26/06/2024
⚠️ Trigger warning - Euthanasia & Grief ⚠️
This post is slightly more personal than my usual ‘business-based’ posts.
After regular visits over many years to ensure Alfie, my grey-faced 13+year old Labrador, had a Quality Of Life (QOL) that was as good as possible; the time eventually came when we had exhausted all efforts to keep him comfortable…it was time to consider End Of Life (EOL) and his final appointment! I took the time to write out a detailed ‘euthanasia plan’ for Alfie, which was shared with the vets in advance so they were aware of our expectations and any special requests we had. Thankfully in our situation, circumstances allowed for the plan to be fulfilled with empathy and patience and without any issues.
Calming meds were given a few hours prior to the appointment as Alfie has a history of previously being a bit reactive in a clinical environment; and I personally wanted to avoid injectable-sedatives as I had planned for Alfie to enjoy a special cake treat (something he’s never usually be allowed as it’d upset his tummy) in his final moments.
Prior to the appointment we had spent an hour sat at the beach, his favourite place, where we very simply enjoyed each others company whilst having a few treats and lots of fuss.
We arranged a comfortable & private space in an enclosed garden at the vets practice, laying out Alfie’s blankets on the grass for us all to gather upon.
A cannula was placed in his back leg so that we could continue to give him fuss at the head end, giving him lots of treats which offered the perfect distraction for that part of the procedure.
I had arranged a small playlist of music, that we had playing on a small portable speaker (we did mute the music when necessary to allow to veterinary surgeon to check his heart had stopped beating).
As soon as the veterinary surgeon had confirmed that Alfie was deceased, the veterinary staff vacated the area leaving us to mourn in the immediate aftermath.
Once we felt able, we carried Alfie’s body to the car - I had pre-planned to take Alfie home so our cat, Spice, could see him (there is evidence to suggest this can support the grieving process and adjustment response of companion animals from multi-pet households). Spice approached carefully - there was a sense she knew what was happening; she sniffed his nose (she’d never do this if he was just sleeping!) and then she left the room to settle quietly into her own bed. We were comfortable she had taken on board the circumstances and it was time to carefully carry Alfie’s body back out to the car again…this time to transport him to the pet crematorium, where we had a pre-arranged drop-off appointment.
I had arranged for Alfie to have a ‘private/individual’ cremation and his ashes returned to us…after collecting his ashes I took some time to go back to the beach to sit in peace and to reflect on the incredible memories we have created over our many years together.
I’m planning to have a special piece of memorial jewellery made using a small amount of his ashes so I can carry a bit of him with me - reflecting the timeless bond we shared.
As someone heavily involved in the euthanasia process on a day-to-day basis in practice, it is very important to highlight that everyone will have different needs and requirements to enable them to deal with the procedure and the grief of losing a much loved companion. By communicating your thoughts then it is more likely the veterinary practitioners can appropriately support your wishes & any prior expectations.
If you have an ill or elderly pet, where euthanasia may need to be considered in the near future, then do not be afraid to ask for an appointment to discuss QOL and/or EOL options to suit you & your pets needs; having the discussion in preparation does not mean you are committed to making any decisions at that time (Alfies first QOL assessment/consultation was 4-years ago, after diagnosis of a degenerative neuropathic condition!!)…but when the time does come, it may make the process that little bit smoother and less stressful for all involved 🐾🖤
