3309 Alberta Drive NE
Rochester, Minnesota 55906
(507) 282-0867

3309 Alberta Drive NE
Rochester, Minnesota 55906
(507) 282-0867

Pet Loss Library


My Angel Dog, "Whimpie"

by Dellta

About 20 years ago, I was looking out my front window and noticed a little white cock-a-poo standing on the side of the road, full of burrs and had matted fur, standing there looking towards me. Being the animal lover I am, I ran out, brought him in the house, and bathed him. I brushed all the burrs from his fur and fluffed him up. From then on, I kept him in the house and babied him. We became very close pals.

I LOVE this dog SOOOO MUCH! Everytime I was feeling down, he was always there for me, with kisses and he'd lay in my lap. Everywhere I went, he went with me. Car rides and trips. I considered him as one of my children. We had a great bond with one another. He always slept with me and looked forward to me coming home from the grocery store, because I had always bought him some favorite treats.

Unfortunately, he became ill, and got to the point to where he wouldn't eat and had lost alot of weight. I took him to the vet and they did exploratory surgery on him. It turned out he had cancer of the liver. They gave me the option of him living until he died or having him put to sleep. This really broke my heart to a million pieces. I couldn't bare letting him suffer, so out of my great love for him, I decided to have him put to sleep.

Afterwards, I had my sister and little son pick his body up from the vet, so I could bury him in my backyard, where I could sit by his grave and visit with him.

My sister and little boy buried him, and as they came down off of the hill, there was a ray of sun that shone upon his grave. I guess this was God's way of trying to comfort me in letting me know my little furry friend was at peace and living a painfree and happy life with the Lord.

This was some comfort, but still I cried everyday, for at least a week over losing and missing my little companion.

To this day, I cannot forgive myself for putting him to rest, because I felt I had taken his life away from him. Maybe I should have gotton a second opinnion.....maybe I could have done more.....maybe the last time I held him I could have held him a little longer and give him good-bye kisses. I have many regrets!!!

To this day, if I talk about him and our memories, I get a tear in my eye and feel this lump in my throat. I think of him everyday, and still can see his furry little face. I just hope there really is a "Rainbow Bridge" and hope that when I leave this life

Dellta is a member of Beyond Indigo.

“I love when my dog Cash and I walk in the door and everyone greets us by name. It means a lot (to both of us! :)), and shows that you all really do care for your patients and guests. You guys are great! Thanks so much for everything!” -C. Johnson

“I chose Northern Valley when I got my first pet due to the extended hours during the week and on Saturdays. That is very helpful considering I work full time. The vets and techs are fantastic. They know my pets by name and are familiar with their medical history even without their charts in hand. All staff are very sweet to my animals.” -M. Moeller

“The vet was so nice and worked so well with Izzy, who is totally paranoid and afraid of other people. I appreciate his time to answer my questions and tell me how to keep Izzy healthy.” -R. Martin

“Thank you to all the wonderful staff of NVAC! You provide wonderful care to us and our owners. This year, we are particularly grateful for your care of Roger—he retrieved over 100 pheasants this season and is at his physical best—despite Addison s and ACL/broken leg—amazing!!!’ -Roger, Noel, Bella & Kiddy” J.&B. Oviatt

“Loved the tech who cut our dogs' nails. She did an excellent job!!! We have been coming to NVAC since 1992. It is so nice that everyone knows us and our pets. We appreciate all you have done for us over the years---esp. those Westie years!!” -C. Parker-Neiss

“The technician was very attentive and made sure to ask about my dog's weight history (we think there must have been an error on the previous visit). Both the vet and tech were accommodating to my dog's quirks (were very gentle with the ears and did not take the rectal temp as she freaks out and was not sick at the time of the visit). They were very kind to her and offered treats with the vaccinations. Even the receptionist made sure to pet her and offer a treat. My dog was not at all traumatized and was as happy as always when leaving. I felt all my questions were answered and I came away with good knowledge of my dog's health (fortunately it was great). I also bought some Heartguard and Frontline as flea and tick season will be upon us soon.” -L. Estes

“Northern Valley is fantastic. The attention and care that my pets and myself have received has been extraordinary, especially when dealing with a deathly ill animal. I really appreciated that the staff paid attention to my concerns and valued my thoughts and observations as we problem solved and determined treatment. I can't help but wonder if we would have had a negative outcome had I been at another vet. Thanks to the great staff for helping treat my kitty!” -M. Moeller

“Always a wonderful experience. Very professional and kind and friendly staff. Thank you! Vladimir had his hair cut by Shannon and she is amazing! She is kind and gentle with our robust pet. She is a brilliant groomer! We LOVE Shannon. Especially Vladimir.” -S. Palmer-Ziolkowski

“I am soooo very happy with Northern Valley Animal Clinic, and I am very grateful for all the care you all have taken care of all the pets we have had. Boozer, Sammy, Dolly, and now Izzy. I feel very confident in her care with you all. Thanks for being there.” -R. Martin

“The whole staff is awesome!!! Been there for/with me & my furkids in good times & in bad. Also, they are wonderful supporters of rescue groups.” -E. Meinecke

“They have treated me with such kindness. I had to put my little man to sleep, my 11-year-old ferret named Sid. Not only were they gentle and caring about the process, they sent me home with a little paw print keepsake. Thank you so much.” -D. Nicole

“Shannon is the best groomer!!” -M. Smith

“The staff were ALL very kind and seemed to truly like and appreciate the animals they were dealing with, they had good empathy with me and also my dear dog, who was their patient. I feel relieved to know that I have found a good "medical home" for my little animal family, at Northern Valley Animal clinic.” -N. Honeychuck

“We really appreciated being able to call at about 11:30 am on a Saturday and being able to be seen at 12:30 pm the same day. Meant a lot to us!” -J. Hill

“There is nothing more important than making sure that your pet is in good hands when it has a medical problem or needs preventative care. The team at Northern Valley Animal Clinic is wonderful and always treats you and your pets with respect. They have the knowledge and dedication to make sure that your furry family member is well taken care of. Every time we take our shelter animals into the clinic, they are always treated with the best of care and compassion. Thank you Northern Valley for all you do for the homeless animals and Paws and Claws!” -T. Johnson

“Dr. McKie really went above and beyond my expectations. I needed to bring my 2 young inquisitive children with me on the night of our cats' visit, and she let my children hear our pets' heartbeats and answered all of their questions even about animals that weren't even present! Thank you to her for giving us such a fun and exciting experience. My kids are still talking about it! Thanks again to all of the staff who made our night with their friendly service and willingness to answer questions!” -T . Tollefson

“Thank you, Thank you for the awesome grooming on my dear Ginger. My wife and I trust no one with our girl. Shannon was kind and warm to her which in turn made us very comfortable leaving Ginger in her care. Gin looked great when we picked her up and she did not seem to mind her ordeal at all. You guys are wonderful and we will be back. Thank you.” -J. Kapinos

“Woof Woof” -from Ginger

“You guys are great!!! I have a dog with lots of issues, and you guys always take good care of us! Thank you!!” -A. Reed