Vegas Voice 10-18
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Saying Goodbye<br />
By: Beverly Washburn / Hollywood Memories<br />
To all my loyal readers (and I thank you) and<br />
to those who are new to my column, you<br />
know that I write about my memories of growing<br />
up in Hollywood, being a child actress and my experiences of working<br />
on various movies/TV shows with various actors.<br />
This month I’d like to write about a different experience. Please<br />
indulge me as I share this story.<br />
I’m sure you are aware that I am an animal lover and have had pets<br />
my whole life. Along with having pets, there sadly comes the time when<br />
they get old or sick and have to be euthanized.<br />
For those who have pets, I know you will agree that they are part of<br />
our “family.” Saying goodbye to them is devastating.<br />
Sadly, I had to put my little rescue “Reggie” down. He was a little<br />
mixed Terrier who had seizures his whole life and was quite the<br />
character. I actually think he had a sense of humor.<br />
He lived to be 17 (for which I’m very grateful) but in the end, he<br />
could no longer walk and was starting to fail. I knew the time was<br />
drawing near for him to go to the Rainbow Bridge, but it’s never easy<br />
to make that decision.<br />
Knowing that the drive there, and what you are about to do, and<br />
then, the long drive home with them no longer beside you has always<br />
been a heart wrenching moment.<br />
I go to a wonderful Veterinarian Hospital called “Legacy” and I love<br />
my wonderful vet, Dr. Terry Muratore. Dr. M. has always treated my<br />
pets with love and kindness and<br />
has kept them healthy for a<br />
very long time.<br />
What I didn’t know is that<br />
Dr. M. has another wonderful<br />
vet named Dr. Toby Goldman.<br />
Dr. Goldman performs<br />
animal hospice and “in home<br />
euthanasia.”<br />
I decided to do that for my<br />
Reggie, and I realize that there<br />
are many people who aren’t<br />
aware of that service.<br />
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Linda Q<br />
Photography<br />
I now know that it is the ONLY way to do it. Yes, it’s still hard, but it<br />
was so peaceful.<br />
I had candles burning, soft music playing, and Reggie was in his<br />
own bed, in his own surroundings with his “brothers” and “sister” and<br />
his “mom” right beside him. There were no bright lights, other dogs<br />
barking or strangers here.<br />
It was most peaceful and comforting and was as if he just drifted off<br />
to sleep. Dr. Toby (as he goes by) was kind and caring. He explained<br />
everything to me and I felt a warmth that exuded from him.<br />
For those who have pets, I pray it will be a long time before you have<br />
to make that decision. But when you do, I truly hope you will contact<br />
Dr. Toby. He has a heart full of love and compassion.<br />
Although, of course, I cried my eyes out, I can say that it was the most<br />
comforting, kindest, and gentlest way that I’ve had to say good-bye<br />
to one of my little furry ones. Dr. Toby can be reached at: TheLapofLove.<br />
com or at 702/703-9590.<br />
Rest in peace my little Reggie. You will forever be in my heart.<br />
Until next time, remember to always cherish the everyday moments.<br />
Beverly Washburn graced the silver screen as a child actress and<br />
is the author of Reel Tears. You can contact Beverly at: bjradell@<br />
hotmail.com. Check out her awesome, new website: www.<br />
beverlywashburn.com.<br />
22<br />
October 20<strong>18</strong>
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