I know NO pet parent wants to think about the day when their beloved fur baby will no longer be with them.I certainly didn’t even though we all know it is an unavoidable and inevitable fact of life.
But let me tell you that I believe it can take away some of the heavy burdens you will one day face at an extremely sensitive time when you need to be able to deal with your grief and focus on your pet’s final moments.
Speaking From Experience
I speak from personal experience as my baby Simon’s loss happened so quickly. That in the depths of my despair (and still being in shock and denial), I had to decide to assist him to sleep and what to do with his beautiful body. Those were some very tough, heartbreaking decisions to make at a time when I already was emotionally devastated.
It’s hard enough to go through the process of losing your pet, but to try and make such important decisions in the midst of an emotional tidal wave makes it worse. I know this because it happened to me.
Within a week of Simon not eating, finding out he had a mass in his belly, and then witnessing him starting to suffer the very next day….I had to put on my mommy hero cape and do what I needed to do for my baby.
I don’t know what held me together in a moment when I just wanted to fall apart. Into a million pieces.
Two Major Things To Think About
I always wanted my pets to have a quality life and pass peacefully in their sleep. What a beautiful thought. However, I have been told by a vet that this is not reality. So with that being said, one of the most dreaded thoughts ever for a pet parent should be considered in advance.
Euthanasia – In-Home vs. Vet Office
You are faced with having to make one of the most difficult decisions in your life even knowing it is the most kind, most loving, most compassionate thing you can do for your pet to help them pass on. Other than the “when” debacle, is how. This will be a very personal choice for you as it was a very personal choice for me. For me, there was no question about it that in-home euthanasia was what I wanted for my Simon. He was able to relax and rest in his bed at home spending last moments quietly and peacefully with his mommy. You may be fine with going to your veterinarian’s office. There is no right or wrong. Only what is right for YOU and YOUR PET.
Cremation vs. No Cremation
To be honest, I was never comfortable with the idea of cremation. I still am not sure, but I’m deciding not to think about the actual process. What helped me make the decision for cremation was that I could get to have my baby always. I have a pet buried in Washington state from when I lived there years ago and he is now 3,000 miles away. I personally will take comfort in having my little one close to me always.
You will make the right decisions for your pet. In the end, I know I made the absolute right decisions for me and for Simon even though I had to make them during an already gut wrenching time. That is my wish for you, that you don’t have to do the same.
Love and Purrs,
Amy
Photo: Dan4th Nicholas
