Older Pets...
Pets become such wonderful and important members of our families. Whether they enter your life very young and you experience every hurdle with them as they grow, or they are an adult when you find them, the bond is still just as strong. Due to advances in medicine and a better understanding of care over the years, we as veterinarians have been able to provide your pets with the opportunity to live a very long and healthy life. With all the excellent care and love that you provide to your pet, you directly help us achieve that goal.
When our pets health fails...
Unfortunately our pets age much faster than we as humans do, and sometimes, despite the best care, you might find yourself in a situation where quality of life comes into question. Please call us to have your pet evaluated when you first start noticing these changes. There are many common ailments in older pets that can be managed to help give you more time together. Sometimes, despite all of our best efforts and for a variety of reasons, you as a pet owner are faced with a very difficult decision.
As your veterinarians, we are here for you in this time. We will be more than willing to discuss your situation and help determine if it is the right decision for you and your pet. Every house call consultation for this service will include a thorough physical exam and discussion to be sure it is the right time.
We work with Final Gift Cremation Services, of Rhode Island. The staff of this company has been exceptionally compassionate, sensitive and respectful to our patients- which is exactly why we work with them. We would whole heartedly trust them with the care of our own pets when the time comes. We both think that it is important for clients faced with this situation to know that their beloved pets will be cared for every step of the way until we personally bring them back to your home.
The following might be helpful, these are quotes from clients who used this specific service through Harbor Veterinary House Calls...
-Peggy from Cambridge
"I can't believe how amazing the two of you were. It was such an emotional experience for all of us, as Rascal's health declined.
The two of you were like glowing angels, coming into a complex and sad situation with such warmth and compassion, such understanding. We could not be more grateful. If death can be a beautiful thing, you made it so. I am just so relieved that Rascal is no longer suffering and that her final moments were spent at home, digesting a little fresh shrimp and feeling warm, kind hands on her little body.
I will rave about you both for a long time. Many, many thanks."
–Deborah from Medford (October 1st, 2010)
"I found Harbor Vets with a Google search for “humane euthanasia Boston.” After reviewing several of the websites I decided to email Dr. Neenan & Dr. Mikkola. I outlined my sad story: our four year old pit-bull Lorenzo had been diagnosed with lymphoma on July 23rd and had recently begun losing weight and refusing food. Knowing his cancer was both aggressive and terminal, I needed to make a plan that would keep our dear friend from suffering needlessly.
Dr. Emily Neenan quickly responded with a thoughtful email to assure us that they could help and would be in touch in the morning. Dr. Maija Mikkola called to discuss our options; she stressed “trying one last thing because after all we were talking about life and death.” They outlined a new treatment plan to be implemented immediately! We were blessed with a short hiatus and enjoyed seven more life-filled days with our precious friend. It may not seem like much but it’s forever when that's all the time you have left.
One week later: the writing was on the wall. “The decision” had been made; it was the last viable option that remained. Lorenzo’s health was quickly deteriorating, he was obviously uncomfortable, and he’d lost his smile but what if… I was torn. I felt guilt, fear, uncertainty, and even betrayal while at the same time knowing that we had exhausted every possible hope.
Maija arrived with a pleasant smile. She greeted Lorenzo with sincere warmth and affection. She commented on his weight loss and mentioned his bloated abdomen. Tears filled my eyes and my voice cracked as I tried to express my readiness to move forward with the euthanasia. I felt the strength of her hand on my shoulder as she said the words I desperately needed to hear. There was nothing she could do to help him. The cancer had spread to his vital organs and he was in pain. I was making the right decision for my baby. It was time.
She explained the process and described the effects of the relaxing sedative injection that would be administered first and assured me that he would be in a peaceful state before he received his final injection. Lorenzo spent his last minutes on this earth with his head nestled in my lap. As he quietly drifted away, I kissed him and whispered that I loved him so very much – it was a picture perfect ending and he deserved nothing less.
Maija & Emily handled this entire situation with utmost care, kindness, and professionalism, from beginning to end. It’s because of Harbor Vets that Lorenzo’s life ended peacefully in a place that he was comfortable surrounded by people who loved him. I write this in hopes that my words will encourage anyone who faces this same devastating choice to consider the benefit, to both you and your beloved pet, of at home euthanasia. I wish with all my heart that Lorenzo could still be here with me but that just wasn’t meant to be. Today, based on my personal experience with Harbor Vets, I believe we made the best decision that could have been made in this terrible situation. Thank you, Maija & Emily for being here to help us when we needed you the most."