Testimonials

Dr. Tom provides an invaluable service. When our 16 year old dog began to fail, we were very emotional & unsure about what to do. Dr Tom counseled us through this period via phone and email, but did not push us to make a decision or take any action. When we were finally ready to say goodbye to our old friend, Dr Tom came over that night. He was extremely compassionate & gentle with our pet, and with us. The whole process was kind and serene, and allowed us the privacy & comfort to mourn. Afterward, Dr Tom followed up to be sure our pet's remains were handled appropriately & delivered to us safely. After this experience, I would not hesitate to recommend Dr Tom to anyone, or to use his services again if need be.

Peg
North Shore of Massachusetts

Hello, Dr. Murtha. Leslie and I wanted to tell you how much we appreciated the caring and professional way that you handled helping our buddy Buster go to his next life. We couldn't have asked for a better way for this very difficult event to happen. Thank you, and thank you for the sympathy card, which really meant a lot to us.

You probably have seen this, but in case you haven't, here's something I found on the Internet that helped us to know that we had to be with Buster at the end…

Please take care of me when I grow old. When I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me, please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.

Hear Leslie in her own words:

Thank you again.
-- Bill & Leslie Hoop

Making the decision to have Elwood put to sleep was the most difficult decision I have ever made. Your patience and kindness throughout the entire procedure was beyond anything I had expected...thank you. I could tell from your voice over the phone and after meeting you that you have a gift and I am sure most people will agree that you make the process so much easier. I have begun to make a garden around the base of the little tree where Elwood spent his last moments of his life.

I received his ashes in less than a week. They also sent the lock of his hair. Now I have to think of Jake, he seems to be adjusting well. So Tom again I thank you so very much. You are a very special person. Sincerely,

Dee Martinelli
Taunton, MA

My name is Janet Hunter and have just now become aware that you are no longer at VCA. I hope you do not mind my writing you this note, but had to wish you well. You helped me throughout the years with my West Highland Terriers' health and well-being. But when it came time to end their suffering, you touched my heart because of your natural compassion, interest in what was best for the pet, empathy for the owners, and handled the entire process from terminal diagnosis, to euthanasia, and all the way up to your sending a personal card, writing the most beautiful comforting words, to my home afterwards. I will never forget that. You are a special, gifted man, and I believe this is your calling. You give so much of yourself to your clients and patients.

The hardest part of being a pet owner is facing the end...and you are capable of making it bearable. You told me that my dog lives in the moment...something I am still striving to do myself. The kindest thing I can give to someone who is facing their pet's leaving is to refer them to you. It's not specifically what you said or did, it's how you made me feel. I was trying to reach you at VCA because my latest Westie, whom you did get to meet and examine, etc., was chosen to have her picture on business cards promoting Beacon Photography here in Winthrop.

If you have any clients or know anyone who would want a beautiful portrait picture taken of their pet, please let me know and I will be happy to put them in touch with the owner, John Munson, at Beacon. God bless you Dr. Murtha, I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Janet Hunter
Winthrop, MA

Hi Dr. Murtha,

Just wanted to thank you for coming to our house on Saturday and for the peaceful way our Annie was euthanized. We're so happy she didn't have to go into a vet's office and be terrified in her last moments. Thank you for your gentle and respectful manner throughout the process. It's been a very difficult week for us, but each day gets a little easier, and we know that we made the right decision, in preventing Annie from any further suffering or hardship, and allowing her to pass away in the peace and comfort of her own home, surrounded by her loved ones. If I know of anyone else in a similar situation, I will gladly recommend you and your services to them.

Take care
-Tom Thomas J. Treacy

- Doug Gardner