“First, Do No Harm”
I may have one of those hard decisions facing me today, if poor little Tina Fea made it through the night. I left her hospitalized at the clinic after throwing a few “Hail Mary” treatments at her, but I’m not gonna let her suffer. It’s remarkable how quickly one can get attached. It is my working theory that her former owners dumped her out of an inability to face these choices.
I think my all-time record is six euthanasias in one day, and there are many times when seems like it’s the topic of discussion several times a day. Folks think it’s the hardest part of my job but it is not - what’s hard are convenience euthanasias, behavioral cases or those of economic necessity… “Most” of the time it is a mercy, as I’m relieving suffering.
But this morning I’m dragging my feet - also hope my guy is well underway in fixing what he didn’t get hooked up correctly with repairs to my septic system! Just when I think I’m getting ahead, there goes almost $9000 for that, not to mention another $3000 in prep work for the new power pole/upgrades so I can get the X-ray machine reinstalled at long long last. I’ll have lots of excuses when I skulk around to talk to my CPA.
Dr. W is scheduled to pick up the surgery trailer December 5th; I think I can hang on by my fingernails until then.
Hugs for those decisions that are hard! Just because you are a veterinarian does not make them easier when you are attached to the animal!
ReplyDeleteGot my fingers and toes crossed for your finances as you get by with those fingernails and toenails hanging on for dear life.
Up here to your north, I'm living through "Ember's first autumn" on a blustery day. Leafs and gusts... and her head whips around as she follows the flights of the detritus of the trees! It's actually quite fascinating to me, to watch her watching things... tonight on "last call" she was staring into the sky. I followed her gaze and found she was tracking an aircraft, overhead!
You are a champion in my eyes. Our beloved vet finally retired a few years ago. After 30+ years of hamsters, rabbits, Oscar, the Doxie, and finally caring for my daughter's Chewy, he became a trusted family friend. He cried when it was Oscar's turn to go. Then again, who didn't love Oscar?
ReplyDeleteI wish you'd get a pile of good luck and things finally settle down in your favor.
Hugs.
Whelp I'm thrilled to report - thanks to the "miracle of steroids", that Tina Fea has rebounded & is back to eating like a champ with normal feces! So on we go... It may not last for long, but as long as she's trying I will keep on with my "polypharmacy"!
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