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Planning Euthanasia Although making the decision to have a beloved pet euthanized is a very difficult one, it must be kept in mind that this is the final gift of love you can give. Whether your pet has been with you for many years or only for a short time, a strong bond has been formed between the two of you, and being faced with having to make the decision to end that bond takes a lot of courage, even when you know there is no other answer. With extremely old pets or those with terminal illnesses, euthanasia may be delayed for a day or two without causing your pet undue suffering. This gives the owner a chance to say goodbye in the pet's own home, pampering them with their favourite foods or foods previously forbidden, grooming or petting them, taking them for a walk or letting them out in the yard one last time. Some people find it comforting to have a talk with their pet - thank them for being a loyal companion, talking about the good times they had together and telling them how much they are loved. On the day of the appointment, try and schedule a time when the veterinarian isn't busy and will have time to answer any questions you may have, and allow you to take a few moments to say your goodbyes. If your pet is agitated travelling in the car, it may be wise to arrange to obtain a sedative to be given prior to making the trip. In some cases, you may be able to have your veterinarian come to your home. Seeing the deceased pet, other animals in the home will realize that their friend is gone and has not just disappeared. The decision to be with your pet during euthansia is something to take into consideration before the appointment. For some people, the thought of watching their beloved pet pass away is more than they can bear, so they wait in the reception area and spend a few moments with their pet afterwards. Some pet owners find it somewhat comforting to be there; this not only gives them a sense of closure, but eases their mind that their pet has had a peaceful passing. Should you choose to stay with your pet, remember it can be a very traumatic experience and although it is normal for emotions to flow, this can be upsetting to your pet. Those who choose to not be there and to not see the body afterwards oftentimes have a hard time accepting the fact that their pet is really gone. The decision to be there or not is a personal one; you know what is best for both you and your pet. Whether you have chosen to be there or not, rest assured that your pet will be treated with respect and dignity. If you have decided to be there, it might be wise to have a friend or family member there with you to provide emotional support. Use the drop down menu or click on the "Next" icon to continue
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