Oh, Beth---How awful for you!

and made worse by your gentle and nurturing soul.  I can see this being very upsetting for you.  But, it sounds as though you met a very compassionate vet.  Did you know him before, or is he someone new in your life--so to speak.  He sounds like the kind of vet I would want to know, if I still had animals. I'll be thinking of you a little more in my prayers tonight.