I would like to bring to pet owners' attention a very important issue that is often overlooked even though it's a matter of life and death.

Cita, a beautiful two-year-old German Shepherd-Collie cross, was just rescued from a pound. She was spayed at a veterinarian clinic and stayed overnight so she could be monitored.

The next morning, she was found dead. During the night she tore off the cone collar, then she chewed open her stitches, and her own stomach. Nobody came to her help and she literally bled to death. She died in a tragic and horrible way.

Cita need not have died in fear and pain had she not been left unattended during the night. Unfortunately, many vet clinics do not have staff on duty during closed hours.

Most vets would suggest post-surgery pets stay overnight if the pet is unstable. However, pets are most fearful when left alone and confined in a strange place and, because they're so petrified, they could do something drastic and the outcome can be disastrous.

When taking pets for surgery, I would strongly suggest pet owners take their pets home the same day. Just ensure you get detailed care instructions and the phone number for an emergency clinic.

It's much safer for your pets to recover at home where you can monitor them. After all, who cares more about your pet than yourself?

We hope Cita did not die in vain. We hope veterinarians and pet owners will learn something from this tragedy. Maybe Cita came to this world for a short time to sacrifice herself, so other animals can be spared from the tragic death she endured. It must be so.

Lily Chan

Vice President

Mississauga Humane Society