How our head vet helped me through the loss of our beautiful tripod

Elizabeth Cole
Vet
Harbour Veterinary Group

The context

The story is actually about myself (also a vet) and my dog, who was sadly diagnosed with a serious chronic health condition at the age of 2. I struggled much more than I could have expected balancing being an owner and a vet, and found myself second guessing every decision I made about her care. Beth understood how much this dog meant to me and my family, and became my ultimate sounding board. She was also the one who made my life with the little dog possible after she was brought in by the RSPCA, and Beth amputated her leg!

The action

Beth never failed to be empathetic and understanding, guiding me without judgement. Despite the additional pressure of dealing with a staff dog, she never turned down my requests for guidance. She celebrated wins with me and supported me through the lows. When the time came to put our dog to sleep, she accepted being the one to do it without any doubt, and made immediate adjustments to come to my home for the euthanasia without any complaint. And of course she made the euthanasia as peaceful as can be. In the aftermath she was there for me when needed, bought me chocolate (my biggest vice), and understood when cases at work might trigger my grief, and was there for me without judgement.

The ripple effect

Undoubtedly Beth made what was an awful situation easier for me through her support and compassion. From being on the ‘client’ side, I also learned a lot from her about communicating with my own clients in a similar position.

Voting opens 13 November.