In-Home Euthanasia: A Compassionate Choice
Lily used to run what seemed like a million miles per hour across the yard. Her agile, youthful, brown-spotted body raced after taunting squirrels. Now, at age 15, she can barely raise her head to address her family as they tend to her. Stomach cancer has ravaged her body. She is a skeleton of her former self.
Harley is enormous. The harlequin Great Dane has always dwarfed his playmates, but he is a gentle giant. He always loved his long walks to play in the park. Harley’s decline was gradual but now seems to worsen exponentially each day. At first his walks became slower, then shorter – now he can’t even make it out of the yard to the sidewalk. Instead of walks to the park each day, he now sits on the front lawn sleeping or watching other dogs and people pass by. He has lost almost all of the muscles in his hind legs and requires help to stand.
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We are caretakers of our amazing dogs. Along with loving belly rubs, long walks, and endless ball tosses, we provide healthy food, fresh water, shelter, and medical care. The responsibility of pet ownership also includes prevention of suffering and doing our best to provide a humane death. In-home euthanasia or hospice care can be the ultimate humane last gift you give to your beloved dying pet.
Many people think that euthanasia can only be performed at a veterinary hospital, but some veterinarians can travel to your home to perform the service. Pets in discomfort due to disease or debilitation would prefer not to be transported to a veterinary hospital for their last life moments. Visiting the veterinary hospital causes anxiety in almost all pets.
In home euthanasia allows your dog to be in comfortable and familiar surroundings during his or her last moments. Family can be gathered where space is less limited and can express feelings of loss in privacy. Candles can be lit and music can be played if it adds meaning to the agonizing experience. Finally, being in home allows all family members, including pets, to be present and recognize that their loved one has passed away. These are just a few of the benefits of in-home euthanasia and hospice care.
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If you have to make the difficult choice of euthanasia for your pet and are not in an emergency situation, plan a wonderful last day. If your beloved pup is still eating, I encourage a delicious last meal just prior to euthanasia appointments. Invite all your pet’s favorite people over to say goodbye. Consider preparing a spiritual, religious, or other ceremony if that is important to you. Finally, you can plan for your dog to be in his or her favorite spot – in his or her bed, on a special chair, under a favorite tree, or even at a quiet spot in a favorite park.
Often, euthanasia is the last kind gift you can give to your ailing pet. I hope for a day when all dying pets take their last breaths in the comfort and familiarity of their homes, embraced in the loving arms of family.
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There are many veterinarians providing home euthanasia and hospice care in your area. To find help near you, go to the directory for home euthanasia veterinarians at inhomepeteuthanasia.com
Dr. Vanessa Wensing began her service, Heaven from Home, in 2008. She provides loving in-home euthanasia for dogs and cats in the Tri-Valley and East Bay areas.
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