Pet Memorials

In Memory of Casbah

ACVIM
1997 Wadsworth Blvd.
Suite A
Lakewood, CO 80214-5293
March 23, 2005

To who this concerns:

I would like for a specialist in your organization to be recognized by her excellence in Veterinarian Medicine, Dr. Anne Chauvet, D.V.M., D.A.C.V.I.M. (Neurology), in Sarasota, Florida. Her surgical skill is not the only thing that impressed me about her – it was the “collective” support she and her staff gave me while enduring the final months of my beloved whippet, Casbah.

Dr. Chauvet removed a C4 intramedullary tumor in Casbah’s spine. For the 2 ½ weeks prior to this surgery, Casbah was paralyzed. My expectation of the surgery was to euthanize, since the mass was inside the chord. Not only did she successfully remove it, but also Casbah was walking 5 days later! Unfortunately, the hemangiosarcoma had spread to his brain, and 2 months later, he was euthanized.

Throughout my contact with Dr. Chauvet, I was deeply touched by her bedside manner; sensitivity and compassion towards both the pet and owners; her staff; and her genuine display of care. I listed some items that particularly impressed me

Casbah was featured on her practice’s web site as “Pet of the Month.”
(http://www.petneuro.com)

I was free to call her on her personal cell phone, including night and weekends.

She drove to Chik-fil-A to give Casbah his favorite food after surgery (chicken strips!).

She purchased an air mattress for my little boy because he had developed bed sores while paralyzed. She never charged me.

She always presented the facts and options, albeit devastating, about Casbah with empathy, and understood that I would do anything for my pet. Even though other vets may find my actions and decisions pointless, Dr. Chauvet made no judgment and supported my decisions no matter what the odds of success were.

Her clinic is decorated with a colorful, European motif, complete with a human and pet waiting area. There were water bowls, doggy beds, and toys for pets. The clinic’s staff was nice and supportive, and also, the clinic’s pets and homeless patients she operated on were a delight!

She mailed me a cute teddy bear pop-up card thanking me that I chose to trust her in Casbah’s care.

In short, words cannot describe how she handled herself both as a vet and a supportive human during a time of great loss.

Sincerely,

Victoria L. Adams
St. Petersburg, Florida