Yes it is absolutely devastating news! I got the call from someone at the vets at lunchtime yesterday and I still can't seem to process it.
James was just such an unbelievable vet and human being. His 'over and above' approach to his profession and his dedication and care to our animals never ceased to amaze me. His care and skill saved our precious pup at the age of 2 days old and then three times later (due to an ongoing auto immune disease). James gave us ten amazing years with our precious Leo and then in the final weeks of Leo’s life late last year after developing mouth cancer, although we were on weekly and bi-weekly visits, he called me every single day to check on how he, and I was. He even called a few days after he, with tears in his eyes, had to euthanize Leo to see how we were all coping! He truly and honestly cared for his animals and their owners.
The look on James’s face when a couple of months later, he opened the door to his consulting room after an appointment to see me sitting there as his next appointment with our new bundle of fluff sitting in my lap, was priceless! He was so happy! He said “this one’s a real beauty… I am so glad that he is helping to heal your heart”. That was James…. he will be more than sorely missed!
I do hope that once all of his wonderful colleagues have time to have their personal time to deal with this terrible tragedy, that they will organise some sort of memorial so that we, his much thankful and devastated clients, may get the chance to honour him and say goodbye.
Rest in peace James…. I know that when you visit Rainbow Bridge, you will be bowled over by all of our cherished pets that you helped and cared for but are now gone…. Leo will be leading the pack!!
