Hi,

I hate starting out on a sad note, but there is no other way to start.

I am in such grief over losing Buddy (my BELOVED and very much LOVED) Beagle, the 18th of July.

I adopted Buddy (I named him) from the Wake County Animal Shelter in Raleigh, about 8 years ago, when he was around 2 years of age. WCAS is a kill shelter, so I was so happy to get him.

Buddy did have seizures while I had him and he was on phenobarb. Buddy had his teeth cleaned before, about 2.5 years ago. However, about 6 months ago, the vet said he needed another cleaning as he had a lot of tartar buildup and his gums looked really bad. I choose not to have his teeth cleaned, since he was older and I was so afraid something would happen to my child. I knew I could not take it, if something did. So, I didn't have them cleaned. I did try brushing Buddy's teeth, but he would have no part of it.

So, about 3 weeks ago, I looked at his teeth and gums and I knew I had to have them cleaned. They really did look bad. Plus, we were moving July 22nd (Friday) and I decided to go ahead and get his teeth cleaned before we move. That way, I'd have it done and out of the way, since we'd be so busy and also, I wanted to have it done while I could afford it.

The vet called me at work at 10:00 a.m., and said the cleaning was going fine. She wanted to extract a few teeth - which he had already had some extracted at his last cleaning, about 2.5 years ago. I told her to go ahead with the extraction. I asked her if I could just come visiit him, around 1:30 that afternoon and she said yes. And if he had come out of his anesthesia, I might could even bring him home. I was SO relieved that the cleaning was going good and thankful that I'd get to see my Buddy!

Around 11:45 a.m., she called me back and said the cleaning went well but "there were complications" and while the breathing tube was still in, his heart stopped. I could not respond. I was stunned. I was numb. I was physically unable to talk! I finally said, "What? Please be joking!" She said she was sorry, and they did try to revive him, but couldn't. I sat there in silence and my heart stopped too! I once again, could not talk. Finally, after what seemed like forever, I spoke. I simiply asked her what do I do. Long story short: (Our conversation lasted about 2 minutes, if that). I had my husband go pick Buddy up for me. I was unable. I had my husband bury him and I was unable to go for the burial. He built a nice box for Buddy and after he was buried that afternoon, I went to see his grave.

I am distraught and beside myself with greif. I know these things can happen and they obviously do! I know Buddy had seizures and was "older" and I also know this: I NEVER even got a card! No card! Not only did I not get a card, but I have faxed my vet twice, asking for a written synopsis of exactly what happened and have heard nothing!

I would really appreciate hearing from anyone else who has GONE THROUGH THE SAME SITUATION I just did: Lost their dog from taking him/her to have their teeth cleaned. I need the support of someone who can really identify with my grief. It's overwhelming. Buddy slept with me, every single night, without fail. Buddy was perfect in my eyes and I also smothered him in love! He knew he was loved.

I am insensed that this vet didn't even send a card. I have lost pets over the years and every single time, I got a card, signed by all the staff - just like everyone else does! It's amazing that, not only did they not send a card, but I lost my dog, under their care and they didn't send a card!!?? They failed to acknowledge my loss. How insensitive.

PLEASE, anyone reading this, who has lost their dog due to taking him to get his teeth cleaned, please contact me. Or, if you know someone who would be willing to communicate with me, who has lost their dog the very same way, I would love to talk to them.

I'm so lost. So sad and so destroyed. I did get some of his hair and FOR ME, that is a big help, because at least I can still touch something that was Buddy.

I have two other wonderful, loved dogs (Bessie Mae, another Beagle I got from a kill shelter) and Cricket, a Yorkshire Terrier. But Buddy.......Buddy and I had a special bond. A bond that even death can't take away.

Buddy, I love you. I miss you and I will never be the same, without you.

UPDATE: I finally got a fax from the vet. She did explain exactly what happened, per my questions. Additionally, she said they DID send a card and they all signed it and made a donation in my name to the SPCA, but she said the card must have gotten lost in the mail. (We were in the mist of moving), but bottom line: I did NOT get a card. She said she'd send another one, in her faxt. AFTER reading what happened with Buddy and reading what techniques were used in trying to save him, and the extent they went to, to save him, and the drugs used to put him to sleep for the procedure (I feel better).

Beth

[cigwyllt]

I've never lost a dog in the same circumstances as you but I do want to say I understand how it feels to lose a dog that you love so deeply. Take time to grieve and be gentle with yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to reply. I really do appreciate your kind words! It does help!

Beth

[Lunareclipse]

I lost a one of my doggies because she had epilepsy.