15 replies to this topic

[Francisco Gonzalez Duran]

We are reaching that time with our dog and I was hoping some would share their experience with the Ladrons with me by private message.

What options you were given.

Is their a particular day or time if you're planning ahead.

Cremation choices.

Anything else you can tell me good or bad about your experience?

I really don't want a discussion here but just would like some experiences others have had and how best to plan for this.

Thanks.

[red river valley]

We have had them come to the house, much easier than taking the pet to vet. The vets are very kind and understanding of your needs. They can assist you in having your pet cremated if that is your choice.

I could not find how to send you a private message.

[JayBearII]

Well, I sent a private message to "little feather" which I do hope is you, since otherwise Little Feather is going to wonder!

[Mainecoons]

Definitely agree to have the vet come to the house and gently put your friend to sleep.

The Ladrons neither waited too long nor tried to put our last Maine Coon, "Sunshine" gently to sleep.

Now if we could just find someone who would do this for us when our time comes.

[Marieluise]

I absolutely agree with Maincoons, if only it could be like that for us!
Dr. Hector met me at the clinic one Sunday morning, when one of our dogs took a totally unexpected turn for the worse. A test and examination showed the hopelessness of the situation and rather than put our boy through any suffering, my husband came and we held him and talked to him while Dr Hector administered the medication. Very peaceful, but for the big, empty place in our lives---now partially filled by a new addition to the family.
I'd also say dicuss for one of the Vets to come to the house, if you can plan for that.
We opted for cremation and got the ashes back a short time later.

[simpsca]

I had Dr. Luz Perez come to the house when she was still here for one of my elderly cats (put to sleep peacefully). The other one developed serious problems when she was out of town so I went to Dr. Medeles whom she recommended. This one done at the vets office and more frightening for the cat. But still a blessing that he could do it. I haven't had one done at Ladron so can't comment but imagine it is humane. Dr. Luz told me the ashes would be mixed and not just my cat so I opted to not receive the ashes. The at home put to sleep was much easier on the cat and me as I couldn't stop crying.

[Francisco Gonzalez Duran]

Thank you everyone for your messages and PM's. It really helped us to face the end with more knowledge. It is really appreciated.

PS. I don't know who Little Feather is so I imagine she/he will be surprised.

[Natasha]

Drs. Ladron have been there for more of our animals than I like to count, both in the clinic and in the home. Each time has been compassionate, caring, and peaceful for the pet although I was bawling my eyes out.

And since they recently built their own crematorium (near their boarding facilites by the Chapala airport) they can absolutely guarantee that your individual animal can be cremated by itself, so you don't need to wonder about what (or who) you are getting back.

Be brave, Francisco. And keep in mind that you are now at the point where your responsibility is to your dog's needs, and not to your desire to keep him longer than you should.

[ohjoni]

Am glad that this conversation is taking place on the board. Very timely as we took our 18+ year old cat to Hector Ladrone this morning thinking we would not be taking Willy home with us. Dr. Ladrone checked him out, gave him a shot and sent us home with him plus antibiotics. I really thought at 18 this was the end.
It was an extremely stressful morning. Hopefully Willy will be with us for at least a few more years. His problem is being caused by bacteria in his mouth. We use to get his teeth cleaned regularly, but at about 12 a few vets(in U.S.) told us he was too old to go under anesthesia. Willy will be getting his teeth cleaned next week.

Francisco...this is a very difficult decision. None of us wants to say goodbye a moment to soon to these wonderful, loving members of our family.

[lakeside101]

i wished i had it done at home. i felt they forgot us at the office. after administering the first shot... and the final they would be back in 10 minutes...
it was 30.

[cookie]

I think it's so much easier on your pet....and you, if the vet comes to your home.

[Pogo]

"Drs. Ladron have been there for more of our animals than I like to count, both in the clinic and in the home. Each time has been compassionate, caring, and peaceful for the pet although I was bawling my eyes out."

I could not agree more! They have been truly incredible for us. Not only did they provide middle-of-the-night emergency attention that required leaving a family celebration in Guadalajara and driving to Ajijic, but they handled ME and my near hysteria with incredible and gentle understanding - even with tears flowing for his loss of a long-term patient.

There simply is no one like Dr. Antonio Ladron in my experience.

[Musicdoc]

Dr. Hector Ladron came to our house and helped us ease Patches from this life. He helped us take her to an area in our garden where she sat everyday. We held her and talked to her. She was not afraid and shortly left us. He stayed with us for another twenty minurs while we tried to put ourselves together. Wonderful man - wonderful doctor.

Amazing! The next day we found this letter to Hector from Patches.



Dr. Hector:

The time has come I think you know -
the Lord is calling so I must go.
I wish it wasn't so - I love you so much
I wish I could stay - I don't want to go.

You're the best doctor a cat ever had -
so kind and gentle, never mean or mad.
I'll never forget the day that we met,
I was so lucky to have you for my Vet.

You opened your door and showed me your heart.
I'll never forget you - we'll never part.
You loved me and cared for me over the years -
you taught me everything and took away my fears.

Now it's time and I must go.
But before I do - I want you to know.
It hurts so much to lose you my friend,
but you’ll be with me – even to end.

Patches

P.S. Dale helped me with the big words.

[ChrisB]

After they cremated Woody for me I went to Barb's Bazaar and got a beautiful brass box. His ashes are in it and when we set out the Day of the Dead altar he is there. in his box

[bets2mex]

I'm new to this board and apologize if it's been posted in the past...it has always helped ease my sadness.

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run

and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals that had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.

The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager body quivers.

Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.

The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands

again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...