14423 124th Ave NE, Kirkland Washington 98034
My 6 year old yellow lab, Bruno had a cardiac arrest around 10:30 am this Tuesday (8th Oct 2024) while lying near my feet in my study room. He had no previous health issues and was a perfectly happy-go-lucky gentle giant. I can still hear his painful shrieks that mellowed into a whimper before he passed out in my arms. When 911 refused to attend to pet emergencies, my only option was to pick him up and rush to the nearest vet.
Having recently moved to Woodinville, I vaguely remembered a vet hospital opposite Safeway. Following my memory, I hurried Bruno there, which turned out to be Evergreen Veterinary Hospital. As soon as we arrived, the hospital staff rushed out to take Bruno inside while I caught my breath and completed the paperwork.
Despite their best efforts, Dr. Wilcock and her team were unable to revive Bruno. They suspected cardiac arrest as the cause. Bruno left us unexpectedly and far too soon, at just over 6 years old - much younger than the typical 12-15 years for Labradors. My family is devastated by the loss.
Throughout this difficult time, Dr. Wilcock and her team were incredibly empathetic and supportive. Being our first dog, we were unprepared for this experience, and they guided us through each step. They provided us with options for private cremation through a third party and arranged for Bruno's ashes, paw prints, and fur clippings to be returned to us in an urn (awaiting, expecting to go pick it today).
We left Bruno at the hospital and came back later that day after my daughter came back from school to say our final goodbyes to Bruno. We brought Bruno's favorite toys and treats for him to take with him across the rainbow bridge. Christina, the front-office manager, helped us navigate the paperwork with great compassion. They allowed us to mourn and stay with Bruno as long as we needed.
After coming back home, when we realized we had forgotten to apply the red holy powder (we are Hindu), we called the hospital to ask if Bruno was still there. Though we couldn't apply it ourselves, the staff graciously assured us they would follow our instructions and apply the powder on Bruno's forehead for us.
Although I don't have experiences to share about their routine care, I can confidently say that we couldn't have found a better place to say goodbye to our beloved Bruno. Their final bill was also very reasonable, only charging for the actual services provided—unlike other veterinary hospitals that often charge for room fees, doctor visits, etc.
While I know Bruno can never be replaced, if we ever have the strength to bring another puppy into our home, Evergreen Veterinary Hospital is where we will go.
Thank you, Dr. Wilcock, Christina, and the entire staff at Evergreen Veterinary Hospital, for your compassion, support, and understanding during the most heartbreaking moment of our lives.