is never easy when it comes to making the decision to euthanized an aging or ill pet. It is one of the hardest decisions that will be placed in your lap. I remember when my husband and I had to make the decision to have our beloved "HENNIE"....a wonderful, 9 year old Goldendoodle....euthanized because she was in renal failure due to the medication "Rimadyl". On the day we went to our vets' office to discuss having her euthanized, she bounded over to us with energy...wagging her tail after three days of IV fluid therapy. My husband said "Today is not the day". We enjoyed just three days of "well" days with Hennie before she relapsed back into lethargy, the inability to walk on her own and in need of further IV fluid treatments due to her kidneys failing. We agonized over the decision. We cried over the decision and the guilt was enormous.
There is no easy way to say good-bye to a pet so loved...the fond memories of many happy years flood in like a river. When the problem is terminal and the only other choice is to allow your pet to spend more days or months suffering from a debilitating disease that will only make the suffering worse, the kindest procedure is euthanization. Allowing your pet to suffer may fill you with regrets later down the road. I personally do not believe that death is the end of a life. It may be the end of a life ....as we know it.....but my personal and strong convictions are that every living soul and entity...to include any type of pet....will continue on to another realm and that the energy will go on forever....just one that is free from pain and suffering. There may be those who do not have this belief, but it is one I strongly hold on to.
Below I have listed some pet resources for anyone who has lost a pet and is grieving over that loss:
The section "Good-bye" good friend explains why euthanization may be the best for a suffering pet. There are also steps available you may take as well as grief counseling.
The Association For Pet Loss and Bereavement:
CLICK HERE to visit their website. This non-profit group was founded by Wallace Sife, PH.D; he is a renowned pet-bereavement counselor and the author of "The loss of a pet". This site can direct you to support groups near your area.
This site is designed for owners grieving the loss of their pet. There are inspirational messages, poetry, chat rooms and message boards along with sympathy cards.
The section "coping with pet loss" will take you through the stages of grief and gives practical advice on burying your pet and cremation.
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET
can be dangerous if you don't know the DOs and the DON'Ts......
*DO always have your canine on a leash before getting out of your vehicle. A dog can be so fast!
Before you know it, your pet can be out of your vehicle and veer into oncoming traffic.
*DO exercise your pet regularly while on the road. Your pet, who has been cooped up inside of your car for hours and then left at the hotel room all alone can cause alot of trouble. That would be YOUR fault and not your dogs'.
*DO always make sure your pet has identifying tags on his or her collar anytime you are traveling. A lost pet could turn out to be tragic.
*DON'T forget to offer your traveling pet water on a frequent basis. If your dog is dripping water from its tongue, this is an indication he or she is sweating profusely and is in dire need of water! Your dog can become dehydrated and die of heat exhaust. Pay special attention to the temperature outside.
*DON'T ever leave your dog or cat inside of an automobile alone, especially on a hot day. It is a known fact that heat can build up very quickly inside of your car even with the windows cracked open for ventilation. If it is 70 degrees outside, you can be sure your car will be 90 degrees or more inside! Even if you are going inside to get a quick bite to eat, your pet can die of heat stroke or other complications due to heat exhaust. Leave your pet at home or at the hotel if you plan to run errands or eat prior to leaving on a trip.
*DO always keep your cat inside of a crate for everyone's' safety while transporting him or her inside of your car.
Cats do not always like riding in a vehicle and their claws can hurt passengers who get in its way. An unexpected leap by a frisky kitty can startle any driver and cause an accident. Also make sure your cat is wearing a collar with identifying tags.
*Do always ask the hotel prior to making reservations if they allow pets; are there any "house rules" regarding pets and if there is a "pet deposit" required at the time of reserving a room. You may also wish to ask if there are any restrictions. Another important question is "are pet owners relegated to sub-standard or less desirable rooms, such as the smoking room. It is hard when planning to travel to remember to ask all the right questions.
The Portable Petswelcome.com the complete guide to traveling with your pet can provide further essential traveling tips, guides to locating accommodations including campgrounds, pet-sitters and more. Planning ahead will make your travels stress free and very pleasant. There are many hotels that do not allow or accept pets, so it is important to know where you can stay in advance. CLICK HERE for hotel information.
