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When it’s time to say goodbye
We form such a special bond with our pets and it’s true to say that many of us spend more time with them than our families or fellow humans.
Understandably, we all start to worry when our pets are unwell or showing signs of ageing and people often say they are anxious about making that decision at the right time.
If your pet hasn’t seen a vet for a while…
First of all, if your pet hasn’t seen a vet for a while we would urge you to pick up the ‘phone to have a chat about it and to come and see us.
If your pet is changing, there may well be something we can do to help. This may involve some tests such as a blood or urine sample, sometimes imaging such as x-ray or ultrasound (which is not invasive but may require a little sedation) or recommendation of some medication or lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise which can really make a big difference. We are fortunate to be able to manage many diseases associated with older age really well these days, and this results in better quality of life for your pet.
If your pets condition and quality of life is deteriorating
If however, your pets condition and quality of life is deteriorating you may wish to prepare for the next stage, or end of life care.
We are always on hand to give you advice which may be medication tweaks or lifestyle adjustments – tools to make things easier for you and your pet.
A common question is ‘how do I know when it’s time?’ Every pet and owner bond and lifestyle is different so there is no simple answer.
We would suggest you consider what things are really important for your pet to be able to do: getting outside and going for a walk, enthusiasm for food, accompanying their owners to work, playing in the garden, with the horses.
- Has anything changed?
- Do they acknowledge your presence the same in a morning or after work?
- Are they involved in whatever you are doing or are they keeping to themselves?
- Are their interactions with other pets and visitors the same or altered?
- Are you spending a lot of time worrying that they are uncomfortable, not quite themselves?
- All of these questions could apply to most of our pets, cats, dogs or small pets.
Do pick up the ‘phone; we understand what you may be feeling and a chat or consultation can be very re-assuring.
If the time has come….
If the time has come, and your pet is moving from being content to one who is unable to do the things they would like to do or experiencing pain then we have the ability to prevent suffering for them.
You can make an appointment to come to the clinic or we can come to your home.
Whenever possible we recommend you plan for this, so you can be with the right people and in the right environment, and so that you can prepare too.
What will happen
We will first give your pet a sedative injection under the skin and place a little cannula in a blood vessel, usually a leg. We will give an overdose of anaesthetic which is not painful and your pets breathing will start to slow as they relax and slip away.
How do I decide what to do next
You may wish to may bury your pet at home, if this is possible, or we can take care of them for you at our practice.
Communal cremation
Our crematorium, Pet Cremation Services, have a little garden of remembrance where a proportion of all ashes are scattered.
Individual cremation
Individual cremations offer a range of little caskets, scatter tubes and porcelain urns for you to choose from.
Pricing
We have to be up-front about this as an individual cremation incurs a significant cost and many people like to have everything paid for at the time so they do not have to worry about this later.
For cats – click here for options available and pricing
For dogs – click here for options available and pricing
Can I send my pet to be cremated with any items
If you wish to, collars, favourite toys and a special bed can go with your pet to the crematorium
Should we involve the family?
We suggest that as many family members who wish to be involved should be – including involving children in the journey. However hard it is, sadly, bereavement is one of life’s experiences that we have to learn, and they often want to talk about it. They may also have some thoughts about how they would like to remember their friend and may have a lot
We can refer you to the following websites for guidance:
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-loss-support-children-missing-my-friend
You are not alone….
Finally, you are not alone.
You have experienced a bereavement and the emotions you are experiencing are valid. We have a different relationship with our pets to fellow humans but a really special one and sometimes it is difficult to say that to other people.
The following organisations may be useful if you or a family member are struggling.
As we have the privilege of being an extended part of your family and you a part of the Station House family, we understand what you are going through and want you to know you will be in our thoughts at this sad time.