S A Home Euthanasia

18/08/2024

Now this special girl was Maisy.
She was a 13-year-old springer spaniel and full of life.
She had a few things going on and had lost her spark. she’d not been able to go for a walk for awhile, her back end was weak. The vet suspected she might have cancer and she had fluid on her chest and her quality of life was not at a good level.
Her mum was heartbroken when we spoke on the phone, but she wanted to have everything prepared for her girl to ensure her goodbye was done smoothly and also to give her time to prepare for what was going to happen.

We said goodbye to Maisie in the comfort of her own home.
She passed away peacefully.
Again Tony from Serenity pet funeral services was there to take her on the second part of her journey until she was reunited once again with Karen.

❤

18/08/2024

I attended an emergency visit for this old girl yesterday.
This was Lou and she was 20 years old!
Isn’t it phenomenal? That cats can live this long?

When I arrived, it was clear to see just how much this little girl meant to the family and how very loved she was.
Devastated doesn’t begin to cover how this family were feeling.
Jon, Manda and their children surrounded her as they made the decision to say goodbye.

Lou was in respiratory distress, breathing abnormally and was showing signs to be at the end of her life.
When the family came home, they found her in the street which was not something she did.
Maybe she was looking for them for help who knows ?
Jon got in touch to see if I would be able to come and help them say goodbye quickly and peacefully. I was with him within the hour.

Sedating respiratory challenged pets is always delicate and there is a risk benefit assessment that needs to be done based on the Pets temperament the owners wishes and my clinical judgement.

I guided this family through their options and they trusted me to avoid any sedation or catheterisation process and to actually give Lou her goodbye injection in her kidneys which she did not feel.
She fell asleep almost instantaneously and her lay her little head in Mandas hands.

She felt no pain or distress.
She had a peaceful goodbye, which is all we can hope for ourselves.

She is now laid to rest in their garden.

Thank you for trusting me to help you say goodbye to your precious friend.

I know she will be watching you and walking beside you even though you can’t see her.

❤

18/08/2024

This big friendly giant was Koda.
He was a 13 year old alaskan malamute.
He very cruelly was diagnosed with an aggressive nasal cancer.
His devoted mum Alicia knew there was nothing that could be done. As much as she loved her boy, she wouldn’t continue to see him struggle and suffer with the discomfort and irritation of his nose and the blood and the discharge.

When I arrived, Koda was very friendly.
Alicia sat with him while I put his catheter in and he left this world with his head in her hands as she told him how much she would miss him and thanked him for being there for her.

Run free big lad. ❤

18/08/2024

This good brown boy was Oscar.
He was 15 years and 3 months old when I met him.
He was a beautiful very friendly chocolate Labrador who absolutely ate me out of house and home 😀
Sadly being such a terrific old age, his back legs had started to give away and he was really struggling and his quality of life was not at a level his family were comfortable with.

His devoted dad Wayne wouldn’t see him struggle anymore, having loved him from six weeks old he wanted to make sure his final moments were in a controlled safe environment with no stress or fear.

Oscar is a good boy and didn’t need any sedation and was very happy eating lots of treats while I put his catheter in.
He passed away quickly and peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Thank you as always to the wonderful Tony Serenity pet funeral services for your incredible support in providing the final journey for Oscar.

❤ run free big lad until you see your dad again.

17/08/2024

I want to take a moment to honour the memory of my dear friends 5 year old Rottweiler Barney who was taken far too soon when he developed a GDV with gastric necrosis and euthanasia being advised as the kindest option.
We lost him Thursday.

Barney was larger than life!
He was a rescue and had been with his amazing mum Lisa since he was 15 months. He was a handful but she never gave up on him.
He trusted her and was the biggest softie at home where he was safe with his mum. He was affectionate and loving a big goofball.
Highlighted by how he would do as he was told by her elderly neighbour Mrs C where Barney would sit when told and wait and ever so gently take the treats she would give him.

Lisa moved heaven and earth for this boy - anything he needed she made sure he had even if it meant she went without.
He wasn’t the most cooperative at the vets 😀 big grumbly boy didn’t like being touched which is fair enough.

I am in shock and deeply sorry for my wonderful friend at losing her boy so suddenly and in a stressful way.

Barney now joins my Rottie boy Riken and I imagine they are running around barking and growling as they play ❤

11/08/2024

This little girl was Lily.
She was an 11 year old JRT mix.
Cruelly she was diagnosed with a chest mass and was constantly coughing, uncomfortable and it was affecting her breathing and her quality of life.
Her mom and dad Stuart and Jo couldn’t see her suffer anymore.
They got in touch for a goodbye at home.
She passed peacefully at home with her family and has now been laid to rest.
The house will never be the same without her.

Stuart wanted to share the following:

“Lily was a real character feisty, affectionate loveable friend, such a personable dog who really loved to be around people, everyone loved her. She will leave a huge gap in our lives. Love you forever Lily ❤️”

11/08/2024

This precious boy was Bailey.
He was a 14 year old smooth coat chihuahua.
He was owned and loved by his mum and dad Vinnie and Mellissa.
Sadly Bailey had heart disease but on top of this began having fits. Blood results showed his liver was failing. There wasn’t anything that could be done.
Vinnie and Mellissa wouldn’t see their little boy suffer.
Bailey was a fantastic little dog and they wanted him to pass away safe and relaxed at home.

He stayed in his dad’s arms the whole time.
He is now running free.

❤

11/08/2024

This special dude was Tank.
He was 20 years young (!)
He was rescued at 12 from a cats and dogs home in Leigh.
He wasn’t the fondest of other pets or children and had spent a long time waiting to be adopted.
He was actually “on sale”.
Then along came Hannah and Sam - they took him home and never looked back. For 8 years they adored him.

Reaching such a phenomenal age his body was failing.
He started vomiting and losing a lot of weight. His appetite was reducing, his back end was weak. He was having toileting issues and stopped doing the things he liked like going in the garden.
His quality of life really was not in a place Hannah or Sam were happy to continue watching.

They got in touch to plan a goodbye at home.

We gave Tank some sedation and he eventually fell asleep.
I lay him gently on the sofa with Hannah and Sam holding his paw and stroking his head while I gave him his final injection.

He passed way very peacefully at home.

Hannah shared these two photos below. One of Christmas morning - just look at all those gifts. He would spend most of December under the tree!
The other is his proud face for showing off getting up to the sofa all by himself ❤

Thank you to Serenity pet funeral services for providing the final journey for this beautiful boy

❤

11/08/2024

This big boy was Cesar.
He had the most beautiful golden eyes I have ever seen.
He was estimated to be 12 years old.
He was born in Romania and lived on the street for two years.
He was rescued by his mum Jacquie who saw him online on a rescue charity website down south.
She saved him and he’d been with her for the last 10 years.
Sadly Cesars old age was beginning to show. He was off his food, lethargic and not himself. He was toileting inside the house which was very unlike him. He didn’t want to go out or get up. His quality of life had rapidly changed.

Being a rescue, Cesar was incredibly frightened at the Vets and there were only 3 or 4 people he would allow touch him.
Jacquie wouldn’t see him put through invasive tests causing fear and distress to her boy.
She wanted to minimise any distress and say goodbye at home.

When I arrived Cesar was lying down in the front room.
He allowed me to give him a stroke and even ate 3 treats off me. Jacquie was relieved he wasn’t scared of me.
He didn’t need any sedation while I gently placed his catheter in. Jacquie was on the other side of him, stroking and talking to him.

He passed away very quickly and peacefully at home.

He leaves behind his other rescue brother Leo to watch over his mum.

Run free big lad.

❤

07/08/2024

Emergency visit to a little cavy in Ruston.
We are on our way to help ❤

06/08/2024

Productive business meeting with my best friend ❤
Helping more families.

02/08/2024

This little boy was Frankie.
He was a 13 year old Maltese Terrier.
He was a special little dog. Sadly his body was struggling and he was tired. His quality of life was not at a level his devoted mum Alex was comfortable with.

She wanted him to pass peacefully at home surrounded by love and family.

It was a very emotional time and a difficult decision. Alex was very brave and selfless and put the needs of her boy first. He passed quickly and pain free at home.

❤

02/08/2024

02/08/2024

This little lady was Rosie.
❤
She was a 16 year old cockerpoo.
She was a little old lady. Her loving family Sarah, Phillip, Sam and Alice had had her from 9 months old.
Her old age was catching up to her and she was sleeping most of the day. She was losing weight and had become so frail. She had ongoing issues with her eyes. Sarah wanted her girl to pass at home peaceful and calm.

Went I arrived she had lots of treats off me.
She passed surrounded by family. Pain free and on their terms.

Sarah has shared these lovely photos below - the photo with the hat was May 2018 after Rosie had her cataracts removed.
Thank you for giving her a very peaceful end of life at home surrounded by all of us. Sarah x

02/08/2024

This was Boris.
He was a 14 year old brindle gorgeous Staffie boy.
Sadly he had fallen ill, developed pancreatitis and was not responding to supportive care.
He was uncomfortable and not himself.
His mum Emma wanted him to pass peacefully and safely at home but didn’t want to rush him to the vets in a stressful emergency situation.
She had known and loved Boris from 6 weeks old.

When I arrived he was so tired but he had kind eyes. He was lay on the bed and I gave him a little kiss on his beautiful head. I wanted him to know I was there to help and that everything was going to be ok.
He passed away so gently at home surrounded by Emma and her two girls. He stayed in his mums arms until his last breath.

Run free big lad
Until you are all together again.

“14 years of love laughter and some tears and so many memories and adventures. Everyone who met him fell in love, he was such a character.”

❤

24/07/2024

On Monday I helped say goodbye to to these two girlies - both called Penny ❤

24/07/2024

This little man was Frankie. He was an older boy of 13 years.
His mum Alex has shared these lovely photos - my favourite is the one with him wearing a flat cap ❤ he looks so distinguished!
Sadly Frankie’s health was deteriorating and he was tired.
He spoke and his mum listened.
He was so tiny.

He fell asleep with his family around him on his bed.
So peaceful and calm.
Alex and her daughters voice were the last thing he heard and their touch the last thing he felt.

Rest in peace ❤

24/07/2024

This perfect girl was Penny.
She was a 16 year old toy poodle.
Sadly she had reached the end of her life and her body was failing her.
She was weak and lethargic. She had lost her zest for life and she had become so fragile.
Her loving mum Faye wanted to give her a dignified and peaceful goodbye at home.

Penny was a real pampered lady. She was an amazing little dog with such an awesome personality.

She had her favourite McDonald’s chicken nuggets and some chips and she also had a lot of treats from me ❤ She passed at home in bed in the front room, safe and loved with no fear or distress.

She leaves behind Polly to look after Faye and her family.

24/07/2024

This little dude was Spike.
He was a 3 year old Guinea pig who cruelly developed kidney and bladder stones.
With the stones in his kidney surgery wasn’t possible.
His devoted mum Tori tried her best with round the clock support, medication and fluids in the hopes the stones would dissolve or pass but unfortunately this did not happen. Spike was continuing to lose weight, becomming more uncomfortable and his quality of life wasn’t the same.

She asked me to help her say goodbye.
We gave Spike some sedation and he fell asleep in her arms. He had his final injection and passed peacefully and painlessly.

Tori wanted to share the following “Spike was a cheeky little man who truly put the pig in guinea pig. He will be missed most by his beloved guinea wife Darla who he leaves behind. We love our little Spikely man so very much.”

RIP Spike.
You were so very loved and Tori will miss you everyday.

Thank you so much to Tony at Serenity pet funeral services for your compassion and care looking after my friends little friend ❤

24/07/2024

This beautiful gentle soul was Penny.
She was an almost 15 years old Weimaraner.
Reaching such a fantastic age she had begun to decline. She had various lumps and bumps a particular large one on her hip. She wasn’t a good candidate for surgery. She was struggling to walk and arthritic. Her quality of life was poor.

Her mum and dad and Janice & Liam thought of her as Lazarus as I she bounced back a couple of times in the past but this time was different.

They wanted her to pass away in the comfort and safety of home with no stress or fear.
She had some treats off me and we got her comfortable on a blanket.
She didn’t need any sedation and was quite happy to eat the treats while I put her catheter in.
She passed away very peacefully and quickly at home with Liam and Janice right at her side.

She was beautiful, gentle and calm.
She is now out of discomfort.

Until you meet again ❤

24/07/2024

This gorgeous girl was Sasha.
She was 11 years old and a beautiful female German Shepherd dog.
Sadly, she had suspected cancer that had spread to her eyes taking her sight. She was off her food and incontinent and struggling.
Her lovely mum and dad Leanne and Chris couldn’t see their girls suffer anymore.
They called me to preplan goodbye. They wanted for their girl at their Home on their terms.
They had owned and loved her since she was five years old after taking care of her from a family member.
When I arrived, I gave her some treats which she had off me and she took them so gently.
With her sight loss, we decided to give her some sedation so she could sleep and not be under any distress not being able to see me.
She passed away so peacefully at home.

Run free Sasha ❤
Forever loved.
Never forgotten.

17/07/2024

This old little girl was Candy (aka Bean). She was 21 (!!) years young.
Sadly being such a tremendous age her body was beginning to fail her. She was drinking and eating excessively but loosing weight, was declining in condition and congnitive function. She was incontinent and off balance.

Her loving mum and dad Caroline and Alan had loved her for over two decades and didn’t want to see her decline any further.
Caroline got in touch to plan a goodbye at home.
Candy had some sedation and fell asleep on Caroline’s bed peacefully and quietly.
When everyone was ready she was given her final injection and passed away very peacefully.

Despite being older she still was the boss and even gave an outside cat a hiss this morning!

She will never be forgotten.

She has been laid to rest with her brother in their garden.
❤

16/07/2024

You provided a perfect end to a perfect life ❤️
Baxter
❤

16/07/2024

This beautiful old boy was Baxter. He was a 14 year old beagle cross springer.
Sadly he was diagnosed with kidney disease and wasn’t eating or drinking. He was struggling on his back legs and his quality of life was not at a level his mum and dad Alan and Kirsty were comfortable to watch.
They didn’t want to take Baxter to the vets where he would be stressed or scared.
They wanted him to pass at home.
When I went to see him, he was on the sofa in the conservatory. Ironically, next to a a cushion with a very likeable dog on it that said the dog is not allowed on the sofa!

Baxter didn’t need any sedation. I gently put his catheter in.
When his family were ready. He was given his injection and passed away very quickly painlessly and most importantly, peacefully.

It was very clear to me just how very loved this boy was and how broken his dad was to say goodbye to the little man he had loved from an 8 week old puppy.

Baxter is now running free.
❤

15/07/2024

Very busy day today helping families say goodbye to their friends.
Firstly I helped my very good friend say goodbye to her little Guineapig Spike

15/07/2024

This little guy was Toffik.
He was a little Yorkie and would have been 17 in August!
He sadly had begun to decline, his back end had gone, he was wobbly and unsteady and had a poor quality of life.
His belly mum Paulina didn’t want to see him suffer and wanted him to pass with dignity at home.

He was a very much loved member of the family.
He passed peacefully in his bed.

His mum wanted to share the following:

“For almost 17 years, Toffik has been a major part of our family. He loved to travel with us, seeing most of Europe, well, exploring the pit stops. And as much as he was supposed to be a yorkie, he was far from it, everything from being a cat, climbing on all of us and the furniture, or a lion as he would do anything to destroy the stereotypical bow look, he didn’t want to be seen as cute but scary”

Rest in peace little man ❤

14/07/2024

LET’S TALK ABOUT CREMATORIUMS:

I have a small selection of crematoriums I chose to work alongside to provide the final journey for your pet.

There are a couple of reasons I use more than one:
As I cover such a large area of the North West I chose to use different crematoriums to keep travel and mileage fees low to reduce cremation collection charges for my clients.
Clients want different things - some families want individual cremation with ashes returning and others do not want any ashes back. They simply would like their pet taken away after they have said goodbye. Not all crematoriums offer both these services.
Out of hours support - If I am attending a family in the early hours and they want cremation - I must be able to arrange this for you. Not all crematoriums are set up to accommodate late evening or out of hours collections.
Cost - you only need to do your research and you will see there is a HUGE variation in the cost of cremation, collection charges, out of hours fees and keepsakes such as nose / paw prints, fur clippings and castings / jewelry. I will not work with extortionate crematoriums.
Finally, the most important factor for me when choosing who I work alongside is the ethics, transparency and integrity of the people running the crematorium and their staff. I have personally met the owners / managers and visited the site of each of the crematoriums I recommend and will use to provide your pets final journey. That is my PROMISE to you.

It is a pleasure and privilege to work alongside the following cremation companies:
Tony at Serenity Pet Funeral Services.
Peter at Springfield Farm Pet Cremation
Mark & Heather at Beloved Pets Cremation Services

I will never work alongside a crematorium who continues to allow pets to suffer and owners to be in utter distress when they cannot provide a Vet for home
euthanasia (sometimes for several days not just at night!) who refuses to share my services out of spite. Horrifically this is happening right now.

I do not work with or support crematoriums I know first hand to have poor handling and care of your precious pets - leaving them in vehicles overnight and with missing paperwork.

I do not work with or support crematoriums who lie to their clients when mistakes happen and they are not open and honest and try to cover it up with alternate fur or prints AFTER the pet has been cremated.

Sadly these are all things I have personally seen. If I don't recommend a certain crematorium THERE IS A REASON!

14/07/2024

WHY USE S A HOME EUTHANASIA TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR PET?

I am the cheapest home euthanasia provider in the North West for each category and weight of pet (cat / small / medium / large / XL dog).
Unlike some other home euthanasia providers I do NOT charge extra because it is a weekend. Pet’s pass away every day - why should you have to pay more because it is a Sunday?
I do not and have never charged “extra” on ANY bank holiday. Times are hard and losing your pet during Christmas or New year is hard enough without the increased costs.
I cover the majority of the Northwest - Lancashire, Merseyside, Manchester and Cheshire. I am willing to drive up to 1hr 15 minutes each way to help.
Through my partnership with a select few crematoriums I can arrange for cremation services to be provided for your pets final journey. Together we can combine both services to minimise stress to you so you can focus on your pet knowing everything is arranged.
With this being said there have been situations where due to availability the crematorium haven't been able to attend at a time you desired. Faced with being left with your deceased pet and knowing this was not something you wanted, I have offered at no extra change to take your pet with me and meet the cremation company and transfer directly into their care so you were not left alone.
Where possible I offer emergency out of hour visits - no other provider offers this service late evening / through the night.
I have over 300 5 star reviews on google and fb of my service. I absolutely pride myself on providing the very best goodbye for your pet. This is based on my client bonding skills, rapport with your beautiful pet, my clinical skill as a Vet and my knowledge of animal behavior.
It is just me providing home euthanasia. This is my little business. You will be speaking directly to me - the Vet coming to your home. We can talk as much as you need to ensure you feel comfortable and all your questions, worries and concerns have been addressed. Unlike the other providers who use a “bank” of different Vets - you have access to me directly.
Finally and most importantly - I understand how scared you are at the thought of saying goodbye to your friend. I euthanased my own dog, Riken, during an exploratory surgery where it became clear there was no hope. The utter devastation and loss can be overwhelming. My job is to be there for you while you are there for them. Making sure our pets are safe and unafraid as they take their final breath is the last thing we can do for them - to thank them for all the joy and laughter they have given us in their short life.

Riken was with me through the darkest and most challenging moments of my adult life. He is the reason I set up my own home euthanasia service. I miss him every single day.

14/07/2024

To sedate or not sedate?

Every goodbye is individual. Every pet is different and every owner has their own wishes on how they want their pet to pass.

What is sedation?

Sedation is an optional additional injection I can give your pet before they have their final injection. It is a muscular injection I give in the back leg (where there is the most muscle).
It feels the same as when we have a vaccination - a sharp scratch. That being said, just like us, some pets are better than others with needles. Some don't bat an eye at the injection while others might give a little cry.

After a few minutes your pet will become quieter, sleepy and calmer. It is not an anesthetic so your pet will not be unconscious but they will be more relaxed.

Why sedate?

If your pet is aggressive and there is risk to the Vet getting bitten then we have to sedate for safety.
If your pet is so frightened of strangers or being handled that they become frantic or factitious then for the wellbeing of the pet and to minimise distress to you, then I would recommend sedation. Your job is to be there for them and not have to “restrain” them. This is not what I want for them or for you. I aim for a peaceful, calm goodbye.

Are there downsides to sedation? YES
Vomiting - some pets can feel nauseous from the sedative and can vomit. This is more common in cats than dogs. It is not the end of the world if your pet is sick before they pass - however it is not the nicest for them or so please bare this in mind if you want sedation - there is a small chance of this happening
Sedation lowers blood pressure - this means your pet's veins will shrink and get smaller. I have to be able to find a vein to put the catheter in. This can be harder if they are sedated. Now your pet will be sedated so unaware of multiple catheter attempts but I do tend to find the families can get upset if the catheterisation process isn’t smooth the first time. This is more likely to happen if you want sedation so please bear with me while I find a vein.
Certain diseases can make sedation less effective requiring “top ups” or your pet becoming distressed. For example - pets with heart disease are already struggling with their oxygenation and breathing. Their heart is beating faster, and they are taking bigger, faster breaths. Sedation will do the opposite and sometimes the pets can “fight” this sedation or become distressed at the lowering heart rate. This can be distressing for both the owner and pet.

How do I decide if I should sedate?
We will have gone through your pets personal goodbye journey and most owners will inform me if they have any concerns of their pet being aggressive towards me or if they are fearful of strangers / at the vets. When I meet your pet I will already have assessed their behavior and what “vibe” they are giving to me. I am very good at listening to them.

I will give you my honest opinion about whether sedation is needed or not.

It is then your decision as to whether to want to take my advice or if you still prefer sedation - then rest assured you have the final say.