I remember the day we found out that our cat, Pumpkin, had cancer. It was a warm autumn day and Pumpkin was curled up in her usual spot in the sun. My husband and I were sitting on the couch, talking, when we noticed that Pumpkin seemed to be having trouble breathing. We took her to the vet and they did some tests. The results showed that Pumpkin had a tumor in her chest and the prognosis wasn’t good. We were devastated. Pumpkin was only six years old and we loved her dearly. We decided to give her the best possible life for as long as we could and made sure she had plenty of cuddles, soft beds, and her favorite foods. We were heartbroken when she passed away a few months later, but we cherish the time we had with her.
The pet person’s worst concern is missing the dear friend. For those who have experienced the loss, there is usually a painful story to get about the loved dog or cat’s end. From one animal person to another, we see the extreme pain and hunger that happens after the loss. There is no proper way to grieve and get through the process, as everyone walks down the different journey with the lover. The lover may represent a person, relative, close friend, or long-term friend. Dogs and cats go an average of 13 years—enough time to really participate and sleep in the heart. They turn into a part of the home and everyday life. The morning routine may not be full without playing fetch or getting on the walking with the dog or snuggling with the feline.’
Deciding to put your animal companion to sleep is one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make for your pet. As a loving pet owner, though, the time may come when you need to help your pet make the transition from life to death, with the help of your veterinarian, in as painless and peaceful a way as possible. Euthanasia for a beloved pet is highly personal decision and usually comes after a diagnosis of a terminal illness and with the knowledge that the animal is suffering badly. Your choices for your pet should be informed by the care and love you feel for the animal. Important things to consider include: If you do decide that ending the suffering is in your pet’s best interest, take your time to create a process that is as peaceful as possible for you, your pet, and your family. You may want to have a last day at home with the pet in order to say goodbye, or to visit the pet at the animal hospital. You can also choose to be present during your pet’s euthanasia, or to say goodbye beforehand and remain in the veterinary waiting room or at home. This is an individual decision for each member of the family.
Some say they would never foster a lover because it would be too difficult to say goodbye when the creature is adopted, but take this choice. It may take difficult to say good-bye to this creature you’ve attached with, but it’s crucial to think that by opening the house, you are keeping a life— and each pet you foster is a new life saved. You turn into an important part of the organization to keep homeless pets by not just giving the particular animal feeling, but by making the change for all creatures.
