I read through most of the reviews here (and on insider pages) last night debating whether or not to take my cat in to Dove Lewis or another facility, as over the course of a late afternoon he'd gone from normal to clearly seriously ill. I decided to go as it was closest to my home, and as soon as I walked in a vet performed triage at the front desk and diagnosed a urinary blockage - we'd suspected as much given this cat's prior history with urinary problems. After an exam that included lab work and pain meds, I was brought to a private exam room and told that my cat was in seriously critical condition (and I was showed the results of the lab work), and given my options. I decided to euthanize - he was an hour or two away from natural death as it was, and this way at least was painless.
From the moment I walked in the door, to the time I left, everything was handled in what I can only call the best possible way to lose a pet. I was given time, privacy, and support. I was able to pay beforehand and leave by a private door. I was able to hold my cat while he was given the injection, and I was able to have as much time with him before and afterwards as I wanted. Going home with an empty cat carrier is surreal, and it's not supposed to feel good (and it didn't), but I thank the staff at Dove Lewis for making what could have been a terrible experience as gentle and easy as possible.
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