Our pets are a source of joy and companionship.
Sadly, though, our furry friends' greatest flaw is their limited life span.
More likely than not, you’ll outlive them.
I recently had to make the difficult decision to euthanize my dog and grappled with many common questions.
Here’s what I learned from my experience.
Warning: this post is sad.
Do not read it if you don’t want to be sad.
Due to changes in technology, animals live longer and survive illness and injury.
We can’t ask an animal if it’s happy or suffering.
We have to look at observable criteria.Dr.
Alice Villalobos, a veterinarian in California, created a scale to help pet owners and other veterinarians.
You and your vet need to work on the scale independently.
I wanted her quality of life to score higher.
But changing the numbers won’t change the facts.
If you need ansimpler criteriafor deciding, track the good days vs bad days.
If there are more bad days than good, it may be time to end the pet’s suffering.
Write down three to five things your pet enjoyed doing like chasing squirrels or cuddling.
The American Veterinary Association of America hasclear guidelineson the humane and approved ways of ending an animal’s life.
Some methods cost more, so that may be a factor in your decision.
Speaking of costs, discuss it with your vet before the procedure.
Pay in advance if it’s possible for you to.
The vet’s office will need you to tell them what to do with the remains.
Some owners opt to receive the cremated ashes.
If possible, have a go at have a friend pick up the remains.
it’s crucial that you tell the vet before the procedure and reconfirm immediately afterwards.
Humans make mistakes, so confirm your decision with them many times.
These arrangements need to be made beforehand.
After discussing it with my Rabbi, I chose cremation but not to keep the ashes.
Some people believe it will be a more peaceful transition outside the vet’s office.
Vets tell me they’v even gone out to the dog’s favorite trail or park.
Schedule the procedure as the last appointment of the day on your vet’s schedule.
The vet’s office will ask if you want to be in the room for the procedure.
Some people find it painful while others want to check that they are there until the last possible moments.
Most animals will go peacefully, but occasionally they may twitch.
I chose to be there during the process because I didn’t want my dog to be alone.
Ask your vet and the staff what they think you should do.
They’ve got good insights into you and your relationship with your pet.
If the four-legged friend wasn’t allowed on the bed, invite him up.
If the rule in the house is no table scraps, consider giving her a few.
Check with the vet about fasting or other prep required for the procedure.
Tell your close friends that you’re putting the pet to sleep you’ll want support after the procedure.
They might want to say goodbye to the pet.
They’ll also check that you didn’t forget anything.
This is a time of intense emotional trauma and you may not be thinking clearly.
If you have children,you’ll need to explain what’s happening and assist them in their grief.
You may wish to gather the pet’s belongings and put them out of sight before you leave.
Afterwards, leashes and kennels are painful reminders of your loss.
You don’t have to get rid of them, but get them out of site before you leave.
Each time you walk by, the images might remind you of the loss.
Bring those pictures back into your life when you’re ready.
Finally, take the dog for a walk right before heading into the vet’s office.
Check with the vet about feeding.
Most vets I spoke with suggested not using these items with a new animal.
If you decide to get another pet in the future, you should give that pet a fresh start.
They shouldn’t inherit your former companion’s gear.
A new pet isn’t a substitute for your old companion.
I kept my dog’s favorite toy and put her old collar around it.
you could also create an online memorial.
Thegriefis real and getswrapped up with other painwe’ve faced in our lives.
Dont' be surprised if some of your friends and family don’t understand the loss of a pet.
Many veterinary programs havehotlinesthat exist specifically for grieving pet ownerstraditional therapists may not understand your loss.
Pet grief counselors say that is common.
Again, pay particular attention tohelping your children cope with the loss.
Pet ownership often involves routines.
It’s time tochange up your routinea bit so you aren’t reminded.
I was used to working at home and taking out the dog when I needed a break.
Now I’ve got a timer on my computer and I work out of the house more often.
A simple FYI before they enter the house should be enough.
If your guests are children, check with their parents onhow to explain it.
To fill the hole left by your loss, you might rush out and get another pet.
The Humane Society of the United Statesadvises against adopting too soon.
:
Rushing into this decision isn’t fair to you or your new pet.
Each animal has her own unique personality and a new animal cannot replace the one you lost.
The decision to end your pet’s life is a painful, yet compassionate choice.
While I miss my dog Tova every day, over time it does get better.
Photos byJaromir Chalabala(Shutterstock),Alan Hadgis,bagsgroove,megan ann,The National GuardandJodie Wilson.
