Countless pet owners have had to make the gut wrenching, heart breaking, and agonizing decision to euthanize a beloved pet. There are many reasons why this may become necessary-but generally speaking, the most common reasons for that decision are typically health or aged related. Many older pets experience loss of quality of life and may struggle with basic bodily functions. This can also happen as a result of a disease diagnosis. Perhaps the pet’s quality of life becomes diminished to the point where they are in obvious and constant pain or distress or maybe the negative side effects of ongoing medical treatment can no longer be justified or ignored. When the point of inevitability has been reached, when euthanasia is the only viable option, then the conversation about how best to proceed for the sake of the pet needs to begin.
The pet owner can feel victimized by the seemingly unfairness of the situation too. Just the thought of having to make that potential decision illicit many negative physical and emotional feelings for the pet owner. Anxiety, sorrow, grief, tears, anger, incredulity, depression, nausea, fear and the worst one of all, second guessing the decision, are all normal components of this difficult process and should be expected.
Most of us fight the very notion of ending a long-time companion’s life no matter what the circumstances may be. It’s only 
natural to want our beloved family members, be they two or four legged, to live forever. This is normal. Death is a painful part of life most of us would rather avoid. When prayer and reason eventually give way to the noble desire of ending our pet’s suffering, then the painful decision has been wrestled to the floor and subdued. Ending a pet’s life is a serious decision that ideally includes the support of family members and the professional advice of your veterinarian especially if this is the first time dealing with this difficult decision.
There are a few important questions to consider during the decision-making process. For instance, what are the possible consequences of not euthanizing, not only for the pet, but for the humans involved? Prolonging its life may provide more pain to the pet and create unnecessary hardship on the humans.
Who should be included in making the decision? How will individual family members process the decision? Where will the decision be carried out, at home or the veterinary clinic? There are many newer services where the euthanasia can be carried out in the convenience of the pet’s home. This can make the ordeal much less traumatic for both the pet and the family.
Other questions that may need to be answered are: Who should be in attendance? What about the disposition of the pet’s remains? Should plans be made to memorialize the pet in some way to help bring closure? Will grief counseling be necessary for yourself or other family members either before or afterward?
No matter how many times a pet owner may face the very difficult decision to euthanize a furry family companion, it’s never easy. The grieving process is real and its intensity can be overwhelming. This is not unusual and reaching out for help either professionally or to those who can lend a sympathetic ear can help with the coping process. Above all, be gentle and patient with yourself and others as this is a very individual process.
A Compassionate, loving heart knows it will be painful and messy but sometimes necessary to ease the pain and/or suffering of a devoted pet we’ve come to love and share our human experience with. In the end, the pain far outweighs the utter joy a beloved pet contributes to our health, well-being and a fuller life. And comfort can always be found knowing we will one day be reunited with our animal companions beyond the rainbow bridge.
“Our animal friends teach us more than we could have expected and love us more than we could have hoped. That’s why we miss them more than we could have imagined.”
Send a copy of our Beyond The Rainbow Bridge book today. It will surely ease the pain of their loss.
