TIPS TO MAKE EUTHASIA EASIER FOR GRIEVING CLIENTS < “Justifying” a pet’s death by pointing out how necessary and medically called for it was only disenfranchises grief. Believing the necessity of the death is critical but there will be time for these kinds of explanations later. < Listen to and answer all your client’s questions, even though some may be repeated over and over. < Realize there’s nothing for you to “fix” because nothing is wrong. < You should encourage tears and realize that they’re natural responses to losing a loved one. Inhibitions to public displays of emotion are harmful. < Lean in and close the space between you. In principle, touching and physical contact are taboo, and probably discouraged during the pandemic, but touch is a It’s also important to take your own advice—show compassion to yourself, take grief breaks, spend more time with loving and supportive people, stay powerful way to connect and say, compassionate act that softens “I’m here.” A touch on the arm the pain. can be deeply reassuring < Grief never ends, but you may < Death can take a long time to be in a position to say that be accepted. The body, mind relationships and love never and heart resist the reality—life end either. Ritual actions taken without life’s companion. Let to secure the relationship after clients know you’re available to death—ceremonies, tree-planting, try to answer their questions. shrines with photographs and Encourage them to make an mementos, and art and letterappointment to talk. writing to the deceased pet keep < Because “naming and sharing” the spiritual connection and are great healers, encourage memory alive and strong. clients to spend time with under- < Encourage self-care and self-comstanding, non-judgmental friends passion. Grief places a huge and family who will listen to their burden on the mind and body, so story no matter how many times self-compassion, self-care and forthey’ve heard it. giveness are essential prerequisites < Leave something of sympathy. for the journey. Good advice is Some animal hospitals place a to eat well, take grief breaks, go rose or some other flower after for walks and stay in touch with the euthanasia. It’s a simple loving, caring people. healthy and, of course, cry when you need to. Those who have lost a loved one tend only to remember the last days of death and illness, but since we don’t just focus on the end of a movie, suggest that they remember the entire beautiful life that was shared. References 1. When Working With Animals Can Hurt Your Mental Health, https://www.sciencedaily. com/releases/2019/08/190809113026.htm Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny is the director of Animal Talks (animaltalksinc.com) a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) animal charity. His work in the emerging field of pet grief has been recognized by People Magazine, the Boston Globe, Pet Gazette, ABC/TV, Dogster and Caster magazines, and other media. Kaleel also has BS, MFA and MA degrees, and meets with pet parents regularly by phone or zoom. He welcomes inquiries and comments at Kaleel@ animaltalksinc.com. He invites conversations about pet grief and the healing journey. 8 PETVET MAGAZINE