Surgery is associated with the Red Jasper crystal which is believed to promote strength and alleviate pain. The theatre suite is designed for elderly patients allowing their owners to remain with them during surgical procedures in a peaceful and calm space.
Two years ago Anita visited a little dog who was energetically not ready to leave this life. Despite only needing simple surgery her owner was not prepared to leave her at the vets in case she didn’t make it through the anaesthetic and their last shared memory was being parted in a clinical environment. Because of this her owner made the heartbreaking decision to let her go despite Anita knowing there was a strong chance she could have made it through and would have had months maybe years longer with her family.
The pain both Anita and her owner felt at helping her pass will never be forgotten.
Anita was so moved by the loss of this beautiful girl and by how unfair it seemed that there was no choice between surgery in a regular practice and euthanasia that in that moment she determined to create the space that was missing. A space to allow families to take that sensible and measured risk and to have the procedure that could be life saving.
Over the years Anita has met families who have taken the chance and been rewarded with a longer happier life for their pet and likewise some who live with the regret and torment of making the decision that didn’t allow them to say goodbye gently. With our new provision you will be by your pet’s side as they fall asleep before their surgery and not have to leave them at the door.
If you choose to come to us you will stay with your pet through their sedation and in the adjacent room whilst they have their anaesthetic and surgery, dental work or x-rays and when they are ready to wake up yours will be the first face they see when they open their eyes!
We have designed the suite around you and your pet, with a comfortable waiting and recovery area. As only one operation takes place each day, you have exclusive use of the premises along with a nurse devoted to the care of your pet until they are discharged home. As part of the package, we provide a pre-anaesthetic onboarding consultation with blood tests and an explanation of the procedure with time for us to find out your needs and expectations.
We believe the one-to-one care your pet will receive will mean a less stressful experience for all of you and a quicker surgical and recovery time in the peace and quiet we are able to provide. Our aim is not to carry out heroic or unnecessary surgery but to gently carry out procedures that will give your pet a better quality of life for longer and treat life limiting disease.
If the surgery is life-saving - such as removal of a bleeding tumour - and we cannot save them despite trying our best then your last memories will be exactly the same as if you had chosen euthanasia, as they will fall asleep in your arms but this way you have every possibility that they will wake up and you can take that chance of saving them with no regret because you will be there at their side whatever happens.
The theatre suite is dedicated to my father Dr Sudhangshu Bhanja who returned home to spirit on 8 February 2024. A small canvas of him and the plaque from his medical practice hang on the prep room wall, if you happen to catch sight of him and wonder who he is. He watches over us all, the kindest and most caring man I have ever known.
