End of Life Decisions

As a house call veterinarian, I appreciate that I am in a unique position to provide a 'peaceful end of life' transition in the home setting. While letting go of a beloved friend is not ever an easy thing to do, a home visit can take the stress away that a trip to the veterinary clinic can cause.

To peacefully fall asleep in your home is how many of us wish to end our days, especially when surrounded by those who love us. If you feel that this is something you are considering for your beloved companion, please give me a call and we can discuss your concerns.
 

The relationship between children and their pets is unique and irreplaceable. Pet loss can be very traumatic to a child, depending on the important role the pet played in the child's life: companion, best friend, admirer, playmate, defender, sibling, confidante. When that bond is broken, the pain can be deep and enduring, and the trauma can result in feelings of insecurity, anxiety, anger, guilt, helplessness, distrust and fear.

Yet it doesn't have to be that way. Children can be helped to cope effectively with this very difficult life experience-provided that we consider what the pet means to the child, take into account the child's developmental understanding of death, and carefully plan how the pet's euthanasia is presented and conducted.

Download a wonderful article written by Martha M. Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC -
Helping Children Cope with a Pet's Euthanasia

Anticipatory Grief

Preparing for Euthanasia