By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush green meadow where time stands sill.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
Thus begins “at Rainbow Bridge” a poem inspired by a Norse legend that brings comfort and hope to many of us when facing the final good-bye to our beloved animal companions.
Sometimes, the loss of a pet is sudden, unexpected, accidental. Other times, age, illness, or injury limit the animal’s life in subtle ways we may not notice immediately. As we become aware of the changes (reluctance to engage with the family, refusal to eat, potty problems, apathy toward favorite activities, for example) a consult with our veterinarian will help focus on providing the best life possible, allowing time to make decisions in the animal’s best interest and adjust to the inevitable, eventual loss of our companion.
Quality of life is an important factor for both pets and their people. Your pet may need care you and your family are unable to provide, for emotional, financial, physical, or logistical reasons. Or the simple reality may be that your pet has more bad days than good.
Sometimes exhaustive research and soul searching reveals no adequate alternative, and though difficult, euthanasia may be the kindest choice you can make. It’s a very personal and heartbreaking decision, but you don’t need to face it alone – your veterinarian, family, friends, and fellow pet lovers can offer support as you grieve the loss and come to terms with life without your pet.
As we’ve become a world more aware of the value of our beloved animal companions, options for dealing with their end-of-life and beyond, have expanded. Many vet clinics offer a quiet room separate from the hub of activities, where you can stay with your pet during and after the euthanasia process. In-home euthanasia provides the opportunity for your pet to pass away peacefully in a familiar space. In either case, the euthanasia medication works quickly, without pain, and the vet will monitor vital signs to confirm the animal’s passing.
Your pet’s absence will leave a hole in your life, and the emotions of the grieving process – sadness, anger, guilt, and others – may ebb and flow for some time after the loss.
You may find solace in making a memorial for your pet – construct a spot of honor with plants, art, favorite toys; compose a journal of memories, create a collage of favorite pictures.
Just as the relationship you shared with your pet took time to build, so it will take time to accept its absence. The pain you experience reflects the love you felt. Find other pet owners who have experienced a loss, and you’ll find kindred spirits, willing and able to empathize.
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Listed below are a few resources to help people facing this most difficult part of pet ownership.
- American Veterinary Medical Association – “Saying goodbye”
(www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare) - Pet Loss & Grief Counseling Resources
(www.mnpocketpetrescue.org/grief-resources) - Social Work Services at the University of MN Veterinary Medical Center
(www.vmc.umn.edu/about-us/specialties-services/social-work-services)
-Submitted by Lisa P.
