Last Wishes

Reviews 3

XE

xenia chavez

It is the hardest thing when you have to come to the decision to put your "baby" to sleep especially sooner than you expected. About a month ago or so ago my dog Tino was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had terrible arthritis in his back and started having trouble walking. Nonetheless, he still had vitality and loved going for walks. He never wanted to go back inside, hed always tug or hold back when he saw us heading for the house. From one day to the next, he stopped getting up when he saw his leash. I thought maybe his back is hurting more today, so I carried him outside. He didnt move or use the bathroom anywhere. He just laid down in the grass coughing and taking shallow rapid breaths. This was it and my heart sank. I was never going to keep him longer than I should for selfish reasons, but I never thought it would be night and day when it came time to have to do it. Only yesterday he was still fighting and showed efforts of wanting to live and enjoy the everyday beauty of fresh air and being outside. It all changed so quickly and I felt terribly unprepared. I had no appointment, it was a Saturday afternoon so my vet had closed early already, and given his extremely weak state I didnt want to move him too much to take him to an emergency clinic. I remembered having found the website for Last Wishes the week before so I quickly call them. The website had mentioned that you typically would make an appointment and pay a down payment. I hadnt done anything but prayed they were able to help. A sweet and genuinely concerned young lady answered the phone. I was ok and composed when I called but as soon as she started to get some from information from me about my baby and what was wrong, I broke down. I told her all his symptoms, his diagnosis and his current state. Very sweetly and sympatheticly she took my took my name and number and said she would call Dr. Cornelius and see if she would be able to fit me in between her appointments. Just a couple minutes later she called me back and said Dr. Cornelius could fit me in and would be stopping by. I was so relieved. My heart hurt for my baby who was scared and didnt deserve to suffer any longer. The incredible service that Last Wishes provides by coming to your home and allowing you to say goodbye where your baby is able to be comfortable in their own home is an immense kindness. Every one I had the pleasure of speaking to were absolute angels and I cant thank them enough. It was supremely difficult when it was time but Dr. Cornelius was incredibly loving and sympathetic. My baby was able to rest peacefully and with dignity. I dont think I could have made a better choice than Last Wishes. They are absolute saints. Even as last minute as it was to have this appointment they still carried supplies to make a paw print with his name and a beautiful little charm. I cannot thank them enough for all that they do. Thank you Last Wishes for being there for me and Tino. You offer an amazing service. Thank you, thank you.

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Adam G

We had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from our cats head and unfortunately it grew back very quickly afterwards. We were given the options of doing radiation therapy which would make her blind among other side effects and only prolong her life for a couple of months maximum, or doing massive surgery to remove the eye and portions of the face permanently disfiguring the cat. We chose to do neither because they were both horrible options and neither came with any guarantee other than making the cats life worse. The tumor grew large enough that she began itching at it frequently and breaking the skin causing herself to bleed so we knew she was in pain. We went back to the oncologist and regular veterinarian for some type of pain management medication and they both seemed oblivious that such a thing existed. I searched around online and found the hospice services offered by Last Wishes and also liked the idea of in home euthanasia when the time eventually came. I called Last Wishes and we set up an initial appointment for a couple days later. Dr. Cornelius came out and listened to the history of our cat and took a look at her along with getting her medical records from the other veterinarians. She prescribed some pain medication which she had with her and in follow up visits dosages and medications were adjusted numerous times. Our cat managed to survive 6 months with cancer surpassing all of our expectations making it through the holidays into the new year. Eventually her eye started to show some severe signs that the tumor was putting intense pressure on it and we called in Dr. Cornelius for her opinion. She took a look and agreed that it was bad and it was time for euthanization because the eye could no longer close, was inflamed, and overall looked very painful. Instead of going through the terror of being put into a carrier, loaded into a car, and driven to a vet that she always hated our cat was euthanized at home sleeping on the bed she spent almost all of her time on peacefully. Last Wishes can take care of the transport of your friend to the cremation facility afterwards as well. There is no reason to make your pets last moments terrifying when you can let them pass in the comfort of their home. If you are seeking hospice services or in home euthanization for an animal friend I highly recommend Last Wishes. Euthanizing your pet is always horrible but this option at least makes it less stressful for everyone.

DR

drumBEAT Marketing

I gave them 5 stars but they deserve ten. The first time I had to put a pet down was many years ago. She was Heidi the German Shepherd. The vet and his staff were less than compassionate and I knew I would never allow that type of behavior to affect an animal of mine ever again. Cuba (Kooo buh) the Wonder Dog was a an 11 year old Boxer and was suffering from cancer. Fortunately until two months ago he was fine and would jump up onto the sofa and sit in my lap (boxers are puppies for life). He weighed 80 lbs. then. Over this last few weeks I knew I was going to have to euthanize him as it was getting more and more difficult for him to function and now he was down to 60 lbs. Someone who rescues pugs recommended Last Wishes and I am very grateful they did. My concern was that I did not want Cuba to feel the slightest bit of fear as we went down this last road with him. Dr. Cornelius and Stacy came to the house and we had Cuba on a dog bed surrounded by family. They were calm and that helps the pet owners and the pet. They did not rush us and they took the time to interact with Cuba. I knew it was the right decision when Cuba quickly got half way up and started licking Dr. Cornelius face. She did not jump back or freak out (trust me, not all vets would have reacted like her). She smiled and hugged and petted him. To say I love Cuba is an understatement; even writing this review is tough - something in my eyes. I am comforted in knowing that by using in-home euthanasia through Last Wishes Cuba felt no fear, was treated with respect and love, and slipped away as his family petted and caressed him. I hope when it is time for me to follow him that I am afforded the same dignity. Dr. Cornelius and Stacy, I have to say, you rock and I will always remember this. Thank you for assisting us and especially Cuba so perfectly in this really difficult time.