A Comfort Room Experience

I received a letter earlier this week from Becky Jarvis after her experience using our comfort room last weekend. Becky’s letter describes beautifully all the care and thought that goes into every euthanasia performed for beloved pets at our hospital. 

In Becky’s words: 
“This is a story about compassion and empathy and gentle caring that we received last night at DoveLewis Emergency Animal hospital. The tears were flowing down our faces as we walked into the clinic with Kris in the cat carrier box. My young sons and I went up to the counter to check-in and told the receptionist that we were there to put our kitty to sleep. She immediately told us that we would be taken into an exam room so that we would not have to wait in the crowded reception area. In the exam room, a technician came in and gently talked to us about Kris. She then said she was going to move us to the comfort room for the euthanasia process. We were then taken to this beautiful room with couches and gentle lighting. In the room there were 2 memorial trees with engraved memorial tags. Kris was then prepared with an IV and was brought back to us in the comfort room. We were given time to be with her and told to let them know when were ready. We were also allowed to settle the bill in the room instead of out in the reception area.  I was also surprised when they asked if we wanted to have a set of ink paw prints and clipping of fur as a remembrance. I was truly touched by that.  Later the technician saw how upset my 8 year old was and offered to make a 2nd set of prints for my little guy. The other item that we were offered was “My Pet Remembrance Journal” by Enid Traisman and two brochures. The first brochure was about the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support groups and the other brochure was about the Memorial Art workshops. All of these items were complimentary to my family. In addition, the support group and the memorial art workshop are complimentary to grieving families as well. The guided journal was sponsored by a local aftercare business called Dignified Pet Services. When the emotional pain subsides a bit, I plan on writing in this Journal. When our cat left earth, we were told that we could exit through a different door.There is a separate exit for patients in the grieving room to exit the building. As we left the room and exited the building there was a very soothing outdoor garden area with a beautiful fountain. I appreciate all the thought and compassion that DoveLewis has taken to heart to support grieving families during such a painful time.”