It was with a huge amount of sadness and a modicum of professional interest that I accompanied a friend on a last trip to the vet this lunchtime; it was the end of the road for her 16-year old beloved Birman cat, Misty; a terribly emotional occasion.

The Assistant Vet we saw was unknown to me (thankfully) and I was so impressed with the dignity and composure with which he conducted the entire euthanasia process. Indeed it was a process, as he gave my friend reassurance that this was indeed “the right time”, explained in gentle detail what would and might happen during euthanasia and explaining her options were at the end. With “the deed done” we were both allowed time with Misty to say our goodbyes and to pull ourselves together (yes, I cried as much as the owner!), before he insisted that payment would be made at another time.

I have experienced these situations before with my own animals though mercifully, not for some time. Today has been a timely reminder for me that when euthanasia is conducted with empathy and dignity, giving just the right amount of information in an appropriate manner and making the owner feel they have all the time in the world (regardless of the realities of busy practice life), you create an Ambassador for yourselves and your business.

Today has been an emotional day. Today a vet practice has lost a client. But today the same practice has also two new Ambassadors. Well done, Springwell Vets in Tring!