Dr. Urbiztondo of VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital totally botched my Gunter's euthanasia here. When I was surprised she wasn't going to use a sedative she assured me all would be well. If I could give zero stars I would.

She first never flushed the catheter to ensure that the catheter was properly placed or had come displaced. She could clearly see she was dealing with an up and alert patient. It was his refractory epilepsy and daily multiple seizures made us make this difficult choice, but between episodes he was like a normal 2 1/2 year old dog. Your first hint that maybe even though not your regular approach a sedative would be appropriate. Not too mention he just pulled a sizable male vet technician down the hall.

Next, she was forcing the plunger so hard she broke the needle from the syringe. This is because the incompetent hack didn't realize or didn't care she was forcing the shot between the muscle and skin creating an obvious bulge. Mind you my dog is still standing and completely conscious now just more anxious and under who knows what kind of discomfort.

Now this seemingly incompetent vet is in a panic not sure what to do, and she actually wanted to try and put another catheter into his other leg as if she hadn't tortured him enough.

I demanded a sedative which finally put this half hour of madness to rest and he was able to be euthanized without a catheter. Definitely stay far away from Dr. Urbiztondo, but you should also consider what kind of place would hire her in the first place not too mention keep her employed after having her boyfriend try to intimidate and harass me on top of giving my dog a horrible death. Do yourself a favor, find a clinic that hires professional and competent people if your companion matters to you.