Pet Euthanasia: Coping With Guilt

People experience a whole gamut of emotions when faced with the decision to euthanize a pet. There are feelings of sadness when considering a life lacking the companionship, happiness and love that our pets bring to our lives. There is the sense of compassion associated with choosing to end the senseless pain and suffering of a sick or injured animal. Then there is guilt. This is, perhaps, the most difficult emotion a pet guardian may face when deciding to euthanize.Guilt is an emotion people experience because they feel they’ve done something which conflicts with their moral character. It can manifest itself before the euthanasia procedure is even administered; this is known as anticipatory guilt. Pet guardians experience guilt for a variety of reasons. Some worry they didn’t do enough to save their pet. Others agonize over the timing, wondering whether they’ve made the decision too soon or too late. Still others lament the decision to end a life, in itself.If you’re experiencing guilt over your decision to euthanize, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. It’s a natural reaction and is a testament to the love and devotion you feel toward your pet. Try not to focus on what you can’t change. Instead, focus on what you can do to make your pet’s remaining days as peaceful as possible. With Gentle Journey, you can give your pet the gift of compassion by allowing his/her final moments to be spent in the warmth and comfort of your home. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online: http://doctorchristina.com/

Should Other Animals Be Present During Pet Euthanasia?

Letting go of an ailing pet is a gut-wrenching choice many pet owners are forced to make when caring for an animal whose bad days far outnumber the good. Being present with your pet during this bewildering procedure is an intimate experience that honors the bond you’ve built with your beloved companion. A final embrace and loving farewell can be a positive moment that aids the grieving process.If you have other pets in the home who are closely bonded with your ailing friend, you may be wondering if they should be afforded the same opportunity to bid a heartfelt goodbye. Allowing other pets to witness the procedure can provide them with a sense of closure, reducing the chances they’ll be waiting for the departed pet to return. In many cases, your healthy cat or dog may want to stay close-by in support of a dying pet until he or she passes on.Not all animals will want to be present during the procedure and that’s okay. If this is the case, it’s generally advisable to abide their wishes and let them deal with the loss in their own, personal way. Additionally, it may be impractical to have other animals present at the time of the procedure if they are disruptive to the process. If this is the case, allowing them to say goodbye after the animal has passed can help them to understand what has taken place.Providing pets the opportunity to say goodbye is therapeutic and can help your healthy pet move on after the passing. This wasn’t always the case, as the procedure was generally performed in a veterinarian’s office. Gentle Journey and other in-home euthanasia services have changed the landscape of pet care making it possible for the whole family, pets included, to say goodbye in the most loving, caring environment possible. If you’d like to learn more about this compassionate service, call Gentle Journey at 602-332-7757 or visit our website: http://doctorchristina.com/services/