Pet loss
How to Cope with loss
Whether you have raised your beloved pet from infancy or adopted it only a short time ago, the bond between a pet and its family is often very strong. Where some take a short while to deal with the loss, there are those who feel the loss of companionship very difficult to overcome. At this time in your life it is very important to have the love and support of your family and friends. Remembering all of the joys your companion brought to your life, looking at photos from over the years and recalling funny or warm stories with family is a great way to remember. Some will spread ashes at a favorite spot or plant a memorial bush. If you do not have the support that you feel you need, there are many resources to help you deal with the grief including books, telephone support lines and weekly group meetings. Also remember that your veterinary team has been a part of your pet’s life, and are there for you in any way they can help. Some resources are:
Until We Meet Again Pet Memorial Center
1-604-924-1160
www.UntilWeMeetAgain.ca
Canadian Centre for Pet Loss Bereavement (CCPLB)
1-866-226-8079 ext 55
www.PetLossSupport.ca
Shiri Joshua’s Centre for Human & Animal Healing
1-778-319-7387
www.HumanAnimalHealing.com
Daybreak Counselling Services, Laurel Horn
1-604-802-6959
Calgary Pet Loss Support Group
1-403-205-4455
www.petlosscalgary.org
When to Get a New Pet?
Time and experience have taught us that this choice is different for everyone. For some it may feel right to get another pet immediately, or even in anticipation of the loss. For others, it may be months or even years before you wish to have another pet.
A reality we have observed is that you will know when the time is right or when the right opportunity presents itself. Always remember, when you get another pet you are not replacing your lost pet, just starting another friendship.
While no one can tell you the right time for another pet, we can help you to choose what type of pet best fits your life-style and circumstances. Speaking to us before adopting a new pet is always a good idea. We can make suggestions about things you may have overlooked. If you are uncertain if you are ready for a new pet try volunteering at your local SPCA or shelter. This way you get to bond with the animals and help those in need while not yet taking on the responsibility of ownership.
Remember, Dr. Honey, Dr. Angela Dattolico and all of the caring staff at Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital are always here to aid you.
Pet Loss
The love for our pets and their love for us is unconditional. When this relationship comes to an end it is a tremendous loss.
The loss, or anticipation of loss of a beloved pet triggers grieving which is a necessary, unavoidable, and healthy response. There are many manifestations of grief which can occur on physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual levels. Grieving can last for weeks, months, or even years. Healthy grief gradually lessens in intensity over time.
When is the right time to say goodbye to your pet?
An inescapable fact is that our beloved pets live shorter lives then we do. Unfortunately, this means that in most cases we are forced to decide the humane time to let our pets go. This is never an easy decision. Dr. Honey, Dr. Angela Dattolico and all of the caring staff at Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital take this stage of your relationship with your pet very seriously. We know how much you want to do what is best for your pet. We recognize our role is to help you steer through the distractions and make the right decisions at the right time as your pets’ quality of life declines. We know how important this is.
What is quality of life?
Your pets’ quality of life is measured in many ways. A severe change in one, or a smaller change in more than one of these factors can add up to an unacceptable quality of life for your pet.
Changes you can watch for include:
1. Awareness of surroundings: pets generally respond to our presence, vocal commands and surrounding noises.
2. Activity level: activity level tends to decrease with age but some daily activity is important.
3. Persistent pain: if pain becomes unmanageable and no future relief is expected this represents a significant change in quality of life.
4. Appetite: dogs may go a few days without eating whereas cats should eat daily. It is very important for both cats and dogs to drink every day. Watch for pattern changes in eating/drinking, especially if accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea or severe weight loss.
5. Ability to eliminate: loss of house training.
Many of these changes inevitably come with aging. The difficulty is knowing when the sum of these problems represent changes that make your pet’s quality of life unacceptably low. We can help you know when that time is.
Time to Say Goodbye
When the time comes for a family to say goodbye to their beloved companion, many are unsure where to start. Speaking to your animal’s health care team at Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital is a great way to get the answers and the support that is needed. We understand that this is a very difficult and emotional time for you, and we are here to help.
The death of a family pet is often a child’s first experience with loss. It is an important time for parents and other adults to teach children how to express grief in emotionally healthy ways free of shame or embarrassment. We can help you know how to handle this challenge.
What do we do?
When your family has decided that euthanasia is the humane thing to do for your pet there are a few practical factors to consider.
- Would you like the veterinarian to come to your home or would you like to come to the hospital?
- Does the family wish to be present for the process?
- Would you like to have your pet’s remains (ashes) back after cremation?
Thinking about these things in advance will help reduce your decision making needs when the time to let your pet go actually arrives.
What Happens During a Euthanasia?
Euthanasia is accomplished with an intravenous injection of an overdose of barbiturate. The effects are almost immediate, and it will often appear as if your pet is simply drifting off to sleep. After the injection is given, Dr. Honey or Dr. Angela Dattolico will confirm that your pet has passed away by listening to the heart. Owners need to prepare themselves for the possibility of certain body reactions and/or eliminations that can occur after your pet is gone. We will prepare you for those at the appropriate time.
Aftercare
We feel blessed to be able to entrust your pet to Until We Meet Again Pet Memorial Center. Kevin, Joanne and their staff are there to help honour your pet with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Most pets are cremated now. We discourage burial as it has many practical challenges. You can have your pets remains (ashes) returned to you if you wish. Many people choose this option as it allows you to have a physical memento of your pet. Many people keep the ashes or scatter some over a favorite walking area or make some other symbolic gesture in memory of their beloved pet. Be assured that at all times, your pet will be handled with utmost dignity, stored in a safe place and will be properly labeled. We also have Spawts Studio make a ceramic paw impression from your pet, which serves as another treasured memento.
