Things at my clinic were dreadfully slow in July and August. Summer is usually our busy season; blame the recession. It picked up in September, but like this: crazy gulping down your lunch busy one day, twiddling your thumbs dead the next. Personally, I prefer moderation in all things. Or better yet, a busy morning, then coasting through an easy afternoon until quitting time.
Last week for me was busy morning and afternoon. I had big dental procedures in the morning. Tuesday night brought a cat with major head trauma from being hit by a car 20 minutes before "closing." We stayed late (of course) to stabilize her and send her to the emergency clinic. Later I found out she died there at 3 am. Thursday ended with a euthanasia, a poor cat with an ear tumor so painful all she could do was lay on her side and howl. I felt so bad for her, I gave her a morphine shot before I euthanized her. That totally backfired on me, since it made her vomit violently right before I dispatched her. Not what I had in mind for her last moments.
Friday was the worst, though. The day ended with me going to do a home euthanasia. One of my friends, a former technician at my work, asked me to help her friend. Thank goodness she came along to help me. With the unexpected traffic it took 45 minutes to get to the house. I met the owner and the dog, emaciated with liver cancer but sweet and friendly. I could tell within moments of meeting them that she was as attatched to her dog as I was to mine, and feeling as much turmoil as I did when I had to euthanize Terlingua and Montana. We discussed her reservations, then they went outside for a walk and to say goodbye. You just can't rush these things - its her last moment with her dog. Finally the deed was done, smoothly and peacefully and tragically, then we loaded the dog up and made the long journey back to the clinic. We arrived way past closing, and I still had to make a clay pawprint (to give the owner later), put him in "the morgue," log the drugs, call back the owners who picked up patients while I was gone...
I got home hours late, much to the consternation of my children. And then had to work on Saturday and stay late, to help out a client who works on Saturdays until noon, like me. Here's hoping to an easier week this go-around, especially since Anthony will be out of town.
- Vetmommy
- I love my husband Anthony, my kids Anna and Colin, and my job as a small animal vet. I also love cooking for family and friends, drinking red wine, and jogging around the lake with my dog Francesca.
5 comments:
Oh Jenn, you must be exhausted, both physically & emotionally. Try to get some rest. I'll keep my fingers crossed!
As a licensed veterinary technician, I truly appreciate your dedication. I have worked for many veterinarians in the past 30 years of my career and those with your compassion and commitment to your patients and clients are not as plentiful as one would hope. You are to be commended. Austin is lucky to have you.
Nancy
Wow, that does sound like an overly full week! Hugs to you. Your clients are so lucky to have you!
And yet you looked so relaxed & rested on Sunday - wow!
Oooh, well, speaking as one who was in DIRE neeeeed of morphine for kidney stone pain once, I say bring on the puking and the imminent death, as long as the pain stops. I seriously prefered puking to the alternative, so don't feel too bad about those being her(the cat's) last moments.
Austin IS lucky to have you. Houston wishes for a visit.
Post a Comment