Sydney vet praised for kind act after death of woman's dog
A Sydney vet has been praised for a kind act after having to euthanise a dog.
Tammy Collins had to take her Maltese terrier cross poodle Freda to Southern Cross Vet Inner West at St Peters in Sydney on August 1.
Her “curly little sidekick” has been by her side for 16 years and was a gift from Ms Collins’ dad before he died but Freda recently fell deathly ill.
“She began going blind about six months ago,” Ms Collins told Yahoo News.
“We were going to have an operation to remove her eye but it burst.”
Ms Collins said she rushed her dog to Southern Cross Vet and Dr Ben McRae looked at Freda.
“He’d had a terribly busy morning with three emergencies,” she said.
“But he was very patient and made us feel OK.
“Sadly, there was nothing he could do to save Freda.”
Left with little choice, Freda was put down. Ms Collins said Dr McRae had tears in his eyes.
“He carried her in and laid her so gently down,” she said.
“He was lovely and very gentle.”
As Ms Collins mourned the death of her loyal pooch Dr McRae stayed by her side.
She added he looked after her and suggested she stay so she could properly mourn.
Firefighter's heartwarming act for dog after owner is hurt in fatal crash
'This is not a gift': Man's generous gesture for baby girl on train
'Great compassion and kindness': Police officer's kind act for man in broken wheelchair
He handed her Freda’s blanket and said, “I suggest you take this home”.
Ms Collins was deeply moved.
A week later Ms McRae received flowers.
“Our deepest condolences,” the card on the flowers read.
“We’re all thinking of you at this hard time.
“Our kindest, the team at Southern Cross vets.”
Ms Collins said the flowers were thoughtful and has praised Dr McRae’s kindness.
“I know he would see a lot of very sad pet owners and I just think it’s really lovely that he took the time out to make my day a little brighter,” she said.
‘What a beautiful thing to do’
Southern Cross Vet Inner West’s Dr Sam Kovac, who founded the St Peters practice, told Yahoo News Dr McRae’s conduct was “really sweet”.
He added the clinic regularly sends flowers to people who bring in their pets.
“Sending flowers is the least we can do,” Dr Kovac said.
“Dr McRae was in tears and a number of us might cry too. Sometimes we get criticised for crying and are told to be strong and that it’s unprofessional.
“But dogs are family members - they’re a part of us.”
He added Dr McRae is a “beacon of veterinary medicine”.
On Facebook, Dr McRae was hailed as a “wonderful vet”.
“So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful thing to do,” one woman wrote.
Another woman claims Dr McRae also treated her “much loved” cat which had to be put down but he was “amazing” throughout the ordeal.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
