Sandy, our family dog of almost 16 years, had had arthritis for a long time, but it had progressed to the point where she could barely stand up anymore. When she did, she would usually just limp aimlessly or in circles, a few steps at a time. There were neurological symptoms, too. She would try to walk into the corners of rooms, but not stop when she reached the wall. Moving, even the act of drinking water, seemed difficult for her. Eventually, no amount or type of medication seemed to help. We knew it was time for her to be euthanized. My sister flew back from California for the occasion. I picked her up from the airport to spend one last day with the old friend that she had chosen at the humane society when they were both very young. The next morning, we headed to Winter Place Animal Hospital, where we had the misfortune to meet Lisa Bissman, D.V.M. We had wanted to stay with Sandy through the entire procedure. Dr. Bissman, however, made it very clear that she would absolutely not let us watch while the needle/catheter was inserted. We would only be allowed to be there when the euthanasia drug was delivered. When asked why, she said that our presence might make Sandy more agitated. Considering that Sandy had always behaved well at the vet or groomer, my father protested again. Dr. Bissman’s reply this time was, “It’s actually a liability issue, because we have other animals back there.” Realizing that a heated argument during this already sad time would be distressing for everyone, that our chances of scheduling an appointment elsewhere that day would be slim, and that moving Sandy again would cause her even more stress, I chose not to argue. My father probably realized something along the same lines, as well, and relented. In retrospect, however, I wish that I had threatened to go elsewhere, even if it was just bluffing. I should have at least tried. We waited while they inserted the catheter for a few minutes, which seemed like hours. I will always have to wonder exactly what happened during that time. Finally, we were given permission to join Sandy in the same room that we supposedly couldn’t enter a few minutes before due to the “liability issue.” Sandy became calmer with us by her side. She lay down and relaxed. The drug was delivered, and she was gone. Perhaps the best thing I could have said to Dr. Bissman was that if she insisted on doing things her way, that she would lose at least one potential customer. Well, she has. I will never take an animal, except perhaps in an extreme emergency situation, to Winter Place Animal Hospital. In my opinion, someone heartless enough to argue with a customer in a euthanasia situation is not the sort of person who should be around animals (or people, for that matter). In fairness, the assistant, whose name, unfortunately, I forgot to make a note of, seemed very compassionate and caring. My father, perhaps more forgiving than myself, has told me that he will continue to go to Winter Place Animal Hospital, but will insist on seeing Dr. Sharon Rayne, who he has always had good experiences with. Whatever you decide regarding Winter Place Animal Hospital, I hope that this helps you reach that decision.

I like the Raynes but I do not like Dr. Bissman. She is just not a people person which I assume is why she works with animals instead but she needs to be friendlier to the pet owners. I do have one thing that I hate about Winter Place and that I have never had another vet do and that is they always take my pets to a back room to give them their shots. They didn't do this in the beginning but for whatever reason, they do it now. I have a hard time trusting that my pets even get the shot at all. It is just shady and if I am going to pay all that money I would rather them do everything in front of me.