Animal's Sanctum

“What do you recommend?” Packing up my used items I put them in a bio-hazard bag for precaution. Looking back at the cow I know she is suffering.

“Personally I believe that it is too late for treatment, but if you want I can go ahead and push through it. Her chance of recovery is very slim, I’d say she’s been fighting this since midday yesterday.” As I had predicted Jesse’s cow is suffering from severe Grain overload.

At this stage I highly doubt intense treatment methods would be beneficial. Any treatment would just cause more pain, I wouldn’t be able to stop her from passing after I administer medications. While the cow wouldn’t have to have anesthesia, she would need a muscle relaxant.

With her heart rate being so low, I wouldn’t feel confident with her ability to pull through. And that’s just the medication aspect of the treatment. “What would treatment mean?” Sighing I stand and crack my back as I stretch.

“Well I’d need to remove the contents of her rumen, and replace it with healthy ruminal fluid. Since she’s laying down I’d be forced to use a method called ruminal lavage. She’d then need intensive fluid therapy. I’ll be honest, I’m not sure her body would be able to handle the medications needed for the procedure.” I have to admit that this is one of the downsides to being a veterinarian. I love helping animals, helping them to heal and get better. I really hate it when there isn’t anything that I can do to help a suffering animal.

Looking towards the cow, I watch as she releases a long pained breath and turns her head towards her belly once more. Her way of saying she’s hurting, I bend down and gently pet her neck, hoping that Jesse will make the right decision in this case.

Letting me give her some of the only relief I can provide at this point. “Your the doctor, if you say she can’t be fixed I guess we need to put her down.” I give him a slight nod, and grab what I need. It isn’t long before I administer the euthanasia and sit with the cow.

She lays out flat and starts to relax, I know it’s working. “Such a good girl. Don’t worry, you won’t be hurting anymore.” In situations where the owners are emotionally distant I always find myself stepping up to the plate of heartache and talking to the animal until they are laid to rest peacefully.

I know it isn’t necessary to do, and most would argue that it’s just cattle and they don’t need to be talked to like kids. I will always argue with any animal that love is something they should feel all the way till the end. If my whispered words of encouragement somehow help them peacefully go. Then no one will be able to stop me from my duty.

Giving her head one final stroke I stand up feeling a slight ache that this is the way this poor cattle had to go. “Thank you for trying doctor. Is there anything you can recommend?” Opening the bio-hazard bag once more I drop the items back in and start to pack the rest of my gear.

“Be careful with how you feed, what you feed. When you are introducing any animal to feed, or to a new feed, go slow. Keep an eye on your herd for any signs of distress.” I run down the list of simple precautions, hoping that he will actually listen. With Jesse, who knows what the man will take away from today.

“Thank you Dr. K, what’s going to be the damage from today?” Grabbing my receipt pad I write it all out, and rip it off handing it to him.

“Can you wait a moment while I write up a check?”

“Sure, I’m still packing up so take the time you need.” Grabbing the bag of waste I drop it in the metal bin I had installed in my truck especially for this reason. Pushing closed drawers, I finish putting things away.

Pulling the trunk closed I head for the driver’s seat, ready to get back to the clinic. Glancing at my wrist I check the time, two in the afternoon, I have to get back soon. Looking at my schedule I know that I have a client coming in for a regular check up and update on shots.

After that I am spaying and neutering a litter of Boston Terriers, three girls, and two boys. By that time I’m hoping it’s time to go home and take a very hot bath. That sounds wonderful right about now, a nice hot bath and a little bit of pamper time.

Not that I actually have a lot of time to pamper myself but, why not take that time tonight. Since I’m going to be coming home to a cold house why not step away from all the stresses and into a pampering. “Here you go Dr. K, I hope you have a good day.”

Turning my head to the left I see Jesse walking up towards me, I give him a smile and reach for the check. “Thank you, have a good day Jesse.” With a wave he turns once more and leaves. Shaking my head with a sigh I pull my door closed and start my truck more than ready to get the day over with.

I always find the days that I am forced to put an animal down to be the hardest. Then again I’m just a big softie when it comes to anything with a furry, feathery, or scaly face. I just love animals to put it simply.

Pulling out of Jesse’s farm I am left to my own thoughts, more than likely just overthinking everything. I don’t know how many people suffer from suffocating yourself with your own thoughts. But that is something that I do on the daily.

Between the heating, figuring out what the hell I am supposed to do about my portion of the clinic. To simple family matters, that often seem like minor nuances. Like Abe wanting to get married but my parents refuse to allow him to have a Christian wedding.

They say it has to be a traditional wedding, only issue being that his fiance is not ok with that. Which is understandable, Missy comes from a Christian family who wants their little girl to be married in a church. Not outdoors, and having to jump through hoops so to say to get the approval of the tribe and elders.

Not to mention, making, buying or getting gifts for each attendant. It’s a lot to take in especially if it’s supposed to be the bride’s day. Having been raised with this in mind it is something that doesn’t bother me too much per say. Sure some of the traditions seem a little silly in this world.

But I understand the meaning and reasoning behind them, so it doesn’t faze me. Whereas Missy is completely blindsided with all of this information that my parents continue to push on her. At this point I’m surprised that Abe and Missy don’t just elope somewhere and come back for a family celebration. I’m sure that would create a whole new slew of trouble for the couple.

I can’t say that I envy the pair, and I know that eventually I’ll be forced to face the same annoyance. My mother has been hounding me to find a ‘mate’ ever since I was of age. And being close to my mid twenties, it’s safe to say that she is chomping at the bit even worse. She wants me especially to have a houseful of babies.

Don’t get me wrong at some point I would love to have a few babies of my own. But I don’t want a freaking football team. Pulling into the clinic, I heave a sigh. It’s time to push the thoughts of my dysfunctional and lovable family from my mind. After shutting off my truck I make my way into the office handing Ellie the paperwork from the call so she can document it all. “How was it? Is the cow ok?” I shake my head hanging up my coat.

“No, I had to put her down sadly.” Ellie nods and turns her attention back to the computer. With that being said I just make my way back into my own offices, setting up for my next client. Glad to see that this is just going to be a run of the mill check up.

Giving shots, making sure Chloe, a two year old Shih Tzu is happy and healthy. I hope Chloe’s mom Regina has cut back on feeding Chloe treats for dinner because she really needs to cut back. Looking over her charts I remember how pudgy Chloe had looked and advised that she stop getting treats for just being cute.

While treating your pet isn’t something to be jailed for, it’s almost like drinking - just do it responsibly. I don’t think it’s absurd for me to ask the owner to lay off on the treats for their little fur baby. But I get some looks like I have just killed their baby.

It amazes me how offended someone can get by me saying their animal is a little too heavy. Pulling my thoughts away from that as I see Regina walk in holding Chloe. “How are you guys today?” I ask politely as she sets Chloe on the exam table.

“We are doing wonderful! Although I think it’s about time that Chloe gets groomed, can you trim her nails? I don’t like how they cut them at the groomers, they don’t round them!” I smile, I know her husband always complains about Chloe’s nails being too sharp.

“Of course, that won’t be a problem at all. Has Chloe been on her diet?” Even as I question I can tell that the answer is a no, a big fat no.

“Well you see what had happened..” Regina trails off and I smile, interested in what kind of story she is going to be spinning for me. Whenever I hear a story that starts with ‘You see what had happened’ you know it’s going to be entertaining.

“I had gotten her home, and a few days went by of her being a good girl. I slipped her one. And then she sat down and raised her front paws like she was begging and I couldn’t resist!” She finishes up and I laugh shaking my head, I weigh her in and see that she is two pounds heavier.

“You really need to put her on a diet, she’s twenty-two pounds this time. Her weight could start to cause more health issues later in life. Trust me, Chloe will still love you if you change her food and cut back on the treats. Maybe take her on more walks, I promise she won’t feel betrayed.” I decide to throw in her previous excuse of thinking that Chloe will be mistreated if she doesn’t fill her belly with treats. I watch as she gives me a dejected nod and sits down in one of the chairs watching as I go through the exam.

From eyes, and ears, to movements. I ask Regina questions throughout taking note of her answers, and writing them down. One of the downsides to not having an assistant, I now have to pause and write notes and then continue on. It brings back memories of when we first opened the clinic.

Grabbing the nail clippers and nail rounder I get to work doing her feet. I’m happy that Chloe is one of the few dogs that could care less about getting her nails done. “Do you have any questions for me?”

“What kind of things could we do to help her lose weight besides the diet?” Petting Chloe’s head I put my tools in the sink knowing that I’ll need to sanitize them before they can be put away.

“Well I know that you have kids, so maybe swimming, or hiking. Just be careful when swimming if you aren’t sure how she will do, get a life vest just in case.” Regina gives me a smile and picks up Chloe bidding me goodbye as she heads towards the front to pay.