Pets In Peace - operating as

How will I know when the time has come?

 

Assessing the quality of life of your pet is something that as the owner, you are in the best position to determine.  Look for changes in your companion in the following areas:

 

• Change in eating or drinking – are they interested in food, or drinking excessively or not enough?

• Has your pet lost a lot of weight, are they being sick / vomiting?

• No longer interested in normal activities, e.g. playing, running, going for a walk

• Becoming confused, or experiencing dementia, circling or having seizures

• Unable to stand on their own – or having difficulty getting up or walking

• Becoming incontinent – having accidents in the house, or having problems urinating or defecating

• Having difficulty breathing, or being out of breath from even gentle activity

• Having fewer “good days” than “bad days”

• Does your pet have an adverse reaction to your touch? Do they pull away?

• Are they "denning" or hiding more wanting less contact with you and the family?

• Has your pet been diagnosed and suffering from a terminal illness or disease in which recovery is not probable or response to treatment has not been effective?

• Is your pet crying out or whimpering?

 

It is sometimes difficult to determine if your pet is in pain or suffering since often times our faithful companions hide their pain; cats will continue to purr and dogs will continue to wag their tail and seek out comfort from you, even as they experience pain and illness. 

 

It may be helpful to keep a log of any noticeable behavioral changes and a calendar of "good days" and "bad days" to help you further assess if your pet is making improvements or experiencing diminishing quality of life.  Assessing the quality of life of your pet is very individual and is best determined by you and your family veterinarian.  Determining the right time for euthanasia is also a very personal decision, and often times you will hear people say “You will know when the time is right”.   I believe that this is very often the case. 

 

Unfortunately,  families sometimes say that they feel that they waited too long.  If you feel that the time is near, “too early” is preferable to “too late” when it comes to the relief of suffering, and if you are considering whether it is the right time, that time may well have already arrived.

 

Where?

 

Making a final journey to the veterinary clinic can be very stressful for both you and your pet.  Choosing to say goodbye in the comfort of your own home removes the stress of going to the clinic, and provides a comfortable setting where you have the choice of where your last memories with your pet will be formed. 

Think about where your pet will feel most comfortable.  Decide whether you would like any family or friends present, including other pets.  It is not necessary for you to stay with your pet during the euthanasia procedure, but you are welcome to be present for as much or as little as you feel comfortable. 

 

When?

 

Please call to discuss your needs.  Home visits are by appointment only, and every effort will be made to accommodate your wishes regarding when the appointment takes place. The appointment will begin with introductions, and a discussion about the condition of your pet.  We will then discuss your expectations and desires regarding the procedure, whether you want to be present during the euthanasia, and what your wishes are regarding the after-care.  I will also assist you with the completion of all the necessary paperwork, prior to the procedure beginning. 

 

How?

 

In order to make the euthanasia procedure as peaceful and painless as possible for your pet, a sedative and a pain relieving agent will normally be administered first to relax the patient.  Whilst your pet is becoming comfortable, relaxed, and sleepy, you will have the opportunity to spend some time with them and say your goodbyes.  When you have taken the time that you need, and you feel you are ready, and your pet is suitably sedated, an anesthetic agent is administered at a dose which causes the animal to pass away peacefully, whilst asleep.

 

When your pet has passed, you will be able, if you wish to spend some more time together.  You can take as much time as you need to grieve and to say any final words.  If you have other dogs or cats, it often helps their understanding of what is going on by allowing them to see and acknowledge their companion's passing.

 

What Next?

 

There are several options available for taking care of the body after the death of a pet.  Should you wish to have your pet cremated, I am happy to provide transportation of your pet for cremation at a local crematory which offers either individual or group cremation, with return of the ashes if an individual cremation is selected.  Should you have any concerns or special requests regarding the after-care of the body, I will be happy to discuss all available options, and assist in any way I can.

 

Burial at home must conform to local township regulations. If allowed, an average size pet should be buried deep enough that they can be covered with at least three feet of earth.  The reason the depth is important is to not only prevent your pet from being disturbed by wildlife, but also to prevent wildlife from being harmed by ingesting a pet that has euthanasia solution within them.  It is the responsibility of the pet owner, as well as the veterinarian, to prevent injury to wildlife.  Because the burial depth is deep, you also need to be cautious of water and power lines. Burial at a pet cemetery is another available option.

 

If you would like to keep a lock of fur, I can assist with collection.  A clay paw print can also be taken as a keepsake for you.  Other memorial items and keepsakes are available through the local crematorium, and I will be happy to provide further details, and place the order on your behalf.  You may also choose to make your own arrangements for the aftercare.

 

Coping with the loss

 

The death of a pet can be as traumatic as the loss of a human family member, and additional grief may also be caused by the decision of choosing euthanasia.  Support is available to help with coping with loss, and the provision of such support is an important part of the service provided.  Remember that your choice to assist your pets passing is made with compassion and regard for his/her well-being and quality of life.

 

It's important to take time to go through the grieving process. Sharing your feelings with others is an important part of the healing process.  I will do all that I can to help you through this difficult time by providing a gentle passing for your companion in a safe and private location of your choosing, by allowing you the time that you need and the reassurance that you are doing the right thing.  I will also provide some helpful literature and contact information for support groups.

 

Call for an appointment:  215-805-3625