Hardest words to say
Good-bye. That word is the hardest to say when it comes time to help a beloved pet cross over the rainbow bridge. On November 6th, we had to say goodbye to our sweet Cavalier Daisy. She had been sick and was giving me signs that it was time for me to help her.
Almost every day I have conversations with pet parents about elderly and ill pets. Everyone wishes that our pets would simply fall asleep and not wake up when they are suffering. Unfortunately, this is most often not the case. I like to remind people that the greatest gift we can give to our pets is to help them pass on and to end their pain and discomfort.
Why we should help
When a pet is elderly or ill, we will do anything and everything to help keep them alive and comfortable. Often, we start to miss the cues that our pets are giving us that they are, simply put, done. The love that we feel for our pets is immeasurable. More often than not, we are doing everything we can to keep our pets with us for our own selfish reasons. Mainly, it just hurts too much to say goodbye, and we are not ready. The unconditional love that we receive from our pets is the reason we have pets in the first place. Those sweet faces, who are always happy to see us, are a highlight in our otherwise chaotic worlds.
When to know if it is time
When a pet is suffering and cannot pass on their own, it is our greatest honor to be able to help them die peacefully. You need to keep in perspective quality of life when trying to decide if a pet is in need of our assistance. A pet that is no longer able to get up unaided or control its bodily functions, may be considered at it’s time. When a pet refuses to eat and looks at you with “the look”, it’s time. People will ask “what is the look” and I tell them “You’ll know”. The life has gone out of your pets eyes. They may still wag their tail or purr in response to a touch, but this is what they will continue to do. It is the look in their sweet faces that simply says: “I cannot go on like this any longer”.
How it happens
In my lifetime, I have had the honor of helping several of my dogs pass on and to end their suffering. It is, by far, the hardest thing that I have yet had to do. For me, having all of the family be present (including the kids, if age appropriate) is important. We share stories while crying, petting and loving on our pet. Laughter and tears are part of the healing process. Our pets have all been put to sleep in our vet’s office, but I know others who prefer to have the vet come to their home. The end comes quickly and easily. I am always in awe of our wonderful veterinarians, who are so supportive and understanding during the process. I cannot imagine how hard it must be for a vet to have to perform this ritual on a regular basis.
Till we meet again
You may believe that our pets cross over the “Rainbow Bridge” and are waiting for us there on the other side. Or, you may think they simply pass. Either way, I know that our gift of helping to end their suffering in a time of need is something that we can all appreciate. There are so many tears that still come long after our pets our gone. Our pets when they go, they take more than a little piece of our hearts with them.
Remembering
So, goodbye my sweet, lazy Daisy. You were the cutest, sweetest ball of love. Those that had the pleasure of meeting you always fell in love with you. I know Lumpy is there with you on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge, and he is happy to let you climb on his back again and nap. May you breathe freely and eat as much as your tummy can handle. Most of all, I know that now you can hear all of the wonderful sounds you have been missing, as you went deaf way too early. You will be so dearly missed. We love you.
