Vulnerability
Dr. Ramirez owner of Los Angeles Veterinary Center, volunteers every month.
Some of the most beautiful things to happen in my life recently have come from being more present. I have had to learn how to stop thinking, “This is too good to be true” or ,”It might be going good now, but just wait, the bad times are always just around the corner”. Writing this blog post to share the success of our monthly pet clinic with the SCVMA as well as to share some of the moments that touched my heart, causing me to reflect on the many blessings in my life. I am grateful to be in a state of mind where I am able to have an opinion, such as the importance of spaying and neutering pets, without obsessing on how to reach others so that they may share my opinion. The reality is, and always has been, not everyone is ready or will ever be ready to agree with my viewpoint – and that’s okay. The majority of pet owners truly want what is best for their cat or dog and are open to learning how to accomplish that goal.
Two of the nearly 200 pets who came to our clinic on Sunday arrived in an Access Van. Both had to use walkers and had their cats in carriers. I could see that the cats were nervous so we found a safe spot for them to wait until a veterinarian could meet with them. Upon examining one of the cats, the veterinarian stated the cat was ill and suffering greatly. The kindest option would be humane euthanasia. Amanda, our senior counselor at the Pet Support Space, took the time to explain the process and to listen to the cat owner who, understandably, was really upset. Amanda coordinated a plan for humane euthanasia. I watched from a distance as vet techs hugged and comforted the owner during her time of loss. We may not have known each other well, but we all know what it is like to say goodbye to a beloved pet who is suffering. Everyone involved allowed themselves to be vulnerable in the moment, shedding tears because they genuinely cared.
A similar case involved an 18-year-old Chihuahua. I had been texting with the dog owner’s daughter who explained to me that her mother, who was battling cancer, felt she just could not give up on her senior dog even though he was struggling to eat, could no longer walk, and was most likely suffering. The family realized their little dog was near the end of her life, but it was important to get a professional veterinary opinion and ask some questions. Unfortunately, they could not afford a veterinary exam. As she drove into the clinic, I greeted her and walked her over to the station where she would receive the free veterinary exam. I don’t know what the outcome was because there were more […]