| Saying Goodbye |
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 There is almost no other time in your life and the life of your pet more
difficult in every respect than during the last moments of living. Throughout the entire life
of your pet, you have been watchful and concerned about quality of life; at this
crisis moment or transition period, quality and dignity of life become prominent
concerns again.
Quality and dignity are achieved by working as
a team with your veterinarian and their staff. Their objective is to honor
your concerns and wishes at this time and that you are provided sufficient
accurate information to make all of the decisions necessary.
Your VOHC team and your family veterinarian are integral in providing assistance
during this time through the information they provide, as well as a sympathetic and
understanding ear. You have many options available
to you including hospice care assisted by your VOHC team to minimize pain and suffering
until natural death
occurs or the process of euthanasia. |
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| Grief and Support Resources |
Grief is a normal part of loss regardless if the loved one is a
person or a pet. There are many ways to work through the grief process.
The loss of an animal, like the loss of a family member
or friend, may cause physical and emotional changes that may last for weeks or
months. You may wish to contact pet loss support groups, pet loss hotlines or
local specialists who are knowledgeable about loss and receptive to helping
people who have lost a beloved pet.
Some of those resources are listed below:
Internet Resources
> Cancer Care
> The Argus Institute
> Pet Loss Support
> Association of Pet Loss & Bereavement
> In Memory of Pets
> Lightening Strike Pet Loss Support
> U.
California at Davis Veterinary Medical School Pet Loss Hotline.
You may also want to check with your local library or bookstore for available literature.
A few recommended titles are:
- The Tenth Good Thing About Barney, Judith Viorst, 1975
- Pet Love, Betty White, William Morrow and Company, 1983
- When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings, Quackenbush and Graveline, Simon and Schuster, 1985
- Angel by My Side: The True Story of a Dog Who Saved a Man…and a Man Who Saved a Dog, Mike Lingenfelter and David Frei
- Geadon’s Gift: Surviving the Loss of Your Pet: Coloring Book, Cheryl A. Underhill and Kathy Ferdon
- Pet Loss and Human Emotion: Guiding Clients Through Grief, Falconguide Ser., Cheri B. Ross and Jane B. Sorensen
- Grieving the Death of a Pet, Betty J. Carmack, RN, EdD
- Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love, A Complete Resource to Help You, Dr. Lori Green and Jacqueline Landis
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