We had JUST started our shift when the station emergency bell rang. I went to the door thinking it was the usual "EMERGENCY blood pressure check". When I opened the door, there was a Mom and her Daughter of about 10 BALLING uncontrollably. At first, I'm thinking they have a loved one dead or dying in their car. Then the Mom says that she ran over a cat about 15 yards from in front of the station. The Daughter, could barely get out the words. "There was nothing we could do. The little girl asked if there was anything we could do to help it. As she asked, her Mom was nodding frantically "No". I stepped out and quickly saw the cat was dead (It was NOT a pretty site.) I told the girl that that cat was at total peace and went very quickly. Mom said that she just did not want to leave it there. I told them to not worry and that I would handle it. I reassured the little girl that the cat is in the best of hands with the big man. I got a slight smile from her. By then, I was trying not to get the "someone's cutting onions" eyes. OMG! I felt soooo much hurt for that Mother and Daughter! I LOVE animals, especially cats. But I knew the cat went quickly and he was a stray. I told the Mom to go on because I did not want the little girl to watch me scoop up a nasty scene. I was just SO glad that other cars took care to avoid hitting the cat again, even though it was morning rush. The Mom thanked me and they went on. My co worker helped me do the deed. Burying the cat was the easy part. Thinking of that Mother and Daughter bothered me for a long time.
