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Tori, a dedicated cat guardian,
wrote the following words: "Pea had a good last few weeks.
I, on the other hand, had a horrible few weeks. I was sobbing
with astounding frequency and force and grappling with feelings
about life and death and the uneasy power I seemingly had over
Pea's. I felt despondent and guilt ridden every time I left the
apartment because I wanted to be with Pea. I eventually allowed
myself only one 2 hour outing a day. During this time I relied
heavily on Dr. Shanan" Tori's experience is not unusual.
Compassionate Veterinary
Care's hospice consultation emphasizes that making end of
life decisions is more about how the pet will die than if or
when. It provides answers to questions tormenting any family
of a terminally ill pet: What defined the "right" time
for euthanasia? What determines a pet's quality of life? Is making
the decision "too early" or "too late" selfish?
The family and veterinarian's respective roles in making the
decision are discussed.
The death or loss of a
pet is one of the most difficult things we ever experience. It
is not the end to the relationship. But it is the end of the
pet's physical presence, which is a drastic, often devastating,
change. Grief, commonly experienced before, during and after
the loss of a pet, is often accompanied by a sense of loss of
control over the course of events, lack of desirable choices,
and powerlessness.
Helping owners choose between
ever intensifying medical treatment, hospice care or euthanasia
is a difficult task calling for much sensitivity and care. Making
the decision entails grappling with the question: "What would I
want my pet's death to be like?" Confronting this question
can be overwhelming, evoking fear, anxiety, guilt, and other
strong feelings. It is easier to cope with making an end of life
decision by dividing it into several more concrete questions.
Such questions to consider can be:
- Does euthanasia make me
responsible for my pet's death?
- How will I know when is
the right time for euthanasia?
- Whose expertise can the
family rely on as a basis for the decision?
- What environment is most
appropriate for my pet to die in?
- Who will be present when
my pet dies?
- What options are available
for the care of the pet's body?
An important part of this
decision making process is to thoroughly explore all the options
and their consequences - ethical, medical and financial. Once
the different possible answers to each question have been sorted
out, it is easier to look at the new reality with
a greater sense of control.
Making a decision to help
your companion animal die can be one of the most difficult and
painful decisions you will ever make in your life. It is helpful to
do as much planning and preparing ahead of time as possible.
The hospice consultation will help you consider the many choices you have about your pet's death. Making decisions ahead of time may reduce some of the inevitable
stress that will be experienced when the loss has occurred.
 Hospice
Care
Hospice Consultation
At
Home Euthanasia
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Hospice Consultation
