Dealing with the passing of a furry friend can be a tough and emotional journey for pet owners. The decision of whether to be present during the euthanasia process is particularly challenging, but veterinarians highly recommend being there for your beloved dog’s final moments. Recently, a viral tweet by Jessi Dietrich brought attention to this sensitive issue and its importance.
Jessi shared on Twitter a conversation she had with a veterinarian where she asked about the most difficult part of his job. The answer she received was heartbreaking: around 90% of pet owners choose not to stay with their pets during euthanasia. This fact highlights a sad reality that many animals spend their last moments searching for the comforting familiarity of their owners.
In response to Jessi’s tweet, the Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital located in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, shared a similar message. Despite the emotional turmoil that comes with the loss of a pet, the clinic urged pet owners to be there for their furry companions until the very end. One of the compassionate veterinarians at the clinic emphasized the importance of not abandoning pets during their humane and painless transition. Instead, they pleaded with owners to remain by their side and prevent them from crossing over in an unfamiliar and potentially distressing environment. Pets crave the presence and comfort of their owners, especially during times of illness, fear, and old age. They cannot comprehend why their owners would leave them behind. Therefore, the clinic urges pet owners not to let their own fears prevent them from being there for their beloved pets.
According to Dr. Lauren Bugeja, a Melbourne-based veterinarian, putting down older pets at home can be a difficult and emotional experience for pet owners. Nevertheless, it’s important to acknowledge that most of the time, animals feel calm and peaceful during this procedure.
Dr. Bugeja has a kind-hearted approach when it comes to the end-of-life care for animals. She ensures that they do not feel any fear or discomfort during their final moments by being gentle and compassionate. Together with her nurse, she offers words of comfort to soothe the animals and make their transition to the next world as peaceful as possible.
To put it simply, spending the last moments with our dear dogs is an incredibly loving and compassionate gesture. Although it may be difficult for us emotionally, it brings comfort to our faithful furry friends. Staying with them until the end gives them a sense of security and allows for a peaceful and affectionate farewell.