Saying goodbye to a beloved pet will probably be the hardest thing you will ever have to do in his or her life. Knowing when to say goodbye is often the most difficult part of the process. It is not an easy decision to make, but I’m hoping I can offer up some helpful advice so you can make an informed decision when the time comes.
Knowing When
As I stated before, knowing when to say goodbye is often a difficult thing to decide. The main thing to look at with a pet is quality of life. Whether the pet is ill with a chronic condition, or just getting up there in age, if you think it is getting close to their time, there are a few categories related to quality of life you can look at.
- Mobility – Can your pet walk? Can he get up and lie down without assistance? Is he able to go to the washroom ie squatting or using the litterbox without difficulty?
- Appetite – Can your pet eat on his own? Does he still enjoy his favourite foods? Is he still eating at all?
- Pain – Is your pet in discomfort or severe pain that is not treatable? Is it preventing him from doing the things he enjoys?
- Response to Treatment – Is your pet responding well to treatment? Is he getting better or showing improvement?
The Process of Euthanasia
Once you’ve made the decision that it is time for your pet, you will probably have questions about the process of euthanasia. One of the most common questions is “Is it painful?” The answer is no, euthanasia is not painful for your pet. The drug is given IV and the pet falls asleep and passes. You are welcome to stay with your pet as they pass, but there are quite a few who cannot bear it and do not stay, which is also ok. You can do what makes you most comfortable. Of course, you can have as much time as you need with your pet before and after they pass.
Another common question is “What happens after?” After your pet passes, they are picked up by a cremation company called Gateway. They are always handled with respect, dignity and love. Some people would like their pet’s ashes and others do not. It is completely up to you. Another really great thing Gateway does is paw prints. They make an impression of your pet’s paw print and you can either get it painted or as is.
The Rainbow Bridge
All pets go to the Rainbow Bridge, where they wait to reunite once again with their owners. I will leave you with a link to the beautiful poem about the Rainbow Bridge. It has helped me so much with the passing of my pets, and I hope it helps you too.
