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Saying Goodbye to Your
Pet
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Sometimes the kindest thing you can do for a pet
that is so severely injured or sick that he or she will never
recover normal health is to have your veterinarian induce its death
quietly and humanely through euthanasia. The decision to have your
pet euthanatized is a serious one, seldom easy to make. |
Your relationship with your pet is special, and
you are responsible for its care and welfare. Many owners reach the
point in their pets’ lives where they are faced with making life or
death decisions for their pets. Such a decision may be necessary
for the welfare of the animal and for you and your family. It may be one of the most difficult decisions
you will ever make regarding your pet. Your decision is a personal
one, but you are not alone. Our veterinarians and medical center
staff and your family and friends can assist and support you.
It may help to consider not only what is best for your pet, but
also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is
important for pets and people alike. How will I know when it's
time? You may want to consider euthanasia if your pet
is terminally ill or critically injured. There may be a time
when you notice that your pet can no longer do with you and your
family the things he or she once enjoyed. Make an appointment
to talk with your veterinarian when your pet cannot respond to you
in the usual ways, or seem to have more pain than pleasure on a
daily basis. Sometimes when the financial or emotional cost
of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid
option. Pet Medical Center staff understands the depth
of attachment to pets, and can examine and evaluate your pet's
condition, estimate your pet's chances for recovery, and discuss
potential disabilities and long-term problems. We will explain the
medical options and possible outcomes. We will help you to fully
understand your pet's condition and the implications for your pet's
future. Bring a friend or family member to support you if
you’d like. We will explain the procedure and will work with
you during this difficult time. Rarely will the situation require an immediate
decision. Usually, you will have time to review the facts before
making your decision. You may want to bring family members and
friends together to say good-bye and spend special time with your
pet. Even if your pet is hospitalized, we will provide you
with private time with your pet. You may be choose to be
present or may prefer to have our staff perform the
procedure. These are all options we will discuss with you. |
Our Pet Medical Center facilities include a
special space where you and your family can be alone with your
pet. We will also make house calls. We give you and
your family all the time that you need to say good-bye. We
will help you to make decisions that are right for you and your
pet. Our staff will be here for you before, during and after
your pet’s death and will handle your pet with care and dignity. |
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As you make your decision, you may wish to
discuss the care of the remains of your pet's body with your family
and veterinarian. You have several options, and our staff can
provide information about burial, cremation, or other alternatives.
We work closely with Franklin Pet Cemetery in
Merced, California. Their caring staff provides sensitive and
personalized services during this difficult time, including
cremation and burial. They can provide a place to memorialize your
special friend and help you with your plans to honor your pet. If
you like, you may be present on site at your pet’s cremation. |
After Your Pet Has Died It is natural and normal to feel grief and
sorrow after your pet has died. Living with the reality of
your loss and the accompanying feelings are painful. Be
patient in adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your
beloved pet. |
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Everyone experiences grief in different ways.
You may experience anger, sadness, depression or loneliness. You
may blame yourself or others for not recognizing the illness
earlier or for choices that allowed a pet to be injured. Over time,
these feelings will be replaced with fond memories. |
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Grieving is a personal process. Some people take
longer than others. Be reassured that sorrow and grief are normal,
natural responses to death. Understanding this will help you to
cope with your own feelings and to help children and others face
theirs. Your other pets may show signs of loss, as well. |
There are times in the grieving process when
special assistance may be helpful. Our staff is available to you.
In addition, the following hotlines and links may be supportive
resources for you. (630)325-1600 Staffed by Chicago VMA
veterinarians and staffs. Leave voice-mail message; calls will be
returned 7 pm to 9 pm, CT (Long-distance calls will be returned
collect)
(540)231-8038 Staffed by Virginia-Maryland
Regional College of Veterinary Medicine; Tuesday, Thursday, 6pm to
9 pm, ET
(614)292-1823 Staffed by The Ohio State
University veterinary students; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30 pm
to 9:30 pm, ET; voice-mail messages will be returned, collect,
during operating hours
(508)839-7966 Staffed by Tufts University
veterinary students; Monday through Friday, 6 pm to 9 pm, ET;
voice-mail messages will be returned daily, collect outside
Massachusetts http://www.tufts.edu/vet/petloss/(888)ISU-PLSH (888-478-7574) Pet Loss Support
Hotline hosted by the Iowa State University College of Veterinary
Medicine. Operational seven days a week, 6pm to 9pm (CST) from
Sept-April; Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 6:00-9:00 pm (CST) from
May-August.
http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/animals/petloss/(217)244-2273 or toll-free (877)394-2273(CARE)
Staffed by University of Illinois veterinary students. Sunday,
Tuesday and Thursday evenings 7-9 pm Central Time http://www.cvm.uiuc.edu/CARE/Argus Institute: Grief Resources, Colorado
State University. For the Argus Institute office call (970)
491-4143
(509) 335-5704, Pet Loss Hotline, Washington
State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, staffed during
the semester on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 6:30 -
9:00 PM, and Saturday 1:00-3:00 PM Pacific Time.
http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/plhl/index.htm
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