Your Pet's Final Chapter

Pets enrich our live beyond measure. They give us the comfort of their companionship and accept us without criticism or judgment. They provide the one thing that few people are able to give: unconditional love.

No wonder then, that the decision to end the life on an animal friend is so difficult. We put it off as long as possible. Making the decision is often harder than dealing with the loss itself. Many people say they can accept the death and accompanying sadness, but have great difficulty with being the one who must decide when death will occur.

Questions to ask:

• Is there a reasonable chance for a cure?
• How much additional time might treatment give?
• What will the quality of that time be?
• Do I have the financial and emotional resources to handle long-term medical care if required?
• How many of my pet's usual activities are still possible.
• What do I think my pet would want?
• Will I have the necessary physical and emotional stamina?

As you face the painful decision about euthanasia, be assured that the trust your pet has in you is well placed. The compassion that compels you to end the life of your animal friend is a final act of caring - a final act of love. Let that thought remain uppermost in your mind as you face your decision, and again as you look back on the action you took.