A patch of eczema on Wilfs throat . A side effect of the Cortisone . To the vets for some ointment . The waiting room crowded. In the corner an old , very French, couple fussing over a Golden Retriever . The man in beige car coat, beige trousers, brown shoes , green tweed hat. The invisible uniform of the eighty year old. The woman asking how long the wait will be . Like all old folk they're early . An hour early . The prim Parisienne alone on duty . '' I know you have an appointment but you'll have to wait until I've seen all the others ". The 'all' emphasized . Stentorian.The senior vet arrives . Unscheduled . He goes straight to the couple. Strokes the dogs hair. Puts his hand on the mans shoulder. '' Why don't you bring your van round to the back door ? ". ' But we're parked in front '. '' Yes, but it'll be easier afterwards if you park at the back ". All suddenly clear. They've come in together with their dog for the last time . The old man starts to cry. Silently . Everyone in the waiting room looks at their feet.
The vet shepherds the couple, and the Golden, into his office . A minute later he's out again , car keys in hand , moving their little white Citroen to the privacy of the back lot. Direct access from his office without coming through the waiting room . The van still there when I get the ointment from the Parisienne and leave.
The difference between a qualified vet and a great one.
Just a small Thursday morning observation on life in France .
That must have been difficult to watch, knowing that Wilf may be next. :(
ReplyDeleteOh you've brought a big lump to my throat this morning. I hadn't thought about the privacy issue too much before. Hamish's 'last trip' to the vet was at 3:00 am.
ReplyDeleteBut someone should have a word with the Parisienne. Brains but no wisdom, it seems.
Hope the eczema clears.
Cheers, Gail.
It would be difficult for any one of us to witness, as ANY of our furry family members could be next! Bless their hearts!
ReplyDeleteThe vet came to our home to send Gizmo to the Bridge, thankfully... Houndstooth wrote a post very similar to yours this evening. Why is compassion so difficult?
ReplyDeletesome things cannot be taught....sending a hug for wilfee that his eczema clears up..x
ReplyDeleteI started to read this out, as usual, to my husband but couldn't get the words out for throat lump and tears. He had to read it himself.
ReplyDeleteHow sad. I have been in their shoes and it's very, very hard. Watching it happen to someone else is not easy either. And compassion cannot be learned, you have it or you don't.
ReplyDeleteI hope Wilf's eczema doesn't cause him too much trouble. Every day with him is a joy for all of us.
We're with Bertie and Gail...someone needs to talk to the Parisienne...but maybe compassion can't be learned.
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy
So true Angus.... qualifying as a vet, or vet nurse, does not always produce empathy in their work. Funny how many people think veterinary work is all about the animals - they tend to forget about the owners. A problem we try to remedy in our vet nurse training but from experience, some people never learn it.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest son Alex, leaves for London, Paris and travels round europe tomorrow - he intends to return to France to work around the country in return for a bed... he is trained in hospitality and wine appreciation - so if you and the font would like a temporary gardener, lawn sweeper, pool cleaner or wine waiter in return for a place to crash, he would love to know.... He is setting up his blog now... http://alexsyellowbrickroad.blogspot.co.nz/
I am loving the photo my older son took of him on the hills above Christchurch with Poppy by his side :)
Everything is a question of the heart ---- hugs from Southern France - hoping when the day comes for our loved pets that caring friends understand the pain of the loss of a family member -
ReplyDeleteso happy sunshine and lots of coconut ice cream therapy for the most beloved icebear in the world from Susanne, Daisy, Foxiie and Kiridackeltiger
The senior vet is a kind and gentle man....the tears for that old couple can't be held back today.
ReplyDeleteMay Wilf get rid of the exzema soon.
My heart of course goes out to the couple, and my thanks comes in a prayer that there was someone with compassion and empathy for them at a moment when it was needed the most.
ReplyDeleteThank-you for sharing your touching Thursday morning observation.
About a month after I very tearfully put Mica to sleep, I received a letter from the Tufts Veterinary School that my vet had made a memorial donation in his name. I was incredibly touched and reassured that I'd chosen the perfect person in whom to trust the well-being of my beloved companions.
ReplyDeleteAn observation that left so many of us with large lumps in throat. What if senior vet hadn't arrived in time. Prim parisienne must have been elsewhere during Compassion 101.
ReplyDeleteJoan
Funny how we were both talking about the same thing today in a round about way. I'm so glad the older vet was there for them today. I can still remember our trip in with Lilac. Our vet spent a lot of time talking with us about her remarkable life. He never rushed us and he's very kind. I have to wonder if some people are just born with the gift of kindness or if some can learn it.
ReplyDeleteSo sad
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post.
ReplyDeleteLump in throat not due to lingering cold.
ReplyDelete:(
Large lump in throat, but fortunately Merlin senses the sadness and warms my feet. God bless the older, wiser vet. The Parisienne is fortunate to have a great teacher. I hope she takes full advantage and learns.
ReplyDeleteKisses to Wilfie Pon and hoping the eczema calms.
Teena & Merlin xxx
amen...I was allowed by our very "knowing" vet in NC to go out the back door through his office when I let go of my Silkie (with cancer for the 3rd time)... What a treasure and a blessing to have "well-travelled and compassion from the journey" Veterinarians. A lump in the throat indeed. Enjoy the day with your priceless treasure....dear Wilf. :-)
ReplyDeleteHow very sad. Can't you ask the senior vet to have a word with the Parisienne? Her uncaring behavior is just...cruel. :(
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping that the senior vet will be able to make a trip to the rickety old farm house when the time comes.
Thinking of you in California,
PurpleMagpie and Mitzi the Dog (who would like to tell Wilf that he's an inspiration!)
I bet the Parisienne has fewer clients than the kind vet and hasn't realized her need for improvement. That story was a tearjerker. Our vet is like your kind vet and is truly a blessing to her clients and owners.
ReplyDeletePlease give Wilfie a cuddle from us.
I have a very good vet here. And he knew James Arnez of Gunsmoke they were frinds.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing harder in life.
ReplyDeleteThe kindness of an understanding vet, invaluable.
What a beautiful post but so sad.
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots,
Mitch
terribly sad. and so unnecessary that someone in a caring for and of profession should be the way she is.
ReplyDeletewhen my husband lie dying of cancer, there were a few nurses who were that uncaring. they even bordered on rough.
my thoughts of nurses like those few .. and the supposedly capable (not to me) parisienne... you are in the wrong business. you are not a vet. not sure what you are.
get out.
my love to you and your blessed little bear...
and to the sweet old couple that just lost a child.
for it is like losing a child. we all know that who love one.
tammy j
That is so sad. Its been 5 years this month we put our beloved black lab to rest. Only 9 years he was. He's missed greatly. So sad. Give Wilf an extra hug and scratches from us in hopes that his eczema heals nicely. Keep on going Wilf!!
ReplyDeleteWith love from your Canadian pals,
Dianna along with Tor, Willow and Tucker
Oh my! Absolutely gut-wrenching! May God bless them and continue to bless you,the Font and Wilf!
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, old well-loved Golden Retriever!
On January 17 of this year the vet came to our home very late at night to help our beloved kitty, Q, pass to the next world. She participated in a candle lit ceremony and readings. Afterwards she remained with us to prepare Q's body. This spring we will bury our beloved kitty of 21 years in our garden. Neighbors, friends, family and the vet have asked to be included in Q's resting ceremony. These gentle beloved pets grace our lives. We are also graced when surrounded by those who are kind and compassionate as we grieve at their passing. Thank you for such a sensitve post.
ReplyDeleteWell written and so heart breaking for us dog lovers as we've all been there and done that for the ones we love. The last cat and dog I had the vet come out to my house so I wouldn't have to go into a 'waiting room' it was well worth the extra cost.
ReplyDeleteSo sad - from thousands of miles away I feel for the owners of the Golden Retriever, and I am so glad that the senior vet was there to care.
ReplyDeleteSending lots of love to Wilf.
Very touching post,Angus. As an old person myself, I think some of the tears are wept because they know they should not think of having another dog, yet to some of us a home is just not a home without one. I hope they can find a rescue up in years to fill the empty space in their hearts, after a time.
ReplyDeleteJo, Stella and Zkhat
Thinking of you guys. Good vets are a blessing, your vet especially so.
ReplyDeleteWilfie! you look great on your post today, and I'm glad that you have a good weather :)
ReplyDeleteDog Shock Collar