LauraB Posted June 9, 2013 Share Posted June 9, 2013 I first went to VCA Veterinary Referral Associates in 1991 (yes, 1991!), when my cat had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. At that time they were located in a large barn on Darnestown Road (Rte 28) in ‘North Potomac.’ They were affectionately known as ‘The Barn.’ They provided my cat with non-invasive, compassionate care and she lived another year. They have since moved to very large, modern facilities in Gaithersburg, very near the intersection of 355 & 124. In November 2009 we took another cat to VCA for specialized diagnostics, on the recommendation of our vet. He was diagnosed with lymphoma and, given that he was 15 years old and any kind of treatment would not gain him much time, and we did not want to subject him to any heroic treatment, we made the painful decision to euthanize him. I’ve had to euthanize other pets in the past, and I have to say that our experience with this procedure at VCA was the best ever. They have a dedicated private room that’s set up like a living room and they allow you to spend as much private time as you need saying goodbye to your pet – the room is connected to a private outdoor patio, so you have the option of spending your last moments with your pet there. When you are ready, you dial an extension and the vet comes and performs the procedure while you hold your pet, sitting on the sofa. Afterward, you can leave through the private door that opens to the patio and onto the parking lot, sparing you the experience of having to walk through the waiting room with your tear-streaked faces and swollen eyes. Over the Memorial Day weekend we had to make the painful decision to euthanize our beloved cat, Thomas, who had been terminally ill for many months. We were in phone contact with our regular vet (see my post about Kingsbrook Animal Hospital) over the weekend and he told us to take him to VCA. Once again, we had as good an experience as it’s possible to have, given the circumstances. VCA is a referral hospital, meaning that it’s not for regular veterinary care. You take your pet there only when they have a rare or very serious condition or for emergencies when your regular vet is not open – middle of the night, weekends. VCA is open 7 days a week, 24-hours a day and staffed with veterinary specialists of many disciplines who are also very caring, compassionate people. I can’t recommend them highly enough when your pet is seriously or gravely ill. VCA Veterinary Referral Associates 500 Perry Parkway Gaithersburg, MD 20877 301-926-3300 Website Laura Belden Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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