Wholesale Cremation Creations
Pet Loss and Euthanasia
Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things there is. So
imagine if you have to snuff out that dear candle of life willfully!
For most people, making the decision to end a companions life
is a difficult one.
There are many questions in the mind that do not have clear-
cut answers. Are you doing the right thing? Have you tried all
the options? Should you perhaps meet another vet? Is this
really the end of the road? When is the right time?
The decision to put a loved one to sleep is a purely personal
one. Nobody can make it for you. At most, your veterinarian can
assist by pointing out signs and symptoms that help you decide.
* I would like to add a word of caution here. Earlier in life I
worked as a veterinary technician. While a vet’s advice should
be taken into consideration, they are human just like the rest of
us. They can (as I have seen) place their own personal beliefs
into the equation, creating an atmosphere of guilt feelings for
one decision or the other that a pet owner makes. It is your
decision alone and the most important person to listen to is
yourself and your animal partner. No one knows your loved one
the way you do.
Here are some pointers that will help you decide if it’s time yet:
1. Are they eating? An animal’s basic instinct is his love and
desire for food. An animal that is hungry has certain remnants
of vitality that cannot be denied. If your pet is not eating at all, it
is time to let him go.
2. Are they comfortable? An animal that is used to being
squeaky clean may feel uncomfortable if he is soiling himself
during the day. There are related issues of sanitation and
associated skin diseases to be concerned with. Pets can easily
pick up rashes and skin infections this way. This will add to
their suffering.
3. Are they pain-free? A pet that is suffering from debilitating
pains aches or cramps needs to be put out of its pain. Even
psychological trauma caused due to incontinence can be
excruciating.
4. Is your pet interacting? Does your pet recognize who you
are? Does it still enjoy human interaction? An elderly pet need
not chase after frisbees and balls but he should enjoy sleeping
comfortably, eating well and interacting with his owner.
5. Are there alternative treatments you can try? Before you
even make a decision, consider visiting one or more vets and
getting their expert opinion. Never assume that your pet’s
condition is untreatable. If your pet has a reversible problem, it
would be a shame to lose him to ignorance.
Even when our faithful companions are at the pinnacle of
suffering, we hesitate to think about putting an end to their
lives. This is natural. But when suffering, pain, disinterest and
lethargy rob your pet of everything there is to live for - that is
probably the best moment to end a life that has been the
source of great joy. At such a moment, they need you to be
strong and make the right decision.
Having known your pet for most of his or her life, the decision
to let go – how, where and when - is perhaps an instinctual one.
When all the medical facts have been checked out and there is
nothing really to keep you hanging on - that is the best time to
end your pet’s sufferings as humanely and painlessly as
possible. Most people know the end from clear signs. This is a
time to trust your instincts and act upon the messages your
loving companion is sending out.
Some things you might consider:
If it is your desire, most vet offices will allow you a private
room. All family members are usually welcome. For my family, I
make the choice to bring ALL family members. This includes
non-human ones. It is my opinion that the entire family needs to
understand what is happening.
Saying goodbye is one of the most difficult things there is. So
imagine if you have to snuff out that dear candle of life willfully!
For most people, making the decision to end a companions life
is a difficult one.
There are many questions in the mind that do not have clear-
cut answers. Are you doing the right thing? Have you tried all
the options? Should you perhaps meet another vet? Is this
really the end of the road? When is the right time?
The decision to put a loved one to sleep is a purely personal
one. Nobody can make it for you. At most, your veterinarian can
assist by pointing out signs and symptoms that help you decide.
* I would like to add a word of caution here. Earlier in life I
worked as a veterinary technician. While a vet’s advice should
be taken into consideration, they are human just like the rest of
us. They can (as I have seen) place their own personal beliefs
into the equation, creating an atmosphere of guilt feelings for
one decision or the other that a pet owner makes. It is your
decision alone and the most important person to listen to is
yourself and your animal partner. No one knows your loved one
the way you do.
Here are some pointers that will help you decide if it’s time yet:
1. Are they eating? An animal’s basic instinct is his love and
desire for food. An animal that is hungry has certain remnants
of vitality that cannot be denied. If your pet is not eating at all, it
is time to let him go.
2. Are they comfortable? An animal that is used to being
squeaky clean may feel uncomfortable if he is soiling himself
during the day. There are related issues of sanitation and
associated skin diseases to be concerned with. Pets can easily
pick up rashes and skin infections this way. This will add to
their suffering.
3. Are they pain-free? A pet that is suffering from debilitating
pains aches or cramps needs to be put out of its pain. Even
psychological trauma caused due to incontinence can be
excruciating.
4. Is your pet interacting? Does your pet recognize who you
are? Does it still enjoy human interaction? An elderly pet need
not chase after frisbees and balls but he should enjoy sleeping
comfortably, eating well and interacting with his owner.
5. Are there alternative treatments you can try? Before you
even make a decision, consider visiting one or more vets and
getting their expert opinion. Never assume that your pet’s
condition is untreatable. If your pet has a reversible problem, it
would be a shame to lose him to ignorance.
Even when our faithful companions are at the pinnacle of
suffering, we hesitate to think about putting an end to their
lives. This is natural. But when suffering, pain, disinterest and
lethargy rob your pet of everything there is to live for - that is
probably the best moment to end a life that has been the
source of great joy. At such a moment, they need you to be
strong and make the right decision.
Having known your pet for most of his or her life, the decision
to let go – how, where and when - is perhaps an instinctual one.
When all the medical facts have been checked out and there is
nothing really to keep you hanging on - that is the best time to
end your pet’s sufferings as humanely and painlessly as
possible. Most people know the end from clear signs. This is a
time to trust your instincts and act upon the messages your
loving companion is sending out.
Some things you might consider:
If it is your desire, most vet offices will allow you a private
room. All family members are usually welcome. For my family, I
make the choice to bring ALL family members. This includes
non-human ones. It is my opinion that the entire family needs to
understand what is happening.
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