bkdice
08-17-2009, 06:31 PM
Hello everyone! I wanted to share something that I just went through - and after posting on a grief board for those that have lost their dogs to Lymphoma (LymphomaHeartDogAngels) - I found I wasn't alone. I thought it would be good to share with you so you don't experience what some of us did.
About a week ago I got the bill for Niko's euthanasia. The vet came to our house to do it. I knew a bill would follow a few week later - as they give you some time. The amount was fine, but seeing the itemized line items tore through me. On the far left, it lists the pet's name. So for the 7 or 8 line items on the bill, they list "Niko". Then they list what the line item is, next to the name. Just seeing "Euthanasia" next to his name as a line item was heart wrenching. I know what I had done.... I didn't need to see it in text.
I wrote to my vet and thanked them for all their wonderful service, but requested that they consider not sending an itemized bill. We (Angel's board) thought it might be good to request your vet's do the same. (I realize some of your vets may not do this. Or some of you may think in advance to give them a CC to charge and request no receipt at all.)
I am pasting a drafted letter you can copy & paste to send to your vet if you wish. If nothing else, I hope this email saves you from some shock and extra grief if you have to see THAT itemized bill.
Bettina & my sweet Angel Niko
*************
Dear ________________________
I realize the time will come that I will lose my beloved pet. I would like to share my feelings with you on getting an ‘itemized bill’ for Euthanasia. Seeing the word “Euthanasia” next to your pet’s name is very painful. I would like to suggest that for those getting bills for Euthanasia, that you do not send an itemized bill unless requested. Perhaps just a statement showing the amount with a note that an itemized bill is available upon request.
If an itemized bill must be sent, perhaps you can list “Special Services” or “Compassionate Care” in place of the difficult word - "Euthanasia".
I imagine that it’s likely not obvious to someone that is not on the receiving end of that bill after losing a beloved pet, that it is very painful to see this text next to your pet’s name. I thought my suggestion may help others during a difficult time. I appreciate you taking it into consideration.
Cordially,
____________________________
About a week ago I got the bill for Niko's euthanasia. The vet came to our house to do it. I knew a bill would follow a few week later - as they give you some time. The amount was fine, but seeing the itemized line items tore through me. On the far left, it lists the pet's name. So for the 7 or 8 line items on the bill, they list "Niko". Then they list what the line item is, next to the name. Just seeing "Euthanasia" next to his name as a line item was heart wrenching. I know what I had done.... I didn't need to see it in text.
I wrote to my vet and thanked them for all their wonderful service, but requested that they consider not sending an itemized bill. We (Angel's board) thought it might be good to request your vet's do the same. (I realize some of your vets may not do this. Or some of you may think in advance to give them a CC to charge and request no receipt at all.)
I am pasting a drafted letter you can copy & paste to send to your vet if you wish. If nothing else, I hope this email saves you from some shock and extra grief if you have to see THAT itemized bill.
Bettina & my sweet Angel Niko
*************
Dear ________________________
I realize the time will come that I will lose my beloved pet. I would like to share my feelings with you on getting an ‘itemized bill’ for Euthanasia. Seeing the word “Euthanasia” next to your pet’s name is very painful. I would like to suggest that for those getting bills for Euthanasia, that you do not send an itemized bill unless requested. Perhaps just a statement showing the amount with a note that an itemized bill is available upon request.
If an itemized bill must be sent, perhaps you can list “Special Services” or “Compassionate Care” in place of the difficult word - "Euthanasia".
I imagine that it’s likely not obvious to someone that is not on the receiving end of that bill after losing a beloved pet, that it is very painful to see this text next to your pet’s name. I thought my suggestion may help others during a difficult time. I appreciate you taking it into consideration.
Cordially,
____________________________