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| THE ALLEY MEWS |
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| Signs It May Be "Time" - Pet is in extreme pain - Pet no longer eats well and/or drinks water - Pet no longer relieves itself without assistance (i.e. cat cannot make it to the litter box without assistance) - Pet's general quality of life has diminished significantly Often, the best way to decide is to spend some time alone with your pet in a quiet and private location; talk it over, just the two of you. If you listen to your heart, the answer will become clear. |
| Most euthanasia solutions are a combination of chemicals whose intent is to effect a quick and painless termination of nerve transmission and to effect complete muscle relaxation. When nerve impulses are not conducted there is no thought, no sensation, no movement. -from http://www.thepetcenter.com |
| When is it time? |
| It is difficult to tell when it is time to euthanize; this time will be different for every animal. The owner is best equipped to make this decision, as hard as it may be. When the owner does decide that euthanasia is necessary, it is important that friends and family support that decision. Most pets are euthanized at the veterinarian's office; however, a growing number of veterinarians will make a home visit (usually at the owner's request), in order for the pet to be able to move on towards Rainbow Bridge from the comfort of his home, surrounded by the people and other pets that love him so dearly. |
| When a pet is euthanized at the office, often the appointment is scheduled at the very beginning or very end of the day, so that the vet will not be in a hurry with other appointments. Usually the owner and pet are brought right into the exam room, to minimize discomfort on the part of both the owner and the veterinarian. |
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| Page 2 |
| The Procedure |
| Whether at the veterinarian's office or in the comfort of your own home, the procedure for euthanasia is typically the same. Often a veterinarian will prescribe some sort of sedation for the pet, especially if your pet is frightened, uncooperative or defensive. The next step your veterinarian will take is to administer the fatal solution to your pet. |
| Most pet owners battle with themselves over whether or not to be there during the procedure. For some it is a necessity, to alleviate any feelings of guilt over abandoning the pet during a crucial time. Yet it is just too difficult for others; many of the owners who just cannot be there during the procedure do ask for time to be with their pet afterwards privately, to say their final goodbyes. The veterinarian can arrange for burial or cremation, or you may bring your pet home afterwards for personal burial. If cremated, you can receive your pet's ashes; your veterinarian will call you once the ashes are received from the cremation service. |
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| Denise (domesticgoddess) was also owned by Bright Eyes, shown here. FIP took her life in late 2001. |
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| We also pay tribute to Max, a dog owned by Linda (quayrida), whose picture is currently unavailable. |
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| This is Ziggy pictured here, who owned Jan (just_me_and_pets). |
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| Here was Red's (redphilly10) first Rusty. |
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