This is an update from a review I did several years ago. Back then, I said it seemed like my cats were more than dollar signs to them. I'm still right about that.
Dr. Heather Lam has branched into pet dentistry, and our new vet is Dr. Kelly Havinga. After all this, we've determined that Dr. Havinga is a more than suitable replacement.
Spartacus Jones got sick about a week ago. The long story made short? He didn't make it. Between ourselves (needles and medications, lots of love) and the staff (all day saline treatments and supervision, lots of love) at this hospital everyone pulled all the stops to cure his early kidney failure. We spared no expense and we literally tried everything.
Dr. Havinga considers herself rather blunt, but I appreciate that. No bullshit. She's straight up, but not heartless. She'd spoken to every specialist she knew, but because Spartacus' lungs were filling with fluid, all our efforts were pointless. Thewords 'kidney cancer' came up. The medication required to drain his lungs, in his state, would destroy his kidneys. He would die, no matter what we did.
I desperately wanted for Spartacus to die at home, not at a vet office. Dr. Havinga provided me with three phone numbers for vets that euthanize at your home. She told us we had to do it within 48 hours, and yes, it was absolutely necessary. His suffering was terrible to witness. She gave us medication that would push the fluid from his lungs, thus easing his suffering, but it would destroy his kidneys. Nothing would stop that anyway.
The staff, ALL of them, know Spartacus and what was happening. They took really good care of him. How do I know? I saw the sorrow on their faces. I saw how he still sought their affection right to the bitter end.
Even as sick as he was, he was still drawn to them for snuggles and they still pet and cuddled him, given the chance, and they called him by name. Gave him love.
I paid his last bill today, and they still expressed their condolences and took a little time with me while I cried.
Freya is due for shots next month. It will hurt to see this place again, but I've always trusted them, and this experience has actually fortified my feelings for them.
Rest in Peace Spartacus Jones. We all did what we could. read more