The loss of a pet can be as devastating as losing a human family member. Our pets are such an important part of our lives. They love us unconditionally. They often see us through difficult times when we feel forsaken by others. The human-animal bond is only something that can be understood by someone who has experienced it.
My daughter has a veterinary practice within our family pet store. As with most veterinary medicine we are faced with being a resource for customers who have a beloved pet that is terminally ill. The decision to euthanize a pet is one of the most difficult decisions a person ever has to make. When is it truly time to assist the pet in crossing over?
Last week a customer came in for an appointment for a pet that was hiding under furniture. The customer wanted a physical to rule out health problems, but she felt it was probably behavioral. It turned out the animal had a terminal illness and was in the last stages of the disease.
Animals often withdraw to die in privacy. Hiding from their human parents is common. Our family had a black lab named Casey and she often played with a neighbor's dog. One day she did not come when called. We found her curled up the neighbor's dog house where she had died. I remember feeling guilt and pain thinking she died alone.
We explained the options to the customer. She could either take her pet home and let nature run it's course, or offer the pet relief through euthanasia. It is a very personal decision. She could even take her home and notify us, day or night, if she felt it was to the point that she needed our assistance. She elected to have her pet euthanized. We explained the entire procedure and what to expect during each step. We gave her as much time as she needed with her beloved prior to beginning the process.
I held her and cried with her as my heart was so heavy for her loss. The entire experience was spiritual, heartfelt, and emotionally draining.
After it was over as I returned to work in the pet store part of our business, I still had tears streaming down my face. I continued to have moments when I could not stop the tears as I waited on customers at the counter. I had someone say to me, "You are going to have to toughen up if you are going to work in this field. If you are going to get so upset everytime you have to help a customer through this---it may not be the right thing for you to do."
But I disagree....
I feel that's the very reason it IS the right thing for me....
When we lose a human being through death we receive sympathy cards, flowers, food, and all manner of support from our community of loved ones. When we lose a pet, often we suffer alone. I want to be that person who is there for you....who offers open arms...an open heart. Someone who will cry with you and hopefully help you as we--together--offer your pet...
their Angels Wings.
DJ
