Comments | paulpomes: On some days this job just sucks

paulpomes

On some days this job just sucks

Sep 19, 2009 12:16

15-yo FS Golden Retriever, recumbent on arrival, faint heart beat, barely perceptible femoral pulses, blood still oozing from rDVM catheter site. Discussed quality of life, likely coagulation disorder, age, etc. Owners elect euthanasia and want to be present. Shave arm with catheter site - ecchymoses up and down transitioning to petechiae. Other ( Read more... )

Comments 11

unixslut September 21 2009, 01:27:54 UTC

I am so sorry; that sucks majorly ( ... )

paulpomes September 24 2009, 23:05:00 UTC

Oh my. Their web site makes no promises about being a no-kill shelter and they're soliciting big bucks for an orthopedic surgery. It helps to be a sweet dog that gets staff sympathy. I suspect the staff has gone past the point of compassion burnout with all the animals being dumped because of the recession. Still I feel for the daughter, that's a horrible experience.

If she can't work there as it is, and she's already made the decision to leave, then she has the freedom of action to try and change some attitudes. After all, what's the worst they can do, fire her? She's already decided that option is acceptable. I think she should try to present a fresh point of view so that people take a step back and assess what is happening.

paulpomes September 21 2009, 20:05:52 UTC

Thanks everyone. DrCruel's advice was right on the money - I've had some exceedingly awesome days where I'm amazed that I'm paid to have so much fun and feel so good about what I do. Those other days go with the territory.

fortunate_slave September 23 2009, 01:02:30 UTC

I'm sorry. *hug*

Master's an animal control officer and sometimes has to be the one to make the euthanasia decision. I know how much that sucks. I can only imagine how draining it is to be the one to do the deed.

But at least other days, you're making sick animals feel better.

paulpomes September 24 2009, 23:06:59 UTC

That was a bad day. Every day since has been good. I love what I do and accept that being an animal's final friend is an essential part of the job.

3pears November 1 2009, 22:59:20 UTC

ouch.

My father died recently. I know, it's not pets, but he had a Golden Retriever that had a ton of health problems. He is in Boston now, happier.

You are giving a gift. Really. I went with my dad to the last 2 goldens he had to put down (all the others the vet came to our house and I was there for those too). It was hard. I know the vet, and he is a deeply caring and compassionate man. I also know he must have days like the one you had. It DOES suck.

But take solace, please, in knowing that you ARE giving a deeply felt gift, and as painful as it is for the pet owners, and for you, it would so much harder were you not in the picture. You are bestowing blessings in a difficult moment.

Thank you.