So Chico died in my arms. He was comfortable as he was able, he was in his home, and he was with his Mom. Feb. 10, he died of congestive heart failure. He passed peacefully, and I buried him in my yard under my pomegranate tree. Tears were beyond my control for weeks.
A couple of weeks later, not a word from Benarda and I had questions. I asked to meet with both Dr. D. and Aynsley, the office manager, to talk about what happened with my deceased dog, her choice of treatment and the bills that incurred. Only Anysley was available - the Dr. remained frustratingly out of sight. Aynsley was polite but defensive, and made a reference to crap shoots.
I guess it's the lack of conscience at Benarda that lingers every month as that $63 payment saps my small Social Security check (my only source of income). As a former business owner myself, I ponder how someone like Dr. Daroowalla especially, did not reach out to me. An acknowledgement, a condolence, even a goodwill financial gesture, anything-- to help heal my grief around the circumstances of my beloved dog's demise would have been so appreciated...
I will be paying for Chico's death until February 2025. I am wiser now about standing by my intuition. Intuition is what people of limited means depend on in lieu of financial backup. Sadly, we who need the love of 4-legged companionship the most are often those who can least afford them.