Resources
How will I know when it's time?
The euthanasia decision is one of the most difficult decisions you will face. When struggling with this decision, Dr. Melanie can discuss it with you. Some questions that should be considered are...What is your pet's chance of recovery? What is the chance of having a good quality of life?
Understanding your pet's prognosis can help you with your decision.
You may conclude that your pet is suffering and that you must consider euthanasia. Pain and suffering differ in that pain can be managed, while suffering is an ongoing discomfort or distress which cannot be alleviated with pain management.
Things to consider:
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Do I have the time and ability to care for my pet properly while he or she is ill?
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What will I do if my pet becomes gravely ill and I am unable to reach my hospice or regular veterinarian?
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What final acts of love for my pet are important to me?
Discuss the euthanasia process with the veterinarian so that you can fully understand what to expect. You may want to delay euthanasia, but try to remember that a delay can sometimes prolong suffering for your pet. Most of the time, people just seem to know when the time is right for euthanasia. As long as your pet's welfare is at the forefront of your mind, trust that you will make a decision that is right for both of you. Keep faith in your bond with your pet.
Helpful Links
International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239
Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/
Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association
https://reginahumanesociety.ca/
Quality of Life Scale
Dr. Alice Villalobos, the veterinarian who started Pawspice, a quality of life program for terminal pets, has published a scoring system for life quality called The HHHHHMM scale. The letters stand for: Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygiene, Happiness, Mobility, and More Good Days than Bad.
A Dog's Plea
Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I might lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when the sound of your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst.
Feed me clean food that I might stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun.
Please see that my trusting life is taken gently so I may leave this Earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Author — Beth Norman Harris