Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County - Port St. Lucie (FL)

5 /5 Karin van der Valk: I’m trying to process this as I said every day how thankful I was to still have Ellie. We knew she was living on borrowed time. Last night we thought her breathing spell would end. More and more medication had no effect. We let our rationality be compromised by emotion. Three hours, and her heart couldn’t take it. She was struggling to breathe. She kissed me on the mouth and eyes as she always did during an episode. At the ER she was in an oxygen chamber for approximately 30 minutes and given heart medication. The vet said she might not make it through the night. I hope she forgives me for being selfish before putting her needs first. Dad and I kept thinking she would improve. The vet brought her in to us in a blanket for us to say goodbye. He then administered the medication as I held her little soul slipping away from me. I felt like part of me was slipping away with her. I miss my endless shadow. The house seems empty. She was with me from morning to night. I’m on my pillow she slept on. She would sleep with her head against my cheek. I would hear her heartbeat and breath on my face. Sometimes in the middle of the night, she would kiss me and then reposition herself next to me. She looked at me during her spell and as she always did, she kissed my mouth and eyes. I’ve lost so many fur babies but she was unlike any other. I knew she needed me but I needed her more. She was unconditional love and support. I have a hole in my heart. I pray with time I can fill it with all our beautiful shared times. The doctor and assistants were deeply caring. They surprised us with a beautiful card and clay paw imprint. They were compassionate and said to take as much time with her. She went peacefully in their blanket as I held her. Thank you so much ❤️

5 /5 Ashley Steckman: I had to write a short review of our experience at VMC. We rushed our beloved golden retriever there after he had several seizures back to back. As we were rushing in the door with our boy in our arms there were already calling for the nurse to bring a stretcher out asap. Within a matter of seconds they rushed him back and within two minutes but feeling like an eternity we were placed in a private waiting room. Upon waiting no later than 5 minutes the doctor came in and gave us the gut wrenching news about our baby. I cried like I never cried before but they were all very sympathetic as we had to make the decision to put our sweet boy to rest. They allowed us as much time with him before and after putting him sleep. They did not rush us but allowed space for the loss of our baby. I kindly asked the nurse who took him away if she could get me a stamp of his nose and paws and some clippings from his hair. It is all that I have to hold onto to him. They wrapped him in a blanket before we took him home and gave their condolences. And today marks a week of having to say goodbye to my best friend and first thing this morning I opened a sweet card that they sent after his passing which means so much to me. Thank you to the doctor and staff who allowed us the time and space to be with our sweet boy. And was sympathetic as they watched us cry the loud and ugly tears. Your card means so much to me as I remember my sweet golden boy.

5 /5 Mames: The Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie County has been an incredible source of support for our family. When our beloved 14-year-old lab mix, Peyton, reached the end of her life, they were not only straightforward and clear about her prognosis but also incredibly compassionate. They guided us through her palliative care, providing medication and education so we could give her the best care possible in her final days. When the time came to say goodbye, the entire team showed immense empathy, from the front desk staff to the techs and the doctor. They allowed us all the time we needed to be with Peyton, never rushing the process and giving us space to say goodbye both before and after. Their compassion truly helped ease such a difficult moment. Since then, weve adopted a new pet from Peggy Adams with known health issues, and the Veterinary Medical Center of St. Lucie continues to show the same care and love for him as they did for our princess Peyton. Their consistency in compassionate care is remarkable. If I could give them six stars, I absolutely would!

5 /5 bobhoe 1960: I brought my beloved dog (Bauer) , who suddenly became very sick, in the evening. They took xrays that revealed cancer of his lung and around his beautiful heart. I dont remember the doctors name that showed me the xrays but when she came in to tell me how sick he was I could tell in her eyes how much she personally cared about my precious family member and his condition. I couldnt let my boy suffer and had to let him be free from any suffering. They treated my family with total respect and understanding that wasnt fake or forced. I decided to have him cremated. I received the ashes and several days later they sent me a beautiful card with all the staff expressing their heartfelt condolences. In the card they had a nose print of my boy. That nose that was always was in my face along with a big wet kiss. Its only been a couple weeks but I miss him so much and am tearing trying to write this. It had to be done and I am grateful to the entire staff and I say thank you for your kindness and compassion.

5 /5 Monica Mauldin: I brought my baby in late Friday 10/18. He needed surgery to remove a large mass in his abdomen. My nerves were shot. Dr. Nick admitted him. Dr. Rivera did his surgery. My baby pulled through and was back home with me on Tuesday, October 22. I have to say Im so thankful for all who helped take care of my Angelo. The staff were very helpful. Drs called me every morning to give me an update. I was able to visit Angelo in a private room and cuddle him, feed him, brush him, and walk him. I would recommend VMC to anyone who needs care for their babies. Thank you again everyone at VMC. My heart is whole again. Angelo is resting peacefully in his bed tonight thanks to you.