Recently I had to euthanize a pet rat who was very near and dear to my heart as she was very old for being a rat, and has been through some of my most turbulent and trying times in life. My rat had begin to show signs of deterioration in the last few months. I took her to the vet to have her checked and they essentially told me even with all of the recommended treatment I may not extend her life at all or it could be a week or a month. I was torn but knew at this point she was in a great deal of pain and had to honestly ask myself Am I keeping her around to protect her or was I keeping her around because I was being selfish. I decided to put her down that day after the vet had relayed the diagnoses. From the very beginning of the process to the end the vet and staff had could have not been kinder. Most of the techs gave me hugs and stayed with me after they had completed the procedure. I had also been to this vet before and he remembered my other rats and my dog and asked how my dog was doing. A few weeks went by and I went to my mailbox and there was a greeting card. When I opened it I was moved because every single person at the vet had signed it and sent well wishes, sympathies, and encouraged me to think of the memories and joys Marty and I shared together. Many of the employees told me that Marty was lucky to have me as an owner and that as hard it was, it was the right thing to do. In addition, the vet personally signed the note and told him how sorry he was and that if I needed any further support to call the hospital and they would take care of me. I do not care if you have an iguana, rat, cow, chicken whatever it may be. Pets are loved ones and family members and it was nice to know that they employees care about their clients owners.