By Liz Pollack, MS, ACPEC, Pet Loss Grief Counselor
One of the most difficult decisions we face is deciding it is time to euthanize a beloved pet. I remember when I was forced to make this decision for my 18-year-old cat, Trisha. On one hand, I knew it was time; but on the other, I wondered if it really was. The indecision was so stressful; how to know for sure — after all, I was taking a life into my own hands. It was the life of a loyal companion I raised from a kitten, and with whom I shared so much with — including a mutual unconditional love.
The decision is never easy for anyone who loves their pet. As a Pet Loss Grief Counselor, many of my clients struggle to separate the facts from feelings. They need help to assure themselves that they are making a compassionate decision for their pet, rather than an emotional one for themselves. I share the suggestions below as a place for them to start:
- Respect your own observations. Do you know in your heart that something is very wrong with your pet, and that your pet’s quality of life is at issue, and not likely to improve? Have you noticed that your pet is depressed all the time, is in pain, is dropping weight, or doesn’t enjoy playing or eating?
- Have a family discussion about it. Talk about it with those who share a bond with this pet. Ask what they are seeing, and how they feel. Involve your children in this decision if you consider them emotionally mature enough to face this reality.
- Have a discussion with your vet, and consider a second opinion. Veterinarians can provide you with objective and informative advice on the degree of your pet’s suffering and pain, as well as what to expect in the future. This can help remove the effect of your grief and emotions in deciding.
- Keep a pet diary. Keeping a diary helps owners to gauge when the time has come to say goodbye. It is basically a day-to-day record of how the pet feels, behaves, and acts. It can help you compare your pet’s typical behaviors to the current ones. Some common indicators you could record are:
∙ Responsiveness — Comes when called; allows petting and grooming
∙ Mobility — Tires easily, trouble standing, sitting, or rising; changes in activity level
∙ Appetite — Refuses food or water; eats only soft food; drinks excessively
∙ Functions — Trouble breathing; excessive urination; difficulty evacuating; weight change; coughing
∙ Signs of Pain — Crying or whimpering when being handled; excessive panting; unusual aggression
Once you have all the facts, and have separated your feelings from those facts, it is time to trust your gut. Let your love for your pet guide the decision. Not the love and fulfillment you get from your pet, but the love that leads you to make the best decision for the animal.
Are you in need of a pet grief counselor, or maybe just getting your life back on track? Liz can help! Call 309-370-4492 for an appointment, or e-mail her at legup@mtco.com. Liz Pollack, MS, ACPEC, is a Certified Coach and Pet Loss Grief Counselor, and owns Leg Up Services. If you, or a loved one, are interested in the Pets for Seniors Shelter, please call: 309-336-9721.
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