Euthanasia and Cremation Services

What happens when the time comes?

(To everything there is a season….)

Making the decision

This is very different and difficult for each one of us. Some of the reasons to consider are:

• Pain – if your pet is in intolerable pain then that may be a justifiable reason for euthanasia (mercy killing as it is called).
• Medical reasons – when you have done all that is medically possible and your little one is still suffering or the treatment itself becomes intolerable.
• Hygiene and sanitation factors – if your pet has lost bowel and bladder control and there are infant children at risk of contamination or human health is otherwise jeopardised.
• Social issues – similarly if persistent vomiting or other demands are causing
  a marriage break up then this in itself may be an adequate reason.
• Money – sometimes the sad reality is some treatments are prohibitively expensive.
• Sensory factors – when your little friend is blind and deaf and is living in it’s own little world, remote from you and there is no companionship on either side.
• Aggression – the risk factor from a violent pet if uncontrollable becomes unacceptable and the moral, legal and social consequences take priority over the pet’s life.

Discuss the issue with those involved – there will be grieving even in anticipation. It involves denial, - anger, - guilt, and perhaps depression before we get to acceptance and resolution.

Then pick a time, decide who may wish to be there and make an appointment.

What happens next?

• You come in with your pet and are ushered into a quiet room. Where possible we try to make your pet comfortable with blankets and your pet is given a gentle injection tucked under the skin of a sedative/pain killer.
• About 10 minutes later as your pet relaxes, the doctor gives an intravenous injection of barbiturate anesthetic and your little friend goes quickly and quietly to sleep. Because the anesthetic is triple strength the circulation and respiration stop and it is all over in less than 30 seconds.
• You need to know that it is two things – quick and painless.
• Involvement– you are welcome to stay with your pet throughout the procedure, or just see your pet afterwards or just leave - whichever you feel comfortable with.

What happens afterwards?

• You have the option of having your pet cremated with his/her friends or having him/her cremated individually with the ashes being returned to you in an urn within a few days.
• Finances – you may wish to avoid the stress of financial distractions by leaving your credit card number with the receptionist at the beginning. Alternatively you may wish to have a prepayment arrangement or be invoiced.
• May the gift of God’s grace replace grieving with gratitude
  May our thanks for the past restore peace in our attitude.

Consolation – perhaps the words expressed by Horatio Spafford in 1876 at a time of devastating loss may give you some comfort

‘When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like a sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul.”

“My little dog-- a heartbeat at my feet”