If you’re viewing this page it’s likely you’re preparing to say goodbye to your beloved K9 friend or have just had to do so. If you’ve just lost a dog, we send our deepest condolences and suggest moving onto part 2 https://wisewoofs.com/senior-care/saying-goodbye-part-2/
For those preparing for the passing of their companion we’d like to support you as much as possible. This is the most difficult aspect of dog ownership. Anticipating the loss of such a constant, loving part of our daily lives is jarring. As a group who has been there, we deeply sympathize with you. Depending on the situation there are ways to say goodbye honorably that we believe benefit all members of the family and are fitting ways to close a chapter of a beautiful relationship. After all, the dogs we grew to love change the people we are and stay in our hearts forever. Here are some tips we’ve found beneficial to help the process:
- Job Well Done – The journey in life we were lucky enough to share with our dogs is something to be cherished. Time permitting, it’s extremely fulfilling to have them re-experience some of their favorite parts of life. Whether it be a trip to a meaningful location, playlist of music representing important times together, or just intimate moments being showered with love of family members, these are special, bittersweet opportunities to honor the joy that was shared. Honor the bond created throughout their lifetime and thank them for it all.
- Forget the diet – Rules go out the window at this stage. It’s a time to spoil our precious old pups. Cook up their favorite meal with extra toppings or hit the grocery store and serve up all the non-toxic food you wanted to earlier in life but may not have been able to out of a desire to maintain long-term health. If you’re months away from the situation we suggest waiting a bit longer on this part.
- Take Time to Reflect – It’s natural for our minds to wander to different topics in such a difficult situation and time can fly among the chaos. A good personal experience which brought my dog’s life into perspective and appreciation was meditating about all the walks we shared together in the different places we lived. Our dogs represent times in our life and the gift of unconditional love through ups and downs. Reflecting on that ride can help us to appreciate how lucky we were to find our dogs and aid in preparing us for upcoming challenges.
- Grieve However You Need – Dogs are family members. For many of us they are what we live for. Don’t let anyone marginalize your feelings of sadness. It’s natural to grieve the anticipated loss and suffering our dogs are dealing with. Allow yourself as much or little time and space as you need, not what someone else tells you is appropriate.
- It’s All About Comfort – Mentally and physically our dogs are likely in pain along with us. It’s our responsibility to make this transition as comfortable as possible for them. Get their favorite blankets, dog beds and toys… anything that is comfortable to lay on and special items to remind them of the good times and love behind it. It’s also our responsibility to take care of ourselves however we need. It allows us to be our best for them and any other animals in the house who will grieve the loss as well. Besides, it’s clearly what they would want for us.
- Be Confident in Your Decision – If you choose euthanasia the choice to gracefully end the life of our family member when the time is appropriate will be the most painful, selfless gifts you ever provide to your dog. It’s not one to be made lightly and should be done in consultation with a trusted veterinarian. However, when the time ultimately comes the difficult choice is the greatest act of love and compassion we can show. It often avoids inevitable extension of pain and potentially catastrophic endings. The euthanasia process is quick and painless for dogs. They are generally administered an injection to relax their bodies and relieve pain. Then another to softly send them to their new home over the rainbow bridge.
- Consider At Home Euthanasia – When possible, where to spend the final moments is a personal decision. Understandably, many people who have long standing, close relationships with their Veterinarians will want them to usher the process. Professional at home euthanasia for animals is becoming more common and our experience with them has been overwhelmingly positive. The ability to allow our pets to leave in a familiar setting can provide peace to both the dog and ourselves. The Veterinarian’s office could be more stressful in this situation whereas being at home is a much more intimate, familiar, comfortable setting. It also allows us the necessary space to let our feelings out of gratitude, love, sadness, final messages for our beloved pooches and hope for them in the afterlife. Veterinarians who specialize exclusively in this field often handle this process with a remarkable level of grace and help provide just the right support when it’s needed most.
Again, Wise Woofs would like to extend our condolences to anyone going through this extremely difficult time. From one dog owner to another, we understand what you are going through and we are here for you.
