Saying Goodbye: making euthanasia decisions

02/04/2020

Several weeks ago, a friend of mine helped me say goodbye to my old girl, Dorothy Parker. She was 19, and her death was one of the most peaceful I've seen.

I spoke with my friend beforehand, gave her the vet and crematory phone numbers, wrote out blank checks, and went over her duties. She was to answer the door, bring the vet up to the room, handle my other dog, and generally be in charge of logistics so I could spend those last minutes with my dog. Once te crematory person arrived, I left the room and she handled that part, as well as removed certain things from my sight - bowl, blankie, etc. She was informed and ready to go when I said it was "the day".

The day came. I called my friend and said to put our plans in to action. She got back to me and told me what time the vet would arrive. I didn't have to do anything else. It was all taken care of. I'll never be able to thank my friend enough for that day.

While waiting for the housecall vet, DP and I spent time in her favorite place - our bed - and I fed her chocolate and tripe and a few other treats. She went wild for chocolate, but, of course, was never allowed to have any. She got 2 whole bars that day.

She died in our bed, where she slept and cuddled and reigned for so long. She was in my arms, and showed no signs of anxiety or discomfort during the process. She got a sedation injection, went gradually and easily to a nice sleep, and then got the euthanasia serum. Her body did not fight it at all. Her heart stopped quickly, her body let out a sigh, and she was gone.

I am at peace with the decisions I made for her. I am at peace with her death.

I'm not at peace with her not being at my side. None of them live long enough. But I was lucky to spend almost 20 years with her, and this was our final, loving interaction. It was my gift to her.

08/09/2019

It has been almost 3 years since the love of my life, Odin, died. He was more than a loyal friend, he was part of me. Our relationship had its own presence...it was larger and stronger than either of us as individuals. I still feel him next to me. I choose to believe our bond did not die along with his body. Do you ever feel the presence of your animal friends who have left their bodies?

10/09/2016

That first night, that first morning...that heartbeat at your feet is missing, and wow how noticeable that is. Hugs to everyone, and know there are people who understand.

Make sure you like Dog Quotes

09/22/2016

Thanks to Truth About Pet Food for sharing info about "Saying Goodbye". And that just happens to be my dog Odin in the pic...may he be with me forever. I know Susan Thixton, consumer advocate and founder of TAPF, has been through making these end of life decisions. Her support means the world to me. Hugs, Susan!

Support for pet owners when making the decision to euthanize a pet.

09/16/2016

Did you know almost half of our dogs today die of cancer? What is going on? Life spans have shortened remarkably in just the last 20 years. We all want our companions to live long and healthy lives...here is one veterinarian's take on how we can help them.

Natural rearing. It starts even before conception. Making smart decisions in your puppy's first year set the trajectory for a truly Vital Animal.

09/15/2016

Not many books about end-of-life care consider rabbits. "Saying Goodbye" not only includes an interview with Suaz Balint Jungle Forsythe and Alyssa O'Toole of Rabbit Wranglers, but also some special information about trips to the veterinarian just for people with rabbit family members.

09/15/2016

It's here! Saying Goodbye in now on iTunes. Help for anyone having to make tough end-of-life decisions for their companion animal, including interviews with rescuers, veterinarians, and regular animal lovers too. Book incorporates different tools to help with decisions, supporting different ways of working through the decision. Although "Saying Goodbye" deals with dogs, cats, and rabbits, the information and tools can be used with any animal. With reviews by Susan Thixton and Dr. Karen Becker. I hope this makes things clearer, if not easier, and my heart goes out to anyone with end-of-life decisions to make.

https://geo.itunes.apple.com/us/book/saying-goodbye/id1154170996?mt=11

08/15/2016

One of my heroes, Dr. Karen Becker, on "Winding Down". Dr. Becker is one of the most proactive, compassionate veterinarians I have ever had the honor to meet.

Join Dr. Karen Becker in a two-part webinar as she talks about aging and dying pets, and how you can provide the best care for them.

07/11/2016

Coming very soon...a book to help make those really tough decisions about euthanasia.

Concrete information, interviews, stories, and tools to help you monitor your animal's quality of life.

I can't give you the solution we all want: a way to keep our beloved companions by our sides forever. But the book can help you figure out your options and make the best decision for both you and your best friend.