pet cremation

[geeo]

My beloved cat had to be put down recently and as I live in a flat, I asked for her to be cremated and her ashes to be returned to me, so I could bury them privately. However, after 4 weeks and several calls from me, the vet finally rang to tell me they'd made an internal error and that she'd been cremated communally and her ashes had been scattered. They offered an apology, but that was it. I'm really upset and athough there is no way to retrieve her ashes, is it realistic to ask them to make a small charitable donation by way of apology?

[gessoo]

I am so sorry. You must be very upset. I think it would be fine if you write them a short note saying that you do accept their apology but, as it has upset you so much, it would make you feel a lot better if they would consider a small donation to a charity of your choice.

With best wishes

[Gowergirl]

I think you should write to your vet & tell them exactly how you feel.Ihad my cat cremated a few weeks ago,so I can imagine how distressed you must feel on losing a much loved member of your family.
Perhaps they could find out for you where the ashes were scattered.I'm sure they could put you in touch with the people who carried out the cremation.
I'm not sure you should ask for a donation,but when they realise how unhappy you are withthe way they handled the situation,they may suggest this themselves.Make sure the letter goes to the Head Vet.He/She may know nothing about it
Good Luck

[veritymoon]

i agree with gowergirl most pet crems have really pretty gardens where they scatter the communial ashes maybe you could check it out if you think it may help.

i would contact your vet too and get them to make a donation its the least they can do

im sorry for your loss

[geeo]

Hi everyone. Thanks for all the advice. I contacted the vets involved and spoke to the senior vet. He apologised for the way we'd been treated (NB: the euthanaisa had also been very badly handled too, but that's another matter), however, he point blank refused to give a donation to charity. He wasn't even particularly sympathetic. I wish I'd had a better outcome.

If anyone else has had a similar experience, I'd love to hear about it.