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Letter to Editor 1|
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Letter to The Editor. Dear Editor; I am a Veterinarian. Today I have had to perform one of the hardest functions we as Veterinarians do. This morning my office received a request from a client asking for a house call. Although I had previous plans, I recognized the name of the client and decided to attend. My client is an elderly gentleman, with several ailments who lives alone. As soon as I say the gentleman I suspected that his dog was not doing well. After the physical examination I informed him that his dog was terminally ill. He had the dreaded disease, Canine Distemper. The lively dog I had seen on several occasions was a shell of his former self. He lay on the ground, in tremors not even attempting to fire his customary welcome bite. My client and I then had a long conversation. I told him that the prognosis at this point was poor. He told me of the life of his dog. The two were family he said. They were companions. They lived together. They ate together. They took care of each other. Now it was at an end. I soon realized that none of my medical training prepared me for this. I soon realized that none of my medical opinions mattered. My client was devastated from the events of the past week. He had seen his beloved wither before him. He had seen a progressive loss of appetite, of movement and loss of the will to continue. He saw the pain. He just needed someone tell him the end was inevitable. He wanted his pet’s anguish to end. So I did what I had to do. As I stood and watched the final breaths, as I listened to the final toll of his heart I could feel the air change. I could see the tears well in my client’s eye. It was as if I witnessed the next few minutes in the third person. It was as if I was looking at a film and not there. Someone had changed the tint control and turned down the volume for a little while. We both sat together, my client and I. Few words were said as to not allow these moments to be awkward. The same questions arose in my mind as always. Had I done the right thing? Would I have to answer for taking a life at some point in time? I never get used to the feelings and suspect I never will. After a short wake I left. I put on my Professional face and proceeded with the remains of the day. I have euthanised several animals in my career. Yet today stood out. Today I was able to see the dissolution of a real companionship, of a long relationship. I seldom ever see such a bond between people far less between people and animals. Too many people view their dogs as guards and seldom ever really let them into their lives. I feel privileged that I was trusted with such a task but sad I had to perform it. My dear editor, I know this story is not political news, not earth shattering. Ant even though I’m no James Herroitt, I would like you to publish it anyway. You need not use my name. The only moral I can see is to make time to cherish what is close to you when you can because nothing lasts forever. Accept the things you can’t change. Today I saw someone with the strength to let go. Thanks for your time. Sanjay Ramdath. 28/10/2001 |
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