Grieving the Loss of a Pet

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is a painful process. Some of us dread it from the moment we welcome a new animal into our homes, knowing full well their lifespan is a fraction of our own. For others, the pain and grief of such a loss can creep up, often revealing a previously underestimated level of attachment.

No matter what category you fall into, the death of a family pet can be a devastating event for your entire family. Like any family member, your pet has his or her own personality with unique habits and quirks that will be painfully absent when he or she is gone.

In addition to the physical loss, losing a pet can serve as a painful reminder that time is passing quicker than we would like. Our pets mark eras in our lives and remind us of our own mortality. Maybe you adopted your cat before deciding to have kids to see if you and your significant other could handle the responsibility of caring for another living being. Perhaps you remember the first time your child laid eyes on the dog he or she just knew would be a forever friend. The loss of a pet can invoke flashbacks to earlier times and remind us how precious each moment is.

At Gentle Journey, we appreciate the special bond that exists between owner and pet. That’s why we provide in-home euthanasia services that honor this bond by providing a peaceful, familiar setting for you to share the final moments of your pet’s life. Only time can heal the grief over the loss of a pet, but a peaceful goodbye is a good first step in the healing process. For a free consultation, give Gentle Journey™ a call at 602.332.7757.

Pet Hospice 101: Compassion Fatigue

What is Compassion Fatigue?

When your line of work routinely involves helping clients through the traumatic experience of losing an animal companion, you may find yourself suffering emotionally. This experience is known as compassion fatigue. The American Institute of Stress defines it as, “the emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events.” It is possible to vicariously experience feelings of trauma through one case, or cumulatively over time.It may feel simpler to try to brush off your feelings, chalking it up to “burnout”. But compassion fatigue and burnout are not to be confused; a teacher can get exhausted or burnt out grading too many papers, but they are not traumatized. The difference is significant! Take notice if you don’t feel like yourself, or don’t enjoy doing the things you normally do. It is important that you do not trivialize your experience, but rather focus on taking care of yourself. Maintaining your own positive emotional well-being is crucial to offering quality support and services to your clients.

Self-care Tips for Dealing with Compassion Fatigue

• Get plenty of sleep
• Eat a healthy diet
• Allow time for rest (mental and physical)
• Play, laugh!
• Lean on support network of meaningful relationships 

If you are taking all these steps for proper self-care and are still struggling, seek out someone to talk to a friend, colleague or counselor. There is no shame in admitting you need help; on the contrary, it is a highly professional step and an investment in your own well-being and career. On the flip side, if you are approached by a colleague who is experiencing compassion fatigue, empathize with them openly--“me too” goes a long way to kill the shame they may be feeling. Veterinary professionals need to be a supportive community for each other.Finally, reframe yourself mentally- always try to find the silver lining and focus on the positive:

• Make the most out of what you can control 
• Practice gratitude
• Remember that the pet had a good family
• You helped the suffering end
• People genuinely mean well 

Compassion fatigue can be a real struggle. But with awareness, self-care, a good support system, and a positive mindset, you can overcome it and continue to do amazing work for your clients and their pets. Our MissionThe goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 


Pet Hospice 101: Processing Grief

How Do I Help My Clients Through the Grieving Process?

The loss of an animal companion can be heartbreaking. Clients are experiencing the loss of a family member, and depend on support and guidance during this difficult time. One overlooked role that veterinarians must play is a counselor to their client.

• There are several things to take into account when it comes to helping clients process grief: 
• The loss of an animal companion affects everyone in the family; adults, children, and other pets 
• Adults, children and pets all process grief differently
• Grief is natural and will pass 

Helping Children Understand the Loss of a Pet

There are proactive measures that should be taken to help children with grief processing. The biggest factor is honesty. Use the words death and dying instead of euphemisms, such as “sleeping”. It may seem counter-intuitive, but give children of all ages the choice to be present during an in-home pet euthanasia. Sheltering them from the event can lead to confusion and lack of closure. Provide children with a special time to say goodbye to their beloved pet. This will create a more positive and comforting experience.

Signs of  Pet Grief and Treatments

Pets also need help grieving a housemate. Examples of pets grieving a housemate include:

• a dog letting out a whine as a housemate passed
• a dog laying on a housemate’s grave for weeks
• a dog who slept next to a shelf where a housemate’s ashes rested.

Their pain and grief are indeed real. A client can oftentimes be so consumed by their own grief that they may not realize their other pets are grieving.

Here are signs of pet grief to look out for:

• Depression: loss of appetite or desire to play
• Anxiety: behaving in a needy, hyper, or destructive way

Suggested treatments for pet processing grief include:

• walking and exercise
• extra attention
• possibly the addition of another pet for companionship

So much thought is given to preparing for and executing a compassionate in-home pet euthanasia. It is critical that the professional care and attention a client receives extends beyond the actual procedure, with a compassionate follow-up appointment to discuss grief and how the family is processing. Our MissionThe goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 


Pet Hospice 101: Euthanasia

What is Euthanasia?

For most clients, euthanasia is not an option that they have considered. It may have a negative stigma attached to it, or a client may feel that making a decision to end a pet’s life is unnatural. It is common for clients to experience guilt while deciding whether or not euthanasia is the right option for their beloved pet. But euthanasia is not inhumane; on the contrary, euthanasia literally translates to “good death”. The role of veterinarians and pet hospice providers is to provide support and guidance. 

How to Approach Euthanasia

Helping clients during the difficult time of caring for a terminally ill pet requires emotional intelligence. The human-animal bond is very strong, which usually means clients are suffering right alongside their pets. Clients will benefit from your non-judgemental support and guidance as they make this hard decision. A big part of playing the supportive role is giving clients the “permission” they seek; let them know that the decision to euthanize is compassionate, that “it’s okay”. Another strategy is to repeat back to the client what you hear them say they are struggling with. Sometimes clients don’t clearly realize how bad the situation has gotten until they hear it repeated aloud by someone else. Ultimately, when the client comes to the conclusion that they want to choose euthanasia, support them by validating their decision.Euthanasia traditionally takes place in the clinic. The clinic environment can feel sterile, so suggest that the client bring their pet’s items from home to make it more comfortable- a bed, favorite stuffed animal, or blanket, for example. Suggest to the client that, if possible, it always helps to have a long time housemate, friend, or family member present. During the procedure, check in frequently while waiting for the sedative. Your presence will help to decrease your clients fear and anxiety. Try to avoid physical restraint as much as possible. Explain each step and answer questions as you go, and exude a calm, and caring energy.

In-Home Pet Euthanasia

The most loving and peaceful euthanasia passing can happen in your client’s home. This service is offered by a pet home hospice and euthanasia provider. Client’s may find this setting is preferable to a clinic for several reasons:

• Pets feel more relaxed and less anxious in their own home
• Easier to have more friends and family present 
• Housemates can have closure
• More relaxed for the owner
• Can express grief more freely

Make sure your clients are aware that in-home euthanasia is an option for them. Just like you would refer their pet to any other special services, your client depends on you to refer them to this important service.

Our Mission

The goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 


Pet Hospice 101: Quality of Life: Recognizing Pain in a Pet

Quality of Life: Recognizing Pain in a Pet

The goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This begins with being able to recognize when a pet is pain. Pets do not show outward signs of pain and suffering the way humans do. Many clients may be completely oblivious to their pets suffering if they don’t know what signs to look for. Pet hospice service professionals rely on a special pain assessment to determine the condition of a pet. They use the results of this assessment to educate the client on the amount of pain of their pet is experiencing and how they can help.When looking for signs of pain in a pet, it is important to consider what is normal vs. abnormal. Biting, licking, and chewing, for example, are often considered normal pet behaviors and not a reason to raise an alarm. However, these actions can point to something more than just anxiety; for example, there could be an infection or deeper pain beneath the surface. Pet owners expect to see whining or crying, but in reality, pets express pain and discomfort in much subtler ways. Discussing the list of signs below with clients can help save pets from unnecessary suffering.

Signs of pain

• Hesitation to stand or lay down
• Dragging on a walk 
• Hiding 
• Sleeping more or less
• Loss of interest in playing with owner or other pets 
• No longer doing a behavior, such as being held

Signs of anxiety

• Panting 
• Heart pounding 
• Pacing
• Unable to sleep 

The differences between signs of anxiety and signs of pain in a pet are subtle. Help clients understand the difference between the two and empower them to better care for their pet. This works towards the ultimate goal- to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. A pet’s quality of life can be greatly increased just by educating clients and raising awareness. If a client needs help to recognize signs of pain, refer them to a pet hospice care service for a formal consultation and assessment.Our Mission The goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 

Pet Hospice 101: What is a Custom Hospice Plan?

Pet hospice care is a three-prong approach:

• listening to clients’ concerns and fears
• educating clients on quality of life
• helping clients plan for euthanasia or natural death.

Because each client presents a unique set of needs and challenges, there is no “prescribed” or “standard” pet hospice treatment.

Our Customized Pet Hospice Plan

Pet hospice is a service that must be customized in each circumstance to be effective, and plans are always tailored to each pet's specific needs. This takes a considerable amount of time and specialized knowledge. To ensure quality, it is best to refer clients to a separate pet hospice service. The first step in creating a custom pet hospice plan is to assess the pet’s pain and educate the client about their pet’s condition. The goal is to make sure that the pet is as comfortable and pain-free as possible. This begins with an initial consultation by a Board Certified Dr. of Veterinary Medicine, during which a pain assessment is conducted. Many pet owners cannot recognize signs that their pet is suffering because animals do not display outward signs of pain the way humans do. A pet hospice service provider will conduct the pain assessment in the client’s home and then educate the client on the results. With information gathered from an in-home pain assessment, the next step is to coordinate with the client and their veterinarian on a treatment program. This program involves what the client will do at home with aid from the pet hospice service, and what treatment will be done in the veterinary clinic. The pet hospice servicers can even train clients to administer medications and fluids at home as part of their custom hospice plan. All data from assessments, progress, and changes in condition, will be reported by the pet hospice servicer to the client and their veterinarian for continuity of care.A custom hospice plan works effectively when all three parties (pet hospice servicer, client and veterinarian) are on board. The pet hospice servicer acts as team leader to keep all parties on track with the goal of the custom hospice plan and to maximize the benefits for the client and their pet.

Our Mission

The goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 


Pet Hospice 101: What is Pet Hospice?

For many people, the word ‘hospice’ is associated with a special medical center where terminally ill patients go for end-of-life care. Hospice, however, is a philosophy, not a place. The hospice philosophy is best described as- ending aggressive treatment for a cure. The focus shifts from actively treating to find a cure, to providing the best quality of life, and minimizing pain and suffering.

The 3 Prong Approach

Pet hospice care is a three-prong approach: listening to clients’ concerns and fears, educating clients on quality of life, and helping clients plan for euthanasia or natural death.When a pet owner is in the heartbreaking position of caring for an ailing pet, it can be difficult for them to have a proper perspective on when to consider a hospice approach. As the veterinary provider, you can refer a client for a hospice consultation under several circumstances:

• When you must deliver bad news 
• When you see a client in denial
• When you are concerned a client may be naively putting their pet at risk of suffering
• When a client is highly emotional
• When a client is struggling with the decision of what to do

An objective, professional hospice consultation is the first step to helping a client understand pet hospice. A consultation can take place at a clinic or in the client’s home, and generally lasts 45-60 minutes. By listening to the client’s concerns and fears, and talking the client through the hospice philosophy and practice, a consultation helps a client become educated and empowered.

Benefits Of Our Hospice Service

There are several benefits of referring clients to a Gentle Journey hospice service:

• Clients feel free to be honest when receiving unbiased support
• Clients have increased levels of trust in a separate agency specializing pet hospice services 
• As a separate pet hospice service, we can dedicate more energy and resources to a needy client and still communicate feedback directly with your clinic

Our commitment to you, as the treating veterinarian, is what sets Gentle Journey apart.

Our Mission

The goal of pet hospice is to make sure that the pet is as pain-free and comfortable as possible. This goal is best achieved when veterinary clinics and pet hospice providers work as a team to provide a high-quality care and services for clients. 

Learning About Canine Lymphoma

Learning that you beloved pet has canine lymphoma can be scary. You are probably filled with many questions about what exactly canine lymphoma is, what the treatment is and of course, the prognosis for your dog. Dr. Christina Nutter outlines Canine Lymphoma in this short informational guide.If you feel that your dog is exhibiting many signs that may suggest canine lymphoma (or a number of non-lymphoma problems) please consult with your vet for a thorough exam to determine the cause. 

What is Canine Lymphoma from Gentle Journey AZ - Dr. Christina

Knowing When to Euthanize a Pet with Cancer

Discovering that your pet has been diagnosed with cancer can be devastating. As a loving pet parent, you want hold on to that special relationship as long as possible. However, it’s also important to consider the comfort level and quality of life of your pet with cancer when wrestling with such a difficult decision.Cancer in pets comes in many different forms and impacts different systems of the body in different ways. Some can metastasize in the body quickly, while other forms may remain local. If you are considering whether or not euthanasia is the right choice for your pet with cancer, you will want to answer the following questions:

• Where is the cancer located?
• Has the cancer spread?
• What are the available treatment options for this type of cancer?
• What is the cost of treatment?
• What’s the long-term prognosis for my pet?
• What is the quality of life associated with the disease?

Answering these questions will help you make a better-informed decision on what is the best option for your pet. If your pet is older, expensive surgeries or invasive treatments may be less appealing, especially if the long-term prognosis is not good. Whatever the facts, deciding whether or not to euthanize a pet is a highly personal decision so you want to be sure you are at peace with whatever you decide.While euthanasia is a decision many pet parents face, pet hospice is an option that is has become popular among those caring for a pet with cancer. These palliative treatments aim to make a suffering pet as comfortable as possible. Dr. Christina and Gentle Journey have compassionately been helping manage pain for pets with cancer in the Greater Phoenix area for years. If you would like to learn more about this service, please give us a call at 602-332-7757.

Signs of Heatstroke and How to Prevent Overheating in Dogs

We are in the thick of the notorious Arizona summer and for local pet parents who haven’t migrated, the sweltering heat can pose serious problems for dogs. With their thick coats of fur, dogs are particularly susceptible to heat so it’s important to be aware of the signs of heatstroke. In extreme cases, recognizing the signs and knowing what to do could save your pooch’s life.A Brief OverviewUnlike humans, dogs do not primarily use their sweat gland to keep cool. This means they rely heavily on their respiratory system to regulate body temperature. When a dog’s respiratory tract is unable to get rid of heat quickly enough, it can often result in heatstroke.Commons Signs of Heatstroke• Hyperventilation• Excessive Panting• Dry, Pale Gums• Increased Salivation• Confusion• Weakness• Diarrhea• VomitingWhen a dog experiences heatstroke and it goes untreated, it can result in seizure, coma or even death.Treatment Guidelines for Overheated Dogs1.) Monitor your pooch for signs of overheating Dogs in danger of heatstroke typically exhibit a combination of the symptoms mentioned above. The moment you notice any of these signs, move your pet to a cooler area with a fan.2.) Provide your dog cool, fresh water. Be sure plenty of cool drinking water is available, but avoiding forcing your dog to drink. Never offer ice to a dog experiencing heatstroke as it can cool body temperature too quickly shocking the system.3.) Take your pet’s temperature. A dog’s normal body temperature is 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Moderate heating usually happens at around 103 to 106 degrees, while severe heating typically occurs beyond 106 degrees. Contact your vet or the nearest emergency center and then report your dog’s temperature along with the symptoms he is exhibiting.4.) Cool your dog with wet to towels. Soaking towels in cool water and placing them on your docks neck, armpits and hind legs can reduce body temperature. If outdoors, a pond or stream can help cool your pooch.5.) Take your dog to your vet. If your dog seems to be suffering, call your vet. Alert them ahead of time to his condition so they can prepare for treatment. Your pet may have to receive oxygen, some fluids, and other treatments.PreventionPreventing heatstroke is all about common sense. When your dog is outside, make sure he has a shaded place to rest out of direct sunlight. Be sure to provide plenty of fresh, cool drinking water and avoid playing too hard.

25 Signs Your Cat is In Pain

Though not always the case, cats have a reputation for being aloof animals. Their ability to mask their true feelings is an instinctual adaptation that has aided their survival. Animals exhibiting signs of pain are easy targets for would-be predators, so a cat’s apparent poker face is an asset in the wild.While the ability to conceal pain may have served our feline friends in the past, it can be detrimental to domesticated cats as pet parents are often unaware when they are experiencing pain. Luckily, a pair of researchers from the University of Lincoln recently set out to crack the code of cat pain. With the help of a team of veterinary scientists, they put together a comprehensive list of subtle signs of cat pain.25 Signs Your Cat is In Pain:

1. Absence of grooming
2. Lameness
3. Difficulty jumping
4. Abnormal gait
5. Reluctant to move
6. Reaction to palpation
7. Hiding
8. Playing less
9. Appetite decrease
10. Overall activity decrease
11. Less rubbing toward people
12. Change in general mood
13. Change in overall temperament
14. Hunched posture
15. Shifting of weight
16. Licking a particular body region
17. Lower head posture
18. Blepharospasm (involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids)
19. Change in form or feeding behavior
20. Avoiding bright areas
21. Growling
22. Groaning
23. Eyes closed
24. Straining to urinate
25. Tail twitching

If your cat is demonstrating any of these signs, there is a good chance he or she could be in pain. Ultimately, a pet parents intuition may be the best indicator that something isn’t right. If a marked change in behavior in your cat is causing concern, it may be time to schedule an appointment with your vet.

Owning a Dog

Pawprints Left by You

When Should You Get a New Pet After One Dies?

The question of when to get a new pet after one dies is one that many grieving pet parents struggle with. Anyone who has lost a beloved pet knows all too well the void that can be left when a four-legged companion leaves this world. It’s tempting for grieving pet parents to try to fill that void by inviting a new animal into the home. While there are no hard-and-fast rules around this, it’s good to exercise a bit of caution before taking on the responsibility of a new pet.Thing to Consider When Deciding if You Should Get a New Pet After One Dies:1.)Are You Ready to Give a New Pet Love? The human-animal bond is beautiful and sacred. Whenever a deserving pet finds a loving home it’s cause for celebration. That said, you shouldn’t bring a new pet into your home until you feel ready to give the animal the love and attention he or she deserves. Nothing can ever replace a pet who has passed on, but every pet deserves a master who is ready to provide the same love and devotion you gave to your departed friend.2.) Is Your Family Ready for a New Pet? Even if you feel that you are ready to commit to a new relationship with a pet, it’s important to make sure that your family is on the same page. You don’t want to risk your family members resenting an animal because it was brought into the home before they were able to satisfactorily grieve the deceased pet. Before making a decision of this magnitude, it’s important to talk through these issues to ensure everyone is on board for creating a loving home for a new pet.3.) How Will a New Pet Impact Your Other Pets?In addition to your family, a new pet will change the dynamic for any surviving animals. Like humans, pets need time to adjust. Bringing a new pet into the home after one has died can be too much change for your other pets to handle. Acceptance of a new animal may not be immediate. If you do decide to get a new pet after one dies, make sure you have the capacity to adequately supervise the new animal relationships through this transition.Bringing a new pet into the home after one dies is not all bad. Having a new fluffy friend in the home can be very therapeutic and is the right decision for some. Just be sure that your entire household is ready to create a loving home for a new pet before making this choice.How long did you wait to bring a new pet home after losing one? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

Talking to Your Kids About Pet Euthanasia

Choosing to end the life of a suffering pet is a difficult experience on it’s own. When there are children in the home that have formed a close bond with the animal, it can make the process much more difficult. Knowing the right things to say to kids about pet euthanasia can be tricky. As a general rule, it’s best to be clear and honest about the whole experience. Providing children with too much or not enough information leads to confusion and can ultimately make the process much more difficult. Here are some answers to key questions you might get from your kids about pet euthanasia:Why Can’t We Save Our Pet? Explain to your child that you’ve done everything you can to save his or her pet, but that the disease or injury is very powerful and will not go away. The important parts of the pet’s body are no longer working and he or she is in a great deal of pain. The euthanasia procedure will make this pain go away.Will Euthanasia Hurt My Pet?Explain to your child that their pet is suffering but that you can end his or her pain through a gentle euthanasia procedure that a veterinarian will perform. Explain that the vet is an expert and knows the right steps to take to ensure pets don’t feel too much pain. Though it’s a very difficult decision, we make the choice to euthanize our pets out of love so they don’t have to suffer any longer.Will My Dog Be Afraid?Tell your child that you will do everything you can to make sure the dog/cat are not afraid. He/she will be surrounded by the people he/she loves the most, and when it’s the right time, the vet will give a drug that will make him/her drift off to sleep and he or she won’t wake up again.Talking to children about pet euthanasia needs to be handled delicately, but an honest approach will relieve your child of some of the confusion he or she may be experiencing. At Gentle Journey of Scottsdale, we specialize in compassionate at-home euthanasia services and can help answer any questions you have about talking to your kids. Give us a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online to learn more about our services. 

Coping with the Fear and Doubt of Euthanasia

If you are lucky enough to have a special bond with a dog or cat, you’ve probably pondered the fact that their time on Earth will likely be up long before your own. We invite animals into our lives for companionship and to fill our homes with joy and unconditional love. As years pass, we watch them grow, often from puppies or kittens into mature adults. Inevitably, they reach their golden years and, like all living beings, their bodies begin to fail. As we watch their quality of life deteriorate, euthanasia can become a viable option, but it’s an option often filled with fear and doubt.FearThere are many different kinds of a fear a person considering euthanasia for a sick and aging pet can experience. There is the fear of not having a best friend and companion by your side to share this life with. There is the fear that the passing of that special pet will serve as a painful reminder of your own mortality. Worst of all, there is the fear that the choice you are making, whether to euthanize or not, is the wrong choice.Unfortunately there is no panacea that addresses all of the fears associated with euthanasia. What is important is that you put the welfare of your beloved pet above any personal fears. Consider how much chronic pain and discomfort they are living with daily. Consult a veterinarian to determine their quality-of-life and to discuss strategies to improve it. Ultimately, setting your pet’s welfare as the focus will lead you to a decision based in love and compassion that should quell some of these fears.DoubtAlong with fear, the decision to euthanize can be filled with doubt. You doubt yourself leading up to the decision or you may feel pangs of regret having made to choice to end the life of a beloved animal. These feelings may be impossible to avoid, but understanding all the facts and knowing your options can help lead you to a decision you can best live with.At Gentle Journey of Scottsdale, we specialize in helping devoted pet parents navigate these difficult choices. In some cases, palliative pet services can improve quality of life. In others, euthanasia is the best option. In either case, we can help you with all the information you need to make this difficult choice. Give us a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online to learn more about our services.

Dispelling Common Myths About Pet Euthanasia

The choice to euthanize an animal who is in extreme pain and discomfort is a compassionate choice when there are no other palliative options. Most people have mixed emotions about pet euthanasia, and with good reason. It’s not a decision to be taken lightly and should only be considered as a last resort. That said, there are some common myths associated with pet euthanasia that need to be dispelled:Myth #1: Euthanasia is SelfishSome people fear that deciding to euthanize is a selfish decision that demonstrates a lack of willingness to care for an ailing pet. They feel as though it’s the easy way out and that going to great lengths to care for an ailing pet is the selfless choice. Though euthanasia should only be considered as a last resort, when the time is right it’s the most selfless choice a person can make for their pet. Prolonging the agony of a suffering pet to postpone one’s own suffering is a far more selfish choice.Myth #2: My Pet Will Tell Me When It’s TimeIt’s a common myth that pets will provide some sort of sign that they are ready to die. While the sentiment is heartwarming, most often this isn’t the case. Waiting for a pet to provide some sort of “signal” that it’s their time to go needlessly prolongs their pain and suffering.Myth #3: Pet Loss is Insignificant Compared to Human LossThe grief a person experiences, whether due to the loss of a pet or a human, isn’t something anyone has the right to judge. In many cases, the loss a pet is more devastating than a human loss. People grieving the death of a pet should be afforded the same respect and comfort as anyone else.Myth #4: It’s Best to Protect Children from What HappenedThe old story about the family dog being taken to the farm to live out the rest of his years is really more about sparing parents the uncomfortable discussion than it is about sparing the child’s pain. If a child is close to an animal, he or she is going to experience pain when it’s not longer there. Not knowing what happened to the animal can only exacerbate this. When parents are honest with children and offer them the opportunity to say goodbye to a beloved pet, it gives the child closure and a healthier association with the topic of death.Myth #5: Pets Don’t Mourn the Loss of Other Pets When animals share close quarters they often form close bonds. Even an animal that wasn’t demonstrably close to a deceased animal can show signs of mourning. When losing a fellow pet, many animals will experience loss of appetite, depression and may search the house to find the missing pet. Remember to provide extra love and attention to surviving pets as they navigate this difficult time.Ending the life of a pet is not a decision anyone should take likely. When confronted with this most unthinkable choice, many people are clouded by these common myths. In the best interest of your pet, it’s important to get the facts straight about pet euthanasia.

Dealing with Guilt After Pet Euthanasia

Guilt is an emotion felt all-too-often by pet lovers who ultimately decide that euthanasia is the right course of action for a suffering pet. It’s an emotional response that occurs when a person feels they’ve violated some sort of moral or ethical code. Pet lovers are often overcome with the feeling that they’ve betrayed a beloved friend with the decision to end his or her life. It can accompany feelings of horror, helplessness and even anger.Choosing to end the life of a suffering pet is a traumatic decision. Even when made with the most compassionate of intentions, it’s quite natural to feel a certain degree of guilt. These feelings are a testament to the degree of love and devotion we felt towards our pet. On some level, it can even be beneficial as it is a normal part of the grieving process. When we continue to beat ourselves up over hypotheticals and “what-ifs”, it becomes problematic.Ultimately, we cannot change the past. We do ourselves and those close to us a disservice by harboring prolonged guilt. It’s important to remind ourselves that everything we did for our pets we did out of love. If feelings of guilt continue to overwhelm you, here are some suggestions to help cope:

• Talk through your feelings with someone you trust. Verbalising your emotions can often often lift a huge emotional weight.
• When you start replaying events in your mind, remind yourself that you did what was best for your beloved pet.
• Think about all the great things you gave your animal. The home you provided, the love you shared, and the care that you gave.
• Consult your veterinarian if you have any lingering doubts about your pet’s condition.
• Seek out a support group, grief counselor or call a pet loss hotline for support.

The capacity for love is tremendous in those who’ve shared a deep connection with an animal. While this ability to love can sometimes contribute to the sense of guilt we can feel when we aren’t able to make everything better, it should be treated as a gift. Harboring guilt inhibits one’s ability to spread that love to others. That’s the last thing your beloved friend would have wanted.

What to Do Before Euthanizing a Pet

Deciding to euthanize a pet is a heartbreaking choice. In the worst cases, a pet may be involved in an accident or experience a medical condition which causes a great deal of pain, necessitating a quick decision to euthanize. In the case of aging pets or those with debilitating conditions, you have a bit more time to prepare. While nothing associated with this painful choice could be considered a blessing, having time to prepare can make the process more peaceful. Here are some things to consider before the day comes:Create MementosConsider how you want to remember your pet before he or she exits this world. The moments leading up the the procedure will be your last opportunity to take pictures, videos or record that special bark or meow. Some pet lovers like to take an ink stamp of a beloved pet’s paw or make a clay imprint. Think about what would be special and meaningful to you so you have something to remember your friend by.Prepare Your Kids:If you have children, it’s important to explain to them what is going to happen and what that means. For many kids, the loss of a pet is the first encounter they will ever have with death. Handling the situation with grace and delicacy is important to ensure your kids learn the skills necessary to deal with this inevitable fact of life.Prepare YourselfWhile you may be busy taking care of other people, make sure you take care of yourself. If you’ve created a special-bond with a beloved pet, you’re likely to experience immense grief after their passing. Prepare yourself for what comes after the procedure is over. That may involve taking a day off work or making plans to go somewhere or do something that will help you deal with your own grief.Plan GoodbyesInvite friends, family and loved ones to come say their goodbyes. This can be planned for before the procedure or you can have them there with you if you opt for in-home euthanasia. This will allow others who loved your pet a chance to say goodbye and will give your pet added love and attention.Euthanizing a pet will never be an easy decision, but if you’re fortunate enough to have time to prepare you can say your goodbyes on your own terms. If you decide an in-home procedure is right for you, Gentle Journey can help you prepare. Please give us a call 602-332-7757 at or visit us online for more information.

Is Euthanasia Painful for My Pet?

Watching a beloved pet’s quality of life deteriorate during advanced stages of life or witnessing extreme suffering from a debilitating disease is unfathomable for most pet lovers. Unfortunately, these situations do occur and when they do we’re forced to make difficult choices about what is best for our beloved pets. Though pet euthanasia is not the right choice for everyone, it’s important to understand what your pet will experience when weighing your options.A common fear expressed is that the euthanasia procedure will cause additional pain and discomfort to an animal that has already experienced his or her fair share of suffering. Rest assured, the procedure itself can provide temporary comfort for your pet’s final moments. In fact, the most pain your animal will feel is the slight prick of a needle used to administer pain medication. The drug used quickly enters the bloodstream and the suffering pet loses consciousness. If you’ve ever been given anesthesia prior to surgery, the sensation your pet will experience is quite similar.The process of euthanizing a dog or cat hasn’t always been this peaceful. In year’s past, your only alternative was to bring a sick animal to a veterinarian’s office, which can be a cold, inhospitable place for many pets. There, the physician would perform the procedure without the benefit of many of the sedatives available today.At Gentle Journey, we strive to make our in-home euthanasia service as pain-free and peaceful as humanly possible. Your pet’s comfort level during this difficult experience is our top priority. If you would like to learn more about the process, please call us at 602-332-7757 or visit us online.