Your Pet’s Passing A Resource for Coping and Creating Lasting Memories
Katherine Dobbs, RVT, CVPM, PHR
Beyond Treatment:
Your Pet’s Passing The passing of your beloved pet will be a sad time. On the topic of death, Steve Miles, M.D., said, “Death is not a medical event. It is a personal and family story of profound choices, of momentous words and telling silences.”
Creating Your Family's Story
Death Most of us hope that when the time comes for our beloved pet to pass away, he or she will do so in their sleep, painlessly and in the comfort of his or her own home. The reality is that “natural” or unassisted death is seldom without struggle and pain, despite our heartfelt wishes. Certainly, there are pet owners who do not believe in assisting with a pet’s death. If this is the case, your veterinary team will do their best to support your decision.
Euthanasia Veterinary medicine is able to provide humane euthanasia to assist in a respectful and painless death for your pet. The word “euthanasia” is Greek meaning “easy death” (eu = easy + thanatos = death). The intention of euthanasia is to end suffering and to do so in a peaceful, kind and loving manner. It becomes the final act of love. • Making the Decision to Euthanize – The decision to euthanize a pet is an extremely difficult one fraught with emotions and questions. The most common question is “How will I know when it is time?” The most important thing you can do is take the lead from your pet. Really “listen” with your heart to what they are telling you about their condition, level of participation in favorite activities, and quality of life. If you are honest with yourself you will find the answer to your question. Remember that you know your pet better than anyone else. You have a special bond that allows you to instinctively have a sense of what your pet needs. Your veterinary team will also play a critical role at this time. They will be able to give you invaluable insight about your pet’s medical condition. • End of Life Planning – An end of life plan ensures that you can see your pet out of this world in a way that is meaningful and true to you and your pet. For many people it allows them to have some control over an uncontrollable situation. A plan allows you to focus on your pet in his or her final moments without having to make last minute decisions. While making an end of life plan, it is helpful to start with what you feel most strongly about and what your ideal situation would look like. As always, plans may need to be modified depending on the unique circumstances of the situation or emergency condition. The following questions will help you make an end of life plan for you and your pet:
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An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. – Martin Buber
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1. Euthanasia can be provided either with you and/or your family in attendance, or privately with the veterinary team. The veterinary team will not judge your love or commitment to your pet if you choose to not be present for your pet’s euthanasia; rest assured they will provide loving care throughout the event. Would you like to be present for the euthanasia? This is a very personal decision and whatever you choose is the right option for you. There is no right or wrong answer. 2. Where will you and your pet be the most comfortable for the euthanasia? 3. If you would like an at-home euthanasia consider the following: Does your veterinarian perform at-home euthanasia? Is there a mobile veterinarian available that can provide this service? If you are involved with a hospice program, will they provide this service? (Resource to consider: www.inhomepeteuthansia.com) 4. If you will be bringing your pet to your veterinary clinic for euthanasia be sure to ask them ahead of time about how you will want to schedule this appointment. If possible, most veterinary clinics will schedule euthanasia at a time when the clinic is not as busy so that they can focus on you and your pet. 5. Are there family or special people in you and your pet’s life that would like to be with you during this time?
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Describe any special requests you desire during this time.
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• Understanding the Euthanasia Process – If you choose attended euthanasia, you will be more comfortable with the process if you know what to expect, for both you and your pet. Whether you have been present for euthanasia before or not, you will want to ask your veterinary team to walk you through the process. This will allow you to ask any questions or make any special requests that you may want. There are a variety of protocols that can be utilized during humane euthanasia; the details of the procedure may vary slightly from veterinary practice to veterinary practice. Described here is a common procedure for euthanasia, but please ask your veterinary team for what to expect in their practice. First your pet may receive an intravenous catheter to ensure that the process is painless and effective. Then your pet may be given a sedative which helps to bring a state of calmness and relaxation. Next an injection of a potent anesthetic drug is given directly into the animal’s vein that induces a deep sleep followed by death. It isn’t uncommon for the animal to take a final breath or have some muscle movement; this isn’t a sign of pain but is simply unconscious bodily reflexes. Your doctor will listen with his or her stethoscope to ensure that the heart has stopped. Your pet may not close their eyes after the euthanasia injection; this too is normal. Use this checklist to mark Yes or No if your veterinarian can provide what you check as desired. Yes
No
Desired
Scheduled euthanasia preferred Allow family adults to be present Allow children to be present Place intravenous catheter: In exam room: Away from room: Administer pre-sedative medication
Special Requests You may have a special blanket or toy that you want with you and your pet during this time. You may consider reading a poem, prayer or letter that you have written to your pet. While saying goodbye to your faithful friend, you may want to spend some moments alone with him or her after they have passed from this world. Please take as much time as you need to say goodbye. Your veterinary team will accommodate whatever feels most fitting to you. There are many ways your pet can be memorialized by you and/or your family, possibly with assistance from the veterinary team. Methods include a paw print in clay, an ink or paint paw print on paper, or snips of your pet's hair or fur. Ask your veterinary team how they are able to help you memorialize your pet's passing.
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Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow I am the diamond glints on snow I am the sunlight on ripened grain I am the gentle autumn rain In the morning hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circle flight I am the soft star that shines at night Do not stand at my grave and cry I am not there, I did not die! ~ Anonymous
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Care of Remains While your pet's spirit has left its body, the earthly form known as your pet continues to be honored. Whether or not you have attended your pet's final moments, requests for a visit with your deceased pet are typically honored. The veterinary team will discuss with you the options for your pet's remains, and this conversation may occur before or after the euthanasia. Here are some questions to ask yourself when making plans for your pet’s remains: • What are your final wishes for your pet’s remains? The options most often include cremation and burial. For either option, you may be able to include sentimental items with your pet such as bedding or toys. • What are the options for cremation? Your veterinary team can suggest a crematorium they recommend you contact, or they can make the arrangements on your behalf. Options often include individual cremation or attended cremation where the ashes can be returned to you, or group cremation where the ashes are typically scattered on a memorial site. • What are the options for your pet’s ashes? Most crematoriums offer a selection of pet urns, some with classic shapes, some with animal figurines, and others with an area to include a photo. More options can be found online as well. Pet cemeteries can also bury the ashes if you prefer. • What are the options for burial? Options typically include burial at your home, burial in a location that is special to you and your pet, or burial within a designated pet cemetery. If you would like to bury your pet at home or in another special location, be aware that there may be city restrictions on burial in some areas so you are encouraged to check with your city. Your veterinary team can inform you as to the availability of specific pet cemeteries in your area. Caskets are available as well, typically through the pet cemetery. More options can be found online as well.
Documentation During this emotional time for your family, the veterinary team will assist you in completing any documentation necessary to proceed with your wishes. This typically includes rendering a copy of the final invoice to you, and payment taken privately (to prevent you from having to remain afterwards to be checked out in the lobby). There will usually be a euthanasia consent form that will need to be signed, and care of your pet's remains typically will be discussed at this time before the euthanasia takes place. This can all be done ahead of time in an effort to make your exit as private and personal as possible.
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