I just got the bill from my vet for Brando's euthanasia and I was charged $65.00 for an emergency visit. I went in on Saturday before they closed but they didn't have any open appointments. This is really upsetting me because I have been a great client for years and I'm hurt that I was charged an extra $65.00 especially because I was euthanizing my pet. Am I overreacting?

Hi Rhapsedy, hope you are doing ok. I would be angry too. I mean this is a hard enough time for you, they shouldn't be sticking it to you with xtra fees. Especially if this is a vet that knows you and you've used for a while. I would just send in the normal fee and deduct the $65 from the bill and see if you get another bill. Perhaps it was just the office staff that did it, not knowing any better?

I've been thinking of you and praying that you and your husband are having good memories of Brando and Callaway.

Much love and hugs,
Sonya

Hi Sonya,

That's a good idea to send in the bill minus the $65.00. It really has nothing to do with the cost but that as you said them "sticking it to me" during such an emotional time for my husband and I. I am just so upset that my vet could be so heartless.

I am starting to have good memories about Brando and Callaway. It's really strange but after Brando died I felt more at peace and I'm trying to figure out why. Brando lived a good long life, he was 15 1/2 and he was so ready to go and he went so peacefully. Maybe I feel at peace because they are both together again, I don't know. I do miss them both terribly but I don't have any guilty feelings, I will not allow them to consume me anymore.

It sounds like you and your husband are doing well. That is great that you both talk about Brutus all the time, that is very healing for both of you. When I bring up Callaway or Brando to my husband he just shuts down, I don't think he knows how to deal with his feelings.

Take care Sonya.

Love,
Rhapsedy

I would call the vet and ask about the fee... it's very possible that the vet uses an outside company for their billing and when they saw a notation about an emergency visit they automatically billed for it. If you have a long-time relationship with this vet I can't see why they'd have an issue waving that charge.

Hi Rhapsedy--

I too would call the vet and ask about that charge--it sounds like an error to me, and if it isn't, it certainly isn't fair, given your long-term use of them and the circumstances, and your ongoing relationship with them.

You said: "I am starting to have good memories about Brando and Callaway. It's really strange but after Brando died I felt more at peace and I'm trying to figure out why. Brando lived a good long life, he was 15 1/2 and he was so ready to go and he went so peacefully. Maybe I feel at peace because they are both together again, I don't know. I do miss them both terribly but I don't have any guilty feelings, I will not allow them to consume me anymore."

I too felt at peace after Ladywolf died, but I hesitated to say so on here, since I was "supposed" to be grieving horribly. I felt as if she had lived out a complete life-cycle, and a completely happy one, and that at 15, her body was just ready to go, so that she could experience peace again. People were suggesting that I was in denial--but I wasn't. I just felt very deeply the full-circled-ness of her life and her death. I was sad, of course, but my heart was not ripped out, because I knew that she was still here with me.

So good for you for feeling at peace, and for determining that you will not let guilt consume you. There is a "naturalness" to the life and death process, if we can just let ourselves experience it...

Big Hugs--Margi, Spiritwolf, and Sir Leopold

Thanks for the suggestion everyone...

My vet puts the charges into the computer herself so I know it wasn't a mistake. I have to take Barney in for a heartworm test this Friday and I'm going to talk to my vet about the charge. Again, this has nothing to do with the money but it has to do with the lack of compassion.

Margi... Yes, the guilt is gone for now anyway and maybe forever. I'm looking at Brando and Callaway's picture right now and they were both so happy, actually smiling in the picture. They both had a full life and a happy one too and that has a lot to do with how well my husband and I took care of them.

You said: There is a "naturalness" to the life and death process, if we can just let ourselves experience it...

You are so right! I am finally looking at life and death in that way and it's very comforting. I'm also starting to believe that I will see Brando and Callaway again and that makes me so happy.

Love to everyone on this site. You are all wonderful and caring people that have helped me thru my losses, I am forever grateful for each of you.

Rhapsedy