KNOWING WHEN IT’S TIME
Saying Goodbye to a beloved pet today, I want to touch on a heartfelt topic that many of us have experienced as pet owners: knowing when it's the right time to say goodbye to our furry companions. I's a decision filled with love, but also immense sadness. Our pets bring so much joy and love into our lives. They become our family, our confidants, and our loyal friends. However, as they age or face illness, we must face the reality that their well-being may be compromised. Recognizing the right time to say goodbye is a deeply personal and emotional journey. We must carefully observe their quality of life, their comfort, and consult with our trusted veterinarians. It's a decision that requires us to prioritize their happiness and well-being above our own desires. Choosing to say goodbye is an act of profound love and compassion. It means sparing them from pain and suffering, allowing them to depart with dignity. it's an incredibly difficult and selfless decision, but it's our responsibility as pet owners to ensure their quality of life.
Consult your veterinarian, as they are best equipped to guide you through this difficult process. Sometimes, your veterinarian can clearly tell you when it's time to euthanize your pet. In other instances, you may need to decide based on your observations of your pet’s behaviour and condition. Friends and family can also help you make the decision, and are often good to seek opinions from as they don't see your pet everyday and may notice a big deterioration. Also, since they may be less emotionally attached they may be able to make a more rational decision.
Here are some signs that may indicate your pet is suffering or no longer enjoying a good quality of life:
- Chronic pain that cannot be managed with medication (your veterinarian can help determine if your pet is in pain).
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea leading to dehydration and/or significant weight loss.
- Refusal to eat or only eating when force-fed.
- Severe incontinence causing frequent soiling.
- Loss of interest in favorite activities, such as walks, playing, eating treats, or seeking attention.
- Inability to stand or frequent falling.
- Chronic labored breathing or coughing.
Once you have made the decision to say goodbye, Dr Charlene can come out to your house and make the process as smooth and gentle as possible. Dr Charlene can coordinate the whole process, including after care transport and cremation orders.
SAYING GOODBYE. By understanding the procedure, may you embrace the final gift you are giving to your pet- and may you find peace.
As a veterinarian helping dogs and their families through this difficult time is something I have done may times. I do my absolute best by helping your fur baby on their way by giving them respect and treating them as my own.
Take comfort in knowing that you provided them with a loving home and a lifetime of cherished memories. Lean on your support network during this time of grief, and remember that you are not alone. May our beloved pets who will cross the rainbow bridge find peace and happiness. Let their memories live on in our hearts.
Once you've made the difficult decision, consider how and where you and your family will say the final goodbye.
-If possible, give your pet the “best send-off” beforehand. This could be going to the beach if mobile, a ride in the car or simply an ice cream as they are going into their sleep.
-Dr Charlene is very flexible and can usually accommodate specific requests.
- Ensure all family members have time to say a private goodbye before the procedure.
- Prepare children for the loss by explaining the decision and helping them through the grieving process. Some books can be helpful. It may not be suitable for young children to witness the procedure. Some children may like to put some glitter on the pet afterwards- this can help remind the children they are going "to the rainbow".
- Decide if you and your family want to be present during the euthanasia procedure. While it may be too overwhelming for some, others find comfort in being with their pet during the final moments. You are welcome to be close so your pet can hear and feel you.
-Dr Charlene recommends other close pets to be present, as long as they are friendly and do not take over the focus on the pet having the procedure.
-If you wish, put on some calming music*, candles or just the TV- whatever makes you and your pet feel comfortable
- Small to medium-sized pets are either held or placed on a bed, while larger dogs may be more easily handled on the floor. Ensure your pet has a comfortable blanket or bed to lie on. Some pets will make their own decision on the location.
-Knowing what to expect during the euthanasia procedure can help alleviate some of the stress and anxiety. Dr. Charlene will explain the procedure before starting. Don’t hesitate to ask for further explanation or clarification if needed.
You are welcome to be close so your pet can hear and feel you. Keep speaking loving words throughout the procedure- the last sense to “go” is the hearing. Dr Charlene will start off with a sedative injection- she usually advises a treat to be given at the same time. This sedative is very strong and can often push them into an anaesthesia. Dr Charlene will then administer an overdose of an anaesthetic drug, quickly causing unconsciousness and gently stopping the heartbeat. The injection is not painful. An intravenous (IV) catheter is usually placed in the pet’s vein to reduce the risk of vein rupture during the injection. After the final IV injection, your pet will drift into anaethesia and then beyond into their forever rest within seconds to a couple of minutes. Dr Charlene will use a stethoscope to confirm that your pet’s heart has stopped. Your pet may experience muscle twitching, intermittent breathing, or release their bladder or bowels after passing. These are just reflexes and not pain.
-Dr Charlene can clip some fur as a momentum for you to keep (or scatter), should you wish
-Dr Charlene will usually offer you a few final minutes alone with your pet after the procedure.
*music examples:
Somewhere Over the Rainbow- What a Wonderful World. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Goodnight My Love Moira &Nieman
Somewhere Only We Know. Keane
Dancing in the sky. Dani and Lizzy
You’ll Be In My Heart. Phil Colins
Keep Me In Your Heart. Warren Zevon
Chasing Butterflies. Jordon Frank
BURIAL AND CREMATION OPTIONS
Dr Charlene can provide various options for your pet’s final resting place.
- Cremation: This is the most popular choice. You can choose whether to have your pet’s ashes returned. Dr. Charlene typically uses "Evermore", a professional and local crematorium that offers a choice of urns and personalized memorials such as paw and nose prints. Your chosen crematorium can also be arranged with advanced notice. Dr Charlene offers transport to "Evermore" at no cost, when you select the cremation and keepsakes via the link sent after booking.
They may be sent off with a blanket/bed/favorite toy if you wish.
- Burial: You may choose to bury your pet in your own yard.
- Dr. Charlene can come to your house, allowing you and your pet to share the last moments together in a familiar and comfortable environment.
If you are facing the difficult decision to euthanize your dog, I hope I can offer you comfort, understanding, and the strength to let go of any guilt that you should not bear. Your pet crossing the rainbow bridge peacefully in their home surrounded by their loved ones is truly an honour.
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