Euthanasia

Making the Difficult Decision
How can we make that difficult decision to end the life of a pet whom we have love, nurtured, played with and lived with?  The pet may have been with us for a short time or for many years.  It may protect us, serve us or just be there when we need something to cuddle.

Instincts Prevail
Our domestic pets have maintained many of their "wild" instincts.  Dogs wag their tails in happy reception of those whom they recognize and love.  They cower when we reprimand them, just as they do for the pack leader.  They urinate and defecate on certain spots to "mark their territory." 
One of the most important instincts, however, is to mask pain or illness.  Many pet owners, advised that their pet is suffering from a serious disease, comment, "But he's not acting very sick."  What happens to a wild dog or cat if they "act sick"?  Invariably they are killed by other animals - sometimes even members of their own pack.

A Painful Decision
When WE have to make that final decision, we feel GUILTY.  We are torn by feelings of helplessness, guilt, anger, and sometimes the misguided notion that we owe it to the pet to keep it alive at all costs.  "How can I tell a veterinarian to give my pet an injection that will kill it?"

When a pet becomes ill or is seriously injured, we must make a decision based on several factors.  We must set realistic limits which include the emotional expense to the pet's family, physical costs to the pet and, many times unfortunately, financial cost.  It is best for family members (or a single owner) to sit down with all the facts in front of them and, as rationally as possible, set those limits.  This is the fairest thing pet owners can do for the pet and for themselves.

The 'Treatment' Option
Sometimes veterinarians treat pets for a "good disease," and hope for the best.  A "good disease" is one that can be successfully treated or controlled.  it may be a disease that can cause death but, if it can be diagnosed, the veterinarian and owner can either cure the illness or at least buy the pet good quality time.  With a "bad disease,"  even if the diagnosis is made there may be absolutely nothing that can be done.  Therefore, with a few exceptions, veterinarians try to spend their efforts looking for and treating a "good disease."

Deciding with Love
So, we come to that difficult decision-making time.  We have decided what is best for the pet.  Regardless of the decision, we face the possibility of feeling guilty because we made the wrong decision.  We feel guilty if we elect to have the pet euthanized.  We feel guilty if we choose treatment and it is unsuccessful.  We should put ourselves in the pet's position: "What would I want done if I were in this situation?"
If an owner, after evaluating all the available information, decides euthanasia ("merciful death") is necessary, he or she must tell the veterinarian.  In those cases, the owner MUST realize that sometimes we have to love our pets enough to let them go.

 

www.aplb.orgWe have all experienced the pain of losing a pet. The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement has set up this site for support during this most difficult time. You will find inspirational stories, grief counseling resources, hotline number and many other resources.

www.veterinarywisdom.com  Frequently asked questions about Cancer in companion animals.

www.vetcancersociety.org Education and information on current clinical trials.


www.curecaninecancer.org Afundraising and informational site for canine cancer.

www.csuanimalcancercenter.org  Offers cancer consults and information about various treatments.

www.tripawds.com  For pet parents living with three-legged companions.

A Poem from one of our Special Clients

An Ode To My Friend
People who own dogs
no matter the size
think that their breed
should win a first place prize.

We treat them as family
but a short life they live
love and devotion
is what they have to give.

Their life as a puppy
paper training and all
when they came through the door
they're at your beckon call

When you say to your friend
lets go for a ride
he dashes for the car
tail wagging and eyes wide.

As the years go by
and your friend turns gray
he struggles to walk
and you dread that day.

And when that day comes
time to let him go
memories flood your mind
the tears start to flow.

For your loyal friend
you know what is best
and with heavy heart
you lay him to rest.

You hope he knows
as he goes to sleep
he will be remembered
his soul God will send.

The breed that I chose
to be my friend
was a Basset Hound
my Pal to the end.


Given to us by Ken, Rosalie and Family about their best friend CJ.