Hartley

Thank you, Mark, for your patience and kindness when we had to say goodbye to Dads 20 year old cat, Hartley  It was extra emotional as Dad had only died a few months before but Hartleys final farewell was done with love & care and we have planted the seeds you kindly sent and sprinkled some of Hartley ashes on top and around his favourite spots in the garden. 


Felix

On Thursday 10th August 2023, as a family we sadly had to say goodbye to Felix for the last time. Felix was the second old boy out of four, Tig, Felix, Socks and Marm. Felix was more playful and a true party cat. If Becky went away on holiday, Felix would be out on the town till she got back. Felix took a long time getting used to new people and changes. He didn't like change. When Felix was younger he came back home covered in blood and war wounds. 

Three years ago we had to say goodbye to Socks. Felix and Socks had a love-hate relationship going on. Felix would slowly warm up to people if they had food to give him. He didn't like to pick up cuddles, he would run away. He would come and sit on anyone's lap when he wanted cuddles. Felix had street smarts, not like his little brother Marm. When Marm was in trouble Felix would be there to save him and be the guardian angel.

Felix loved to make a grand entrance by meowing when anyone was about, for example letting him indoor or food time. In the past he would leap on any surface to stop us from what we were doing, homework, on the laptop and even using tools in the house, he was the boss.   

Felix was 12 year old and we had to say goodbye and show our respect for him being alive.  Felix would also be my cat guardian.  He can now rest in pieces with Jack, Socks, Emma and Bessie.  

As a family we would like to say a big thank you to Mark, for looking after Felix in a caring way, with dignity and respect. Mark and Felix have only met a couple times, they were like two ships passing in the night. 

Thanks again Mark for what you have done for our animal family. 

Kind regard 

Barney

Dear Mark and the team,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional care and compassion during a very difficult time.

Your expertise, gentleness, and understanding made the process of saying goodbye to my mum's beloved dog a little easier to bear. Your professionalism and kindness helped us find comfort in knowing that our dear companion was in caring hands until the very end.

We are immensely grateful for the way you handled the situation with empathy and respect, ensuring that Barneys last moments were filled with love and tranquility. Your dedication to providing the best possible care for animals truly shines through. 

Although the pain of losing Barney is still fresh, we find solace in knowing that he passed peacefully, surrounded by people who genuinely cared for him. Your support and understanding made a profound difference during this challenging time.

Once again, thank you for everything you did for Barney Your kindness will always be remembered, and we will forever be grateful. 

With warmest regards,

Alfie

Dear Mark and Rebecca,

Thank you both so much for the lovely Sympathy card and wild seeds that you sent for our Beloved Alfie. That was so kind and thoughtful of you both.

We would also like to thank Mark again for all the care and compassion you gave Alfie and us during a very upsetting and difficult time, whilst putting Alfie to his forever sleep.
The time you spent to explain to us what will happen every step of the way and for putting our minds at ease, Alfie was able to go peacefully and with dignity and that means so much to us, we will be forever thankful to you.

The job you both do is amazing and important and any animal that is under your care is very lucky.

Kindest regards

Peppy

Sorry it's taken me so long to send you something about Peppy. We miss him very much. Every time I go to find a photo to send you I end up crying. Actually writing this with tears streaming down my face. 

I've chosen this one as he looks so happy! He's on my bed, waiting for me. His favourite place to be In fact, I have his ashes next to my bed so he can sleep with me forever. When I die he will leave this Earth with me ready for whatever comes next.

Thank you for all the fantastic care and advice you gave us. It really did help him be more comfortable and help us feel confident when caring for him. You managed to put all of us at ease and know that ultimately it was the right thing to do for our lovely Peppino. 

There would have been no one else I would have trusted to have helped him cross the rainbow bridge.

Thank you again.

Lots of love from The **** Family.

Fiona

My dearest Fi Fi aka Princess Fiona, you and I both helped each other through some very tough times in 2014 . You had been mistreated and I was recovering from cancer. You were the tonic I needed, the light in our lives and although you were only meant to be a 2-week convalescence, you stayed another 8 wonderful years. Through that time you became patient 31 of Marks and he helped you fight cancer and all sorts of skin infections and kept you in tip top health. Until reaching the grand old age of 17 in September, it was just that step too far and we couldn't keep that beautiful heart of yours strong for much longer, sadly I soon realised we had to say the toughest of goodbyes to you. We called during the night to come and help you through the struggle into the calm and peaceful place where we knew we had to let you go.

Your quiet gentle snoring slowed and came to an end whilst you were snuggled up in your blanket with your favourite toy and me sobbing by your side, it was the best thing I could do for you after all the fun adventures you have given me, Conor and Jimi your little rascal pup, but it was one of the hardest things ever.

We sobbed so hard I'm sure you could hear us as you legged it across the rainbow bridge for some peace and to find my Mum and a deer leg or 2!

Mark was so amazing and explained it all to Conor so he was as prepared as he could be and helped us say our final goodbyes. The pawprint, card and ashes were brought back in no time and she is with us still making us smile when we look at the dozens of pictures, we have around the house. Thank you so much for making our goodbyes so perfect and helping me to make the right choice at the right time, she really was one in a million, as are you all at Mark the Home Vet. Fly high baby girl x

Scholesy

It was really difficult when Scholesy because unwell. At 16 years old we agreed we didn't want him messing about with. Mark and his team were amazing. After chatting about everything that was starting to go wrong with our beautiful boy Mark agreed with our decision to allow him to sleep. Mark was also supportive of the fact that we were not seeking a definitive answer for Scholesy's rapid decline in health. 

Mark took his time and was very calm and patient with us all as we were so so upset. Scholesy fell asleep in my arms and Mark then helped us position him on a cuddly we called his mummy. He's now resting in his garden at the foot of a beautiful Jasmine plant next to his best friend RIP Scholesy.

Thank you Mark and team for helping us through this heart-breaking loss.

Pebbles

This is Pebbles our little Tortie who we welcomed, with her sister,  into our home over 10 yrs ago now. And she remained part of our family as a cheeky little cat at full of character.

Unfortunately, we had to say goodbye to Pebbles last week. And with the help of Mark, who was so caring, made her travels to Cat Heaven' as peaceful as it could be.

Little Pebbles is now at peace and at rest, but at the same time leaves an emptiness in our hearts because we loved her so very much. And it's because we loved her so much that we had to let her go. I'd like to say thank you for all the care and empathy that Mark and Shelley showed to me during this time

Rolo

Everyone’s comments say it all for us.

Dreaded saying goodbye to Rolo who was with us for over 13 years. As a rescue he was about 2 when we got him and he didn’t seem to know how to cuddle. All skin and bones and not surprisingly a bit mardy.

We soon changed that and will fondly remember sofa cuddles and his pretty smelly kisses which were hard to avoid and now we all miss them.

He was a great dog and with the help of all at your practice everyone helped give him the best few last years and eventually we all sent him on his way as best anyone could. Thanks to you.

Wynchester

Hi Mark, 

I thought I'd send you an email now that I've managed to pull myself together a little. 

We were all so appreciative of your kindness and patience yesterday when we said goodbye to our lovely Wynnie. 

14 years is a long time to me, having had him since I was 9 given as a birthday present. He's been my best friend and we've been inseparable. 

I had so much anxiety and anticipated grief as soon as we booked the date, but the way you were with Wynnie and with us made the worst day of my life so much more bearable. It was beautiful even. Seeing my beautiful boy snoozing, pain free as we said our goodbyes and prepared to let him go was the closure I needed. 

He was treated with genuine compassion and love and I'm so, so glad we had you out to us. I thought it was going to be horrendous but it was so peaceful and so relieving to see him drift away quietly. 

Now I don't cry for him only for myself as I miss him so, but without you I don't think I'd of coped half as well as I did. 

Thank you again

Sky

Words can’t express enough how grateful we are to Mark for his care, kindness and empathy towards us and Sky, over the six months we have been with Mark. 

When the time came to say goodbye to Sky, he passed away peacefully in his own surroundings and in his own bed.  This meant a lot to us knowing that Sky wasn’t stressed and during the whole process, Mark supported and reassured us, helping to put us at ease and gave us all the time we needed to say our goodbyes.

We couldn’t have wished for a kinder vet for our beloved best friend, Sky. 

With our sincere thanks,

Harry

Thanking you in so many ways, we wish you’d known Harry for longer, seen him run, jump and burst a football ( his favourite thing to do!) things we are missing.  Thank you making his passing so gentle, and allowing Harry to determine the pace of him leaving us. Thank you for stroking our old shepherd Meg and talking so sweetly to her, she is missing him, tons of extra cuddles which brings both parties comfort. We miss him we loved him. He was our kind of crazy perfect x

Elle

Elle was with us for 18.5 years, and we are left with an empty feeling in the home, yet with so much love and countless treasured memories.  Fiercely independent, she discovered the great outdoors at an early age and patrolled her territories with huge dedication.  She took part in many fights, overcame injuries, lost the sight in one eye – but always lived life to the full. She would climb trees, fences and rooftops, her life was always busy and performed in 3D. She would come sprinting home for food, sleep and strokes, then depart rapidly for another shift outdoors. Inevitably, with age, she slowed down, and showed us another part of her character, one much more open to long cuddles, and the pleasures of just being.  What an honour it has been to have had her sharing her long life with us!

Elle/Ellie/Ellie MacQellie/Ellie Bon Bellie is now reunited with our son, she was always his cat.

We cannot thank Mark and his team enough for the superb care, respect and empathy that we, and Elle, received, not least at the end. Thank you.

Bernie

Hi Mark and  Rebecca,

Thank you for your kind email. It was so reassuring to speak to Rebecca last Thursday about Bernie and then book the appointment for you to come out to her.

I’m sorry I couldn’t face being with her at the end but knew she would be in safe hands as a friend had recommended you both.

Bernie hated going to the vet and I knew when her time had come I wanted her to be in her own home and not frightened.

She was very stoic and loyal dog and we are missing her terribly . We lost our Welsh terrier last march and now Bernie has gone there is huge vacuum in our home.

Thank you for bring her back to us so quickly. She is now at the bottom of the garden with Stan.

Thanks again for your professional service and caring attitude towards us at this sad time. 

Please see attached photos in happier times 

Kind regards 

Clyde

I can’t thank you enough for all your kindness, understanding, compassion and time that you showed Clyde and me on Thursday.  It was a difficult time and decision for me, but I can honestly say the relief and understanding you gave us both helped me so much. It was all so peaceful & relaxing to say goodbye to him. Clyde’s sister Abi, is also coping so much better than I thought she would, thanks again to you.

Clyde was certainly a wonderful, gentle and calm dog all his life with not a bad bone in his body.  He was brought up on an island with Abi and had a great childhood on the beach, in the sea and loved by everyone.  Although his last few months were hard for him, he never ceased to amaze me with his determination and was more than a man’s best friend to me & Abi - he helped me through difficult times too.

Thank you again Mark. I feel there are not adequate words, but hope you know what a wonderful person you really are.

My best regards

Gemma

Gemma Bee ( 22/03/07 – 3/12/22)

I will be forever grateful to you Mark for your kindness and understanding at the most difficult time for me in making the awful decision for my girl.  Collies soldier on no matter how much they hurt or feel ill, they just keep giving their all.   For her to go to sleep after eating treats on her rug was the kindest thing for her, she was not stressed or anxious. She was at home in her own surroundings with her family who she knew loved her by her side. Thank you for coming so quickly and for taking the time to talk me through what was going to happen and confirming that the decision I had made was the best decision for Gemma. Thank you for helping me say good bye to my lovely old girl in such a compassionate way.

We adopted Gemma from the Blue Cross when she was 10 months old.  Gemma was a beautiful collie both inside and out.  She was clever, loyal, loving, friendly, quick to learn and was keen to have a 'go' at anything she was asked to do.  We understood each other, we made a good team together.  We enjoyed dog training in obedience and agility. She taught me a lot about dog training, in fact a friend said that Gemma trained me! 

We walked miles together, if on a planned walk she arrived at a river or pond before us, you could hear her squeal with pleasure at being in the water.  We had some truly wonderful, happy years together.

Gemma was my loyal friend, and has helped  me over some really difficult times in my life.  She trusted me and I trusted her, she stayed by my side for 15 years, I never went anywhere without her. 

Up until the last  two years she has happily gone into any vets,  but following problems with her eyes and her mouth she started getting stressed when visiting the vets. Especially during COVID when I was not able to go in with her. I had to bribe her to go in using chicken.  When the end of her life was near, it was important to me to give something back to her and  alleviate any pain she might have had to endure.  Mark giving her sleep at home without any stress for her, meant so much to me and in some small way thanked her for being my friend.

Gemma was much loved and will be greatly missed.

Run free Gem Gem. 

Pop

Pop was my constant companion from the time she was 8 weeks old, she was so tiny that she spent the first month tucked inside my hoodie just to keep her warm.  Pop likes nothing more than tucking herself under your arm or pushing behind your back when you were sitting down… bedtime was her favourite time of day when it was time for a prawn cracker and to curl up in the back of my knees…

She might have been a small girl but she more than made up for it in character…

She was fiercely loyal and protective…. She loved babies and was always there to babysit as soon as one was in the house… she has left a huge hole in our hearts, there will never be another dog quite like her 

Lulu

Dear Mark

I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and the calming aura you brought to us all at such a sad and heartbreaking time.

Lulu hadn’t been herself for sometime, but she still liked a cuddle and her appetite never wained, but the day we called you it was definitely Lulu’s time to go.

You made her last moments so peaceful and pain free, she just drifted off to sleep.

Our beautiful Staffie Lulu would have been 14 years old in December, she had a great doggy life and was so loved by all the family. In time I hope we can remember her in her younger days … she was funny, loyal, so loving and the heart of our family, she especially loved a drop of Dad’s Guinness, apples and cheese

Thank you so much once again for explaining the process, not rushing us and bringing relief to our treasured Lulu

Very many thanks

Molly

Molly came to us as a rescue dog when she was seven months old.

Typically for a Border Collie she was clever, quick and always ready to go.

She didn't care much for other dogs but just wanted to be by our side, gently nipping our heels to hurry us along or giving us the 'collie eye' if we got out of line. .

She took agility & canicross in her stride but nothing beat a day in the Scottish mountains where she was truly in her element and would lead us all the way to the top.

She lived a good and happy life.

As she sadly came towards the end at age 13, we were so grateful to have the care of Mark and team who enabled us to gently let her go with great sensitivity and respect.

We will miss you always our sweet Molly. Sleep tight our darling dog.