Pawtrero’s Dog Day Afternoon

  Five stars doesn't quite due justice to Dr. Araba's practice and person. Upon learning my senior cat (17) had an aggressive form of lymphoma just before Thanksgiving, we decided to... read more call Blue Sparrow. With the impending holiday, I was very nervous, weighing medically boarding her vs. sending her over the rainbow. Thankfully Dr. Araba understood this and provided consult at our home before making the decision to send my sweet girl, Silly cat, to heaven.

Upon opening the door, we knew why everyone has rated her 5 stars here on Yelp. We immediately sensed her kindness, empathetic soul, and knowledge, which fueled our confidence that she'd provide proper consult to us considering the timing/holiday week. She and her vet tech reviewed Silly's medical diagnosis, explained them to us in a more digestible fashion, and then asked us how she'd like us to share her personal opinion. We basically said, "Go for it" - we were so emotional and we instinctively knew she'd suggest sending Silly cat over the rainbow. And, she did.

The process was timed at our needs, not hers (though we had 2 hours). She thoroughly explained what would happen, and assured us of its humane and dignified fashion. Since Silly cat had been hiding much of the past few days, we brought Dr. Araba into the room where she was and we sat down on the carpet. Silly immediately emerged; I didn't even need to open a tuna can to get her out (my strategy should she have stayed under the couch). I took this as a true sign that Silly was ready to cross the rainbow bridge. Both her and the vet tech let my boyfriend and I have as much emotional space allowed in our small apartment during the process steps. It was amazing how attuned to our needs they both were.

Two weeks after this process, and the many tears that followed, Dr. Araba personally delivered Silly to us with a beautiful hand-written card. In addition, the practice had mailed us a card signed by every staff member. Even though they had alerted Silly's vet of 14 years, Nob Hill Cat Clinic, I've yet to hear from them.

I will also add that communication with the receptionist Azurdee was always timely. She was not only kind and empathetic to me via email, but professional as well.

I plan on using Dr. Araba and team for my younger cat moving forward. They are truly #1 in my book. Thank you to everyone at Blue Sparrow.