Insensitive Vet!

[Smowball]

My gorgeous black long haired cat died when I was on holiday - the day before I was due to fly home. It was a terrible terrible shock. My MIL took her to vets. I called them and asked for her to be privately cremated as I have nowhere to bury her. They've called to say the ashes are ready to be collected for me to scatter , so I'm waiting in vets with all the other people with happy barking dogs and cats in cages etc, Expecting to be called into a private room, when a member of staff walks out and hands me a large paper bag with my cats remains in a little box! ! I was so shocked that I just burst into tears on the spot. Everyone just looked at me and it was so awkward. Can't believe how insensitive they were

[Tilly2]

That was insensitive. What a shame they didn't show more empathy. When you feel a bit better, complain to the manager.

[Prudie]

i think because you are feeling so raw it's really upset you but it's standard practice. I've collected ashes for 2 of my cats from the vets and both times I was just given them at the reception desk.

[237SJ]

My cat`s ashes were handed over at reception. It was just by chance that there weren`t any people in the waiting room.

[pastafreak]

The vet I've used for a number of years sends sympathy cards. Such a different approach.

[Patsy33]

I'd thought they'd be more sensitive than that. Animal lovers supposedly! So sorry you had to endure that, it was so wrong. Like Tilly said, when you're more up to it, put in a complaint.

[pixie374]

So does mine, pastaand forget-me-not seeds. It does sound insensitive, it would be a good idea to speak to them. Really sorry,smow xx

[ummmm]

Mine too, Pasta.

[Prudie]

Yes i got handwritten sympathy notes from the senior vet both times and it meant a lot. Collecting the ashes though was just that.

[Mamyalynne]

That should certainly have been handled better, they must know how upset people are.x

[237SJ]

I also had a nice card from my vet who reassured me that I had done the right thing. The vet where my cat died was not my usual vet though - it was a 24h out of hours vet and I took puss there on a weekend evening. The ashes were handed over at reception but they certainly weren`t insensitive - they waived the £90 fee. Some vets don`t actually have a private room

[Smowball]

I've never had to do this before but certainly didn't expect that.

[thelewisgang]

that was very insensitive indeed & can imagine how awkward you felt, bless you x

[237SJ]

I have never met a vet or veterinary staff who weren`t sensitive and caring animal lovers. Sometimes I think an animal gets a better service from the Vet than humans get from the NHS

[hereIam]

I think this is standard practice, I too collected my beloved dog's ashes in the waiting room, but unlike yours Smo, it wasn't packed with people. I also got a card and some forget me not seeds.

[CatGirl4]

I would have been absolutely devastated by this! My lovely cat,who i rescued over 18 years ago,isn't well and i know that very soon-maybe only days,before i need to make that dreadful decision!