Euthanasia

Euthanasia (taking life away from a living thing) is a tricky subject to broach with any animal lover. Some cannot bear to contemplate it, yet it can be a situation that many have to face at some point. Our beloved pet may have a serious illness that cannot be treated effectively or may be in terrible pain, which reduces the animal's quality of life to such a level, that death may be seen as a kinder option.

Most veterinarians will be able to provide an end to the life of an animal that is suffering needlessly. This form of death is peaceful, painless, humane and dignified.

There is no law forcing you to remain with or leave your animal while it is being euthanized. However, remaining with your animal can be comforting for both of you. Also, seeing your animal put to sleep or just seeing the pet afterwards can provide closure. Whatever you choose to do should be your preference and is in no way an indicator of the level of love and affection for your pet, merely what you feel able and are comfortable doing.

On occasion a veterinarian may discourage you from viewing the euthanizing of your pet. You should explain your reasons for wanting to attend and ask to know his reasons for discouraging you. If he cannot dissuade you yet still objects to your presence, you might want to consider consulting another veterinarian. However, the vast majority of practicing veterinarians will cooperate with a client's request in this regard.

About the Veterinarian

Your veterinarian will not decide your pet's future for you. Rather, he will supply sufficient information so that you are able to make an informed, intelligent decision.

Veterinarians are not unfeeling people who will take your pet's life for granted. In fact most veterinarians are stringent animal lovers who chose this field of medicine for that very reason. Your veterinarian will become distressed over the fate of a terminally sick animal and is not desensitized just because they have seen many animals in such a state. It is merely a mark of the professionalism of the veterinarian that they can, for the most part, hide their feelings. If they show signs of being upset then they can weaken their client's confidence in their ability and make an already difficult situation far worse.

Nevertheless, most veterinarians will state that they feel intense emotions and stress, especially when required to euthanize an animal.

The veterinarian will also be prepared to speak to pet owners and their families about any situation regarding the life of the pet. Not only does the veterinarian practice medicine but he or she also will help educate the owners about their pets. Although the practitioner may not always be available to speak to you on request, he or she will certainly spare you some of their time if you can give them a little notice beforehand.

Adapted from: Herbert A. Nieburg PhD & Arlene Fischer "Pet Loss" Harper Perennial, New York, 1996