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If it should be that I grow weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep;
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can’t be won.

You will be sad, I understand;
But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.

We’ve had so many happy years;
What is to come can hold no fears.
You don’t want me to suffer so
The time has come, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they’ll tend,
But please stay with me ‘til the end
To hold me close and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree,
It was a kindness done for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’m saved.

Please do not grieve that it was you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years;
Don’t’ let your heart hold any tears.

                                    -author unknown

"The choice to break our own hearts to save another from suffering is true compassion."

When is the right time?

This is the most difficult question we face as pet owners. The day we bring that puppy or kitten home, we welcome in a family member who is now our full responsibility to love and protect. We want to give them the best life we possibly can – and for as long as we can. But, a day will come when our beloved companion will count on us to put aside our very human desire to have them with us forever, in order to consider what is best for them. Your family veterinarian will help, but the responsibility for this decision is ultimately yours. This is the most difficult part of pet ownership, but you know your friend better than anyone else, and, with help, you will arrive at the most loving decision.

What are some important signs to consider?

Wild animals try not to show obvious signs of pain or illness. They hide injuries and weaknesses so as not to make themselves the easy targets of predators. Our dogs and cats have retained some of these same instinctive behaviors. You will probably be the first one to notice some subtle changes (listed below) in your pet when he or she begins to experience pain. Your veterinarian can prescribe good and effective medications for pain relief, but there may unfortunately come a time when the medications are no longer as helpful. Whimpering and crying are obvious signs of pain, but most of our pets will exhibit much more subtle signals.

These are some of the signals you need to look for to spot pain:

• Restlessness or the inability to get comfortable
• Listlessness and dullness
• Dilated pupils
• Panting without being overheated or exercised
• Lack of appetite
• Shivering
• Finding your pet in unusual places
• Unwillingness to play or jump as usual

Other considerations...

Pain is only one form of suffering. Severe weakness, nausea, difficulty breathing, congestion, and internal fluid accumulation can be signs of various organ system failures. These are conditions that require prompt veterinary care and good follow-up care with your family veterinarian. The increasing sophistication of veterinary drugs and medical interventions can add much time and improved quality to your companion’s life.

Aside from pain, a decreased quality of life is another important consideration.   Indications of a waning in quality of life include:

• Loss of interest in activities that once brought joy to them
• Having fewer “good” days
• Confusion, mental distress, increased vocalization, depression, aggression
• Unable to stand on their own, falling down stairs, collapse
• Becoming urinary and/or fecal incontinent (accidents in the house), or the inability to go to the bathroom without falling down
• No longer greeting you at the door
• Lack of grooming (cats and some dogs)
• Isolating themselves in the home or the backyard

As difficult as this decision is, it is one made out of a deep love for your pet. The decision to euthanize when no quality of life remains is an act of friendship and selflessness. You are the only one who can make the decision to alleviate suffering and provide your companion with a peaceful and dignified end-of-life.

** Please note that Dr. Kristin Lawmaster is the only doctor available to assist pet owners with their beloved pets and that there may be times when she is unavailable during regular business hours.  When she is unavailable Dr. Lawmaster will refer you to another doctor or emergency clinic at that time.