I know when you imagined your day this morning, it did not include a rushed visit to the emergency room with your beloved pet. I know you did not plan on your friend becoming ill or suffering an injury, or worse. I know you are scared of what can happen and scared of speaking with people whom you have never met before. I know you are worried about leaving your best friend to a stranger’s care.
I have been in your shoes; there was a time when I was rushing my best friend in for emergency care after an attack by another animal. My mind was such a whirlwind of thought and emotion and above all, fear. Fear of losing my best pal, fear of doing something wrong in the process of rushing, fear of trusting a person I did not know to provide care and love to my pet. It is entirely natural not to trust a stranger after all, and especially not with a life that is so precious to you.
I may not know your background story, but what I do know is how much that friend you just brought to the clinic means to you. I know that I can never compare to the love you show him or her, but you should know that I will come as close as I can. I will monitor your friend’s vitals and bring them whatever is needed to be as comfortable as possible. If they allow, I will sit with them and love them as if they were my own. If they are scared, I will do my very best to help ease that as well. I will provide the treatments that the doctor has ordered, and make sure your baby has the softest place to rest their weary head.
Do not be afraid to request reassurance from your pet’s medical team, that is a part of what we are here to do. Allow us to help ease some of the burdens of your worry, and please know that many of us came to this profession because of the deep love we have for all animals, including the one most special to you.
REally!! wish that this were true … all too frequently ER visits are so tense for EVERYONE that this is a pipe dream — clinics are frequently understaffed as far as Techs/Assistants go …
I commend you for thinking that this can happen … but in reality, there is seldom manpower nor time to effect palliative emotional support.
I agree that many clinics are too understaffed and stressed to be able to offer emotional support. Working in the ER for the past 9 years, I can only speak from my own experience. I do certainly feel that many clinics should be better staffed and equipped to handle such events, however I do realize that this type of change would impact and raise client costs.