My dog died, when I took him to have his teeth cleaned. It's been six months, and I've never been so lonely. I lost my best friend. In giving this review, I can not give one star, because that would not be fair to the vet hospital. After all, things happen. Likewise, I can not give five stars, because that would not be true. After all, I did not have a wonderful experience. Or, I should say, my dog did not have a wonderful experience. So, I am settling on the fair score of 3 stars. The middle of the road. \r
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But, I want to share my story of the love of my life first and how we came to be. I adopted Buddy from the Wake County Animal shelter about 8.5 years ago, when he was approximately 2 years old. Buddy was the best thing that ever happened to me. Buddy ended up sleeping with me, every night. He would wait for me, outside the bathroom while I took a shower. He would lay with me on the couch. Buddy also had seizures. Buddy needed me and I needed him. He was completely house broken and always, always went outside to do his business. I would kiss Buddy goodbye, every single morning, before I walked out the door, to go to work. And the first thing I would look for, when I walked in the door from work, was Buddy. He was always there to greet me. \r
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Buddy had previously had a dental cleaning before and things went well. However, this last time (July 18th, 2011) things did not go well. Long story short, after the cleaning, his heart just stopped. They did try to revive him, to no avail. I was devastated. I was unable to go pick him up that day. My husband had to. We were charged for the cleaning, since (per the Vet) that went well. But, they did not charge us for anything else. So, that day, my husband walked out with my child (the vet carried him out in a bag) and he paid $130.00. That afternoon, I saw the collar and leash that I had used earlier that morning, when I took Buddy in. Only this time, this time, there was no dog attached. \r
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My heart is still broken. I feel dead inside. My dog was not just a pet. Not just a family member. My dog was my life. He loved and needed me and I loved and needed him. Buddy was smothered in love. I loved that dog more than I can even explain. I am empty inside and lost. At night, there is nothing laying against my back, not anymore. I see our bed and it's empty. Much like my heart. \r
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I know dogs die EVERY DAY of dental cleanings. I'm well aware of that. Dogs can be absolutely, 100% healthy, go in for a cleaning and die. Dogs can be older, go in for a cleaning and make it through! It's a gamble. Likewise, every precaution can be taken prior to a dental cleaning (blood work, etc) and that can come back fine, in the normal ranges, showing nothing remarkable. The dog can still die on the table. Why? Just because. It happens. \r
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I had wanted to wait a while to share my story, and now I have. There is one thing I have in my memory bank of that day, that makes me feel good. The morning I took Buddy in, I got down on my knees, hugged, petted and kissed him. Told him I loved him so much and I'd be back soon to pick him up. I got up and the girl started to take him away. I stopped her. I got down again, on my knees and repeated what I'd just done: Kissed him, rubbed him and told him how much I loved him. Then, I got up again. And, while I was at the counter, filling out the paperwork, I looked. And I watched, for the last time, as my Buddy was walking away from me.....He never turned back. \r
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I didn't realize how imperfect life was, until I lost you Buddy, and saw how perfect life had been. I love you. Mama loves you and will always love you. See you in my dreams, sweet friend. \r
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Beth Wilson Raleigh, NC
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