Our pets are like our children. We care and provide for them, teach them things, watch them grow and nurture them when they are sick. We look forward to seeing them, we get to know their personalities and love them despite all of their flaws the way they love us despite ours. We do it all while knowing that one day your friendship will come to end. Sometimes it comes too soon from unnatural causes and sometimes it is up to you to choose what is right for them and be their voice during their tough times.
Weighing Your Options
When you find out that your pet is terminally ill, you only have a few options to choose from.
Surgery
If surgery is an option, make sure that you find out if it is what is best for your pet. The procedure alone could be fatal especially in older animals and animals with weakened immune systems. Most life saving surgeries will also cost a lot of money and are expected to be paid for in full. Some Veterinary hospitals offer a Care Credit card to help you afford the operation without having to take out a loan from your bank. If surgery can prolong your pets life, it will be money well spent.
Waiting
Letting your pet go naturally may seem like the most humane thing to do and in some cases it can be. But when your pet has a life threatening disease, they can be in a lot more pain than you realize. Animals are silent sufferers and can endure large amounts of pain without you knowing it. In some cases, pets will suffer for months or even years before they pass on their own.
Euthanasia
Putting your pet to sleep is always the last option and the one that most refuse to think about. It is extremely difficult to find out that your pet is in pain and to be given the decision to put your companion to rest. It is a heartbreaking decision, one that is almost impossible to make. It would be easier to selfishly keep your pet around for your own benefit than to do what you know in your heart is best for it. Your pet is unable to tell you what kind of pain it is in or if it is ready to let go. As their guardian, it is up to you to do what is best for your pet, the way you always have. It is counting on you to help it feel better and to end its pain. You must ask yourself, “Would my pet rather die alone and suffering or peacefully in my arms?” You will be given as long as you need to say goodbye and the procedure is quick, calm and pain free.
Coping With the Loss of a Pet
Talk about it
Losing a pet is like losing a family member. It is okay to mourn and talk to people around you to get things off your chest. There can be a strong sense of guilt associated with making the decision to euthanize your pet and it helps when family and friends are there to support your decision. It can also help to ask yourself “What would you tell someone else to do if he were in your shoes?”
Photo album
Find old photos of the good times that you and your pet shared together and put them in an album that you can look through when you feel sad. It will put a smile on your face to reflect on the happy life that you gave your pet.
Memory box
When you lose a pet, you are reminded of it each day, when you walk past its favorite place to sleep, step on one of its favorite toys or look at the empty bed. Instead of getting rid of old toys and collars, purchase a memory box to keep and cherish all of your pet's beloved items. When you are having a rough day you can pull out the box and laugh at the fun memories you’ve shared.
Healing will take time and a lot of tears, just keep in mind that you made the right decision and your pet is thanking you for it.
Joleena Harris - I am a writer from Racine Wisconsin. I have written dozens of short stories and I am currently working on my first book.
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