Losing my sweet kitty Maggie was by far the most devastating experience of my life. I had her for 16 years and raised her from a kitten, but in September 2021 she started getting sick and eventually was diagnosed with cancer. She battled bravely through chemo, and I would have done anything for her, but eventually the only thing I had left to do was allow her to pass without pain and with dignity. I knew I wanted to help her transition in the home. She hated going to the vet and for the last 8 months of her life, she had to go quite frequently. I wanted her to pass peacefully in her favorite place. When I called to make the appointment, the lady was wonderfully understanding even though I could barely breathe. She helped me pick out the tribute pieces that I wanted and she also recommended the on-staff grief counselor. Talking to the counselor was very helpful as pet loss seems to be ignored often in society even though the grief associated with pet loss is often as bad, as the loss of a human family member. For me, losing Maggie has been my greatest loss. When Dr. Mindy and Dr. Mandy got to my house on the day of the appointment, they explained everything and made sure that all of my requests were met. I think Maggie knew that they were going to help her because she even went and sat between them, which wasn’t normal for her. When I asked if we could do it outside in the sun, they said absolutely and it was there, outside in the sun, in my lap with me telling my Baby Mags how much I love her, that she passed away peacefully. Dr. Mandy even held my hand at the end. They gave me my time with her alone to say my final goodbyes and reassured me that they would take good care of her as they transported her body to the crematorium. It was equally beautiful and devastating the way she passed, but they only thing that could have made the experience better was if it didn’t happen. I wouldn’t have changed anything. I am forever grateful to Caring Pathways for taking such good care of both Maggie and me and for giving Maggie the passing that she deserved.
