This review is very hard to write because for 40 years Deer Park Animal Hospital was a 10 out of 10…read morefor our family. Over time it lost its warm, personal feeling due to corporate changes, but we stayed because our dogs' records were there.
This review is about the experience we had on the day we brought our dog Bella to be put down and we can never walk into that place again. We rescued her from Texas, and after 11 years she became very sick quickly. After many tests, we learned she had extremely high blood pressure and neurological issues. She lost her vision, did not recognize us, , and could barely walk. We knew it was time.
In the past, euthanasia there was peaceful. I would go in the room say my emotional goodbyes due to the fact I am not able to watch anyone I love die . My husband stayed with our dogs and it was quick and calm. This time Bella was taken out of the room, and my husband was not allowed to go with her. He asked twice and was told no, without explanation.
While I waited, I heard Bella start screaming, yelping, and crying in pain. I became hysterical. Bella had always had a severe issue with her paws being touched, something that should have been known. My husband always held her during procedures. We were never told they would try to place an IV, and Dr. Chin later said he attempted it six times. He described her as fighting due to neurological issues, but that was simply how Bella always reacted. If my husband had been there, this could have been avoided.
No dog should be separated from their owners in their final moments, and no owner should have to sit and listen to their pet in distress. Putting a dog down is hard enough but always was a peaceful, calm process, and this was a nightmare .
A week later I met with Dr. Chin, hoping for compassion and answers, especially why Tom was not allowed to be with her and why he was not told where they were going and what they were doing. Instead, after pouring my heart out he was very defensive, denied Tom asked to go with her, and told me to see a grief counselor. I already have, but they cannot help me process what I heard.
While I was listening to Bella screaming I was hysterical and not one person in that office comforted me or said a word to me.
I am writing this to warn other pet owners at that final moment to know exactly what will happen and never leave your pet alone at the end. We thought we understood the simple process based on past peaceful experiences, but this was very different.
I am still dealing with this every day and cannot talk about Bella without crying about the way she died and how I listened to her screaming and wasn't able to do anything for her .
When I returned for Bella's ashes, a staff member named Jenn showed genuine compassion. She hugged me, cried with me, and walked me to my car. The world needs more people like her.
I would really prefer not reading what the owner has to say. I certainly feel that a phone call from him would show some real feelings .
