Some of you already know this, but Kate and I had to put Banjo to sleep this afternoon. His condition had worsened to the point where the vet felt like no amount of effort, medicine or anything else would ever make him healthy again, and that an end to suffering was more important.
So before I continue let's, all of us that knew him, say a quick goodbye.
Goodbye, old friend. You're missed.
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So, right before all of this happened I switched Banjo and DB to the vet Kate has been taking Midnight. They were recommended by a friend of ours, and Kate seemed to really like them. For a number of reasons I needed to leave my old vet, and Banjo's issue provided a reason to make the shift.
Light Street Animal Hospital. If you live in Baltimore City, we highly recommend them. What impressed me most was the level of compassion demonstrated by the whole staff. We had techs coming out and saying hello, and expressing their sympathy. And John, the doctor, was excellent. He was extremely empathetic throughout the entire process, especially today, at the roughest point. He even gave Kate and I a hug afterwards.
I expect a vet to know his or her stuff, medically. Clearly if they fail that measure they shouldn't be practicing. But that's really only half the game. A good bedside manner is just as important. And I think a good bedside manner has less to do with base personality, and more to do with real empathy. And really, primary to all of that is a true commitment to healing. That's a bit rarer, I think, and it's a real gift when you find it.
Thanks Doctor John (I don't know his last name). You made this whole process a little more bearable.
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