This will be a long, but very well-deserved review.
Colton, my 11-year-old Lab/Pyrenees mix, went downhill super fast last week. He started shaking uncontrollably, drooling, wouldn’t eat or drink, and couldn’t get his back legs to work unless I helped him up. I knew that wasn’t a life for him to continue, and I would never selfishly try to keep him here longer for myself if he was in pain. I also couldn’t be there 24 hours a day to help or monitor him, though if I thought he could’ve healed from this, I would have.
Googling “In-Home Euthanasia” companies was not how I thought my day would go, but no one does. Caring Pathways was actually recommended on a page I follow, and the reviews were great, so I decided to give them a call. Bless the poor soul who answered my phone call. I couldn’t even breathe the first minute or two; I was crying so hysterically when she answered. She knew. She sat and waited for me to catch my breath until I could speak the words of what I needed. I hope she knows how much I appreciate her patience and her kind tone. Throughout our call, she gathered the needed information, and my “appointment” for Colton was scheduled for the next day.
Lead veterinarian, Dr. Eddie Desko was my savior, so to speak. He arrived on time (I got a text telling me how far out he was), and came inside gently so as not to upset Colton, who disliked strangers in his home. He spent time gaining Colton’s trust (and mine) and giving him love and treats. He walked me through every single step of what was going to happen and patiently waited for me to be ready to say goodbye. After being previously traumatized by a family pet being “put to sleep” years ago, I was sick thinking about what was about to happen to my baby. I then learned that whoever did it last time did it so wrong.
Colton passed so very peacefully, with his head in my lap (his favorite spot as an 82lb lapdog). He just went to sleep, surrounded by family and those who loved him for the past 11 years.
I absolutely cannot recommend Caring Pathways and Dr. Desko enough. I will sing their praises for the rest of my days. On the hardest day of my life yet, he gave me peace and comfort and helped Colton cross the Rainbow Bridge painlessly and without fear. Colton was comfortably at home instead of being terrified at the vet, on some cold floor with strangers. The kindness and compassion with which he spoke meant more to me than anyone could know.
Thank you to everyone at Caring Pathways. Your organization is a godsend to those who want a loving way to help their pets go to Heaven.