For those of us who have had to put a pet to sleep in the past, we already know just how difficult this process can be. There is no easy way to say goodbye to a beloved family member and it can be tough for pet owners to assume the all important responsibility of deciding when it it time to finally lay the animal to rest. Holding any living creature’s life in your hands is something that should be considered as a burden.
This is not a matter to be taken lightly under any circumstances. Arin recently shared her story about her experience when it came to saying goodbye to her beloved Barky and it will definitely touch your heart. Barky was 14 years old when she was diagnosed with a severe and congestive heart failure that caused her to go through a great deal of pain and exhaustion.
The heart could no longer pump blood through the body in the manner in which Barky was accustomed. Since the family did not want their pet to suffer through a painful death, they decided that it would be best to have a vet assist her into the afterlife. During the process of reaching out to a wide range of vets, Arin learned a lot about euthanizing and its viability as an option.
First of all, the process of putting an animal to sleep involves two different shots. The first shot is a sedative that puts the pet in a state of deep sleep and the second shot kills them in moments once they are slumbering. The process is totally painless and meant to provide a humane resolution for the animal when they are in place of suffering.
It is good to know that your animal is able to exit the planet peacefully when they have reached a point where their life is no longer worth living. However, it is important to consult with a vet about the animal’s quality of life and whether their ailments can be treated before making a final decision. In Barky’s case, the disease was unable to be treated and the animal needed to be put to rest.
There is never a “correct” time to euthanize a member of the family and we urge readers to take the time to find out about every available treatment option before making any final choices. Please share this story with all of the pet owners in your life!
Jim Earle
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I have had to put to rest 3 loving dogs in my lifetime. My Vet said they knew they were loved and taken well care of because of their ages when I put them to bed. I now have another rescued boy. One thing I can pass along to all of you is it never gets any easier saying goodbye. Your heart breaks every time, no matter how strong you think you are. The only way to repair it is to give it to another rescued pup. Your previous pups are looking down from Rainbow Bridge and it brings them such happiness to see that someone else is going to enjoy your love that they have felt through their short lives.
C. Pattee
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I have had to put down 3 dogs in the past 16 years. First one had a stroke and couldn’t recover. Second one I believe she died from missing the first one. I wanted a. While to get another dog. Bella was a breatiful Black Labrador. She was trained as a “help” dog but was too overactive. I got her from Lab Rescue and it was so he best thing I ever did. She was my heart and soul for 14 years. While she still had her dignity I had to say good-bye.! It’s been over a year and I still think of her daily. You will know when it’s the right time.