It’s likely to be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make.
How do you know when it is time to say goodbye to a well-loved pet? Every dog that has ever owned us has lived inside our home for more than a decade and was considered an important member of our family.
But, how do you know when it is selfishness that stops you from letting a pet go when the most compassionate course is to help it cross the rainbow bridge?
Much as we would all love our animals to die quietly in their sleep, in reality, it is almost never that easy.
The American Humane Association lists ways to help you make the decision and suggests you talk with your veterinarian to help guide you. A vet may be able to tell you definitively when the time has arrived to euthanize your pet.
Realistically, you will ultimately need to make the decision because you are really the only one who knows your pet.
The AHA suggests the following signs that may help you decide if your pet is suffering and no longer able to enjoy a good quality of life.
• The pet is experiencing chronic pain that cannot be controlled with medication (your veterinarian can help you determine if your pet is in pain).
• He has frequent vomiting or diarrhea that is causing dehydration and/or significant weight loss.
• He has stopped eating or will only eat if you force feed him.
• He is incontinent to the degree that he frequently soils himself.
• He has lost interest in all or most of his favorite activities, such as going for walks, playing with toys or other pets, eating treats or soliciting attention and petting from family members.
• He cannot stand on his own or falls down when trying to walk.
• He has chronic labored breathing or coughing.
Once you have made the decision, the hardest part is seeing it through to the end.
You will need to decide how and where you will say your final goodbyes and everyone in the family should be given some time to say a private farewell.
You should explain to young children what you are doing and prepare them for the loss of their friend. The AMA recommends children’s books that will help them understand the concept of death such as When a Pet Dies by Fred Rogers or Remembering My Pet by Machama Liss-Levinson and Molly Phinney Baskette.
Decide whether you want to be present during the process. It is one of the most personal decisions you can make. Some people will find this emotionally overwhelming. Others may feel they must be there, comforting their pet until his final moments.
Discuss with your veterinarian how it will work before the procedure. The doctor may choose to give the pet an anesthetic or sedative that allows your pet to be very relaxed or sleeping before administering an injection of sodium pentobarbital.
When the procedure is complete, you may decide to have the remains cremated or you might want to take the body home for burial in your backyard. Check local ordinances to make sure it is legal. There are also several pet cemeteries in the area.
Don’t be afraid to hold a memorial service for your pet if it will help ease your pain. Don’t allow critics to deter you from what is right for you.
Keep in mind, there are plenty of us who understand and have experienced your pain.
Have some compassion for those who don’t. They may never know the love of a pet and that is a very sad thing.
Other animals in the news:
Rabies vaccination clinic — Summit County Public Health is offering low-cost rabies vaccinations from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Reservoir Park Community Center, 1735 Hillside Terrace, Akron. Pet Guards will administer the vaccination for dogs and cats for $8 per animal. Other vaccines and services will also be provided at reduced prices.
Breakfast with the Bears — The Akron Zoo is hosting the event in celebration of the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge from 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 14. Breakfast buffet includes scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and more. Zoo curator Eric Albers will give a presentation about the zoo’s bears, Jackson and Cheyenne, and explain how they came to Akron. Admission for the breakfast is $22 for nonmember adults and $19 for nonmember children. Member admissions are discounted. Seating is limited and reservations are required and may be made at www.akronzoo.org or call 330-375-2550.
Paw Fest — The Stow-Munroe Falls Lions Club is sponsoring the event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15 at Bow Wow Beach Dog Park, 5027 Stow Road. The event will feature rescue groups, vendors, dog training exercises and exhibits, contests and 50/50 drawing.
Low-cost feline spay and neuter clinic — Appointments are still available for low-cost spay and neuter through CHAP Inc.’s mobile clinic for cats from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. today at the NEFCO building, 180 E. South St. Kittens and cats need to be at least 12 weeks old, in good health and weigh at least 3 pounds. Male cat neuter is $40 and female cat spay is $60. The clinic will also spay pregnant cats that are not too close to term for $70. Low-cost vaccines; flea, tapeworm and ear mite treatments; nail trimming and ear tipping for feral cats will also be available. Registration is required. Call 330-724-6181.
Kathy Antoniotti writes about pets for the Akron Beacon Journal. She is unable to help locate, place or provide medical attention for an individual animal. If you have an idea or question about pets, write her at the Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron, OH 44309-0640; call 330-996-3565; or send an email to kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.