Knowing when is the right time to say goodbye
This is a question I am asked a lot. There is no one answer or one questionaire that will give us the answer, but using a combination of different tools can help us decide when the time is right to say goodbye.
Quality of life assessments can give us a generalised picture of how are pets are physically doing but they are not enough to make that decision alone.
I personally like "5 favourite things". Write down 5 favourite things your pet loves to do and that makes them who they are. This could be barking at the post man, running along the beach, getting excited for particular treats. When your pet stops doing 3 of these things this is a good indication their quality of life is deminishing.
Another one is to scroll back at the pictures on your phone, look at your pets facial expressions when they are doing things they love. Is there still the same joy in their face today? Do they look tired or has that spark now gone?
Have you started marking on the calendar good days and bad days? It is important to remember a good moment is not the same as a good day. When the bad days start to outweigh the good then this can be a sign that it is time. Please also rememeber it is ok to say goodbye on a good day when they are comfortable and not anxious.
There is no one answer and you know your pet best. I will leave you with a quote that I hold dear which is "It is better to say goodbye a week too early than a day too late."
Saying goodbye
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is the hardest thing we go through as pet owners. Our pets have given us unconditional companionship and love throughout their whole life and the bond we share with them is like no other. Which is why when it comes to saying goodbye they deserve the very best of care.
I believe their final moments should be peaceful, compassionate and full of love, which is why I offer an in home service. You are not loading them into the car one last time, there are no busy waiting rooms or clincial consult rooms. They are at home with you in a place where they feel most comfortable and safe.
There are no time constraints so we can take as much time as we need to create a peaceful and calm enviroment for everyone to say their loving goodbyes.
What happens during a euthanasia appointment?
It can be an anxious time as our pets enter end of life care, especially if we don’t know what to expect.
Every appointment is given plenty of time as the most important thing is that everyone is calm and relaxed in order to provide a beautiful and peaceful passing for your pet.
This video explains what to expect from our appointment.
On the Day
Things to think about on the day of your appointment.
Location
Does your pet have a favourite spot around the house, or a spot in the garden they loved best.
It can be nice to celebrate their life by saying goodbye in their favourite spot.
Who will be present?
What family members or friends would you like to be present on the day.
Do you have other pets you would like to be present?
Favourite foods
If your pet is well enough to eat sometimes providing them their favourite treats to have before they are sedated is a lovely touch.
Pre euthanasia Anaesthetic
All pets will be given an anaesthetic prior to euthanasia in order to provide a peaceful and pain free passing.
If your pet is not too fond of strangers or vets then I may provide an additional sedation for them to ingest before the visit to reduce your pets stress.
Memorial items
What memorial items would you like to keep in memory of your beloved pet.
Included in the price of your visit I offer paw and nose prints as well as hair clippings. Please see the aftercare page for more information.
After care
What would you like to do with your pet's body after?
Would you like to bury them in the garden, take them to the crematorium or would you prefer for me to transport them?
If you would like home burialand are not sure what to place them in I can provide you with a euthabag to place them in.
Pet Loss Support
"How Lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - A. A. Milne
You are not alone in your grief and I am here to support you through your pets transition. Loosing a pet or anticipating the loss of a pet is a heart breaking time and this is when you need support the most.
Tails of Love
Angel Wings Group
Sometimes you just need to speak to someone who understands the pain. Maybe you want to share a memory or a picture with someone who understands.
For this reason I have created a private facebook group called "Tails of Love Angel Wings" This is a safe space where you can process your grief with others who understand.
Whether your loss was recent or it was some time ago, everyone is welcome into this safe space.
Tails of Love
Memorial Walks
Starting this May I have created a monthly "walk in memory" this will be held in different locations around the Highlands and Moray where we can come together and go for a walk.
Join us for a peaceful walk, going at your own pace and meeting with other families who are also navigating pet loss. Together we can chat and share memories, talk about how we are feeling or just enjoy the company in silence surrounded by people who understand.
