Losing a Pet: Thank You to the Veterinary Staff Who Helped Me Say Goodbye

Let's face it, when you have a pet they become part of the family.  Some of us (guilty) love our animals more than some people we know. Saying goodbye to a pet is never easy, and especially difficult when unexpected.

I was fortunate to have nearly 12 wonderful years with my awesome, yet terribly misunderstood Russian blue cat, who we unexpectedly lost earlier this week. She always did her own thing and played by her own rules, and that's what I'll miss most about her. She wasn't your typical lovey-dovey cat who would come running and hop on just anyone's lap - we had to learn to play by her rules, and yet she still managed to have me wrapped around her little paw.

When I brought her to our vet, Hudson Highlands, on Tuesday morning for what I thought was an issue with her asthma, I never thought she wouldn't be coming home, and that's why I'm sharing this story. I don't know that I was able to fully express my gratitude to the amazing staff for their compassion and care, and how they helped me get through one of the most emotional experiences of my life.

I must have said it at least 10 times to our veterinarian, and the vet-tech, through my sobbing, "I don't know how you do this every day" and I still can't comprehend how they get up and go to work each day knowing they may have to have these difficult conversations with pet parents. To Dr. Furst and all of the incredible staff that took such great care of my girl, especially during our difficult visit, the work you do is so important, and so very appreciated.

To my main girl, Melky the misunderstood kitty - our house is too quiet these days and we're missing you tons. You will never be forgotten and I hope you are still causing trouble, and giving serious side eye, over that rainbow bridge.