Absolutely heartbroken and furious

[calzone2018]

We had to put my cat to sleep around 2 hours ago. He was an old boy and he was clearly suffering, wasn't able to go to the toilet this morning so we guessed his body was shutting down but it was still a shock for it to be so sudden. I have had him since he was a kitten but the past few months he's lived with my mum and dad when I had my baby.
My dad phoned and made the appointment and I took him alone. When I got outside (with mask) they told me they had to do it indoors and there was no way I would be able to go in - I didn't know this as my MIL recently had her dog put to sleep but they did it in her car so I figured they would do something similar. I burst into tears at the thought of him being alone and scared but I handed him over and waited in the car. It was a young lad who took him and he was saying some really harsh things about what would be done, basically stuff I didn't want to think about. We've just gone to bury him and my dad asked how it went and I said I couldn't go in, only for him to tell me that the vet on the phone said I could go in and be with him as he passed. I'm so heartbroken and furious that this man said different when all I wanted was to be with my boy. I am so angry that people can go and get a takeaway and get their hair done but I couldn't be with him when he's been my whole world for the last 15 years. I got him when I was 7. I don't been know why I'm posting this, I guess to see if someone can help me to figure out what to do, I know they can't bring him back but I'm so beside myself that I could have been with him. I'm going to be calling in the morning ASAP to hopefully stop someone else going through this. I know this is nothing compared to what some people go through but I'm just so upset. Sorry it's so long.

Oh OP! How awful - I’m so sorry for your loss. My goodness, that is absolutely disgusting of the vets to do this to to you! I’m shocked. It may have been miscommunication of some sort but surely their policy on such an important and upsetting time for owners should be crystal clear to all staff? I mean, they’ve had since March for heaven’s sake. Dreadful. You really must complain, I’m so upset and angry for you.

I’ve had cats all my life too and three years ago had to have my beloved old grumpy git Mr Darcy ( he was black & white too) put to sleep after his liver and kidneys gave up but not his heart so he was suffering. I’d had him 15 years after getting him from a rescue centre aged about 4. Silly homeless bastard he was! I miss him.

It’s so very sad to lose a loved pet and especially in these difficult times. They should have allowed you in with a mask - we are not on full lockdown anymore. I really empathise with you, bringing home my dead cat in his box totally floored me.

Please be comforted in the knowledge that it’s so so quick when they go. I couldn’t believe it, it’s literally 1,2, 3 and ... gone. He is out of pain now and he would thank you for helping him when he needed it. Please don’t blame yourself- it’s not your fault you couldn’t be with him.

I suffer from a beautiful range of mental health issues too and my cats are such comfort. Your boy was there for you, you were there for him. You loved him, he loved you! Cherish your very special, joyous relationship and keep him close always in your heart. I often think of my Mr D who is buried at the top my garden.

I believe some domestic animals such as cats, dogs etc do possess elements of spiritual qualities that connect us to nature and bring us comfort, they are part of the wider universal energy if you like. Your boy was that connection for you, sent as part of your journey through life and there for you when you needed him. He was yours.

Please make sure you speak to the vet and get an apology too. Make them aware you’ve had your fur baby since childhood. I really am angry for you.

If it’s any consolation, I have no friends really; too much of a sad, slightly mad cat lady!

Stay strong and treat yourself to things that help calm and soothe you at this difficult time. I hope you get an apology and if not, send a formal written complaint which they will have to answer. Don’t let them fob you off with an excuse- I just don’t think citing Covid can be justified anymore when you can go to the dentist and doctor with a mask on now (plus hand sanitiser). I have been treated by my physiotherapist for 3 weeks now, each session we both wear a mask as per their policy. Many things are returning to some form of normal and that should include vets. I hope you get answers.

You poor thing, I can only imagine how hard this was for you!
Sending you

People are making up the rules as they go along really and it is leading to a situation where there is no common sense used. The risk of allowing one person to enter a building to say goodbye to her pet whilst wearing a mask is tiny. Yet this isn't allowed. Instead however, you can go on holiday and sit beside total strangers in an aeroplane, can go shopping and to the pub, restaurant, gym and pub. I am not allowed to visit my son in his home which is a supported living home which is heart breaking and yet I can do all these things as can the carers who are going in and out of my son's home. I am very sorry for you OP. People are behaving like arses.