Euthanasia of a Beloved Pet Review

Overall 4.11 of 5 view all 9 reviews

LoveisJoy
Chicagoland, IL

Is There Such a Thing as a "Good Death?"

a cat lover

Pros

Ends agonizing suffering, Procedure carried out quickly, More humane than slow, painful death

Cons

Conflicting emotions, Saying goodbye, Can't be done at home, Deciding when it's time

FEB

2008

It was late afternoon when I took a break from digging the hole that would soon be my cat's final resting place. The setting was right out of an Edgar Allen Poe story - a snow-covered, cloudy, foggy, drizzly cold February twilight in my backyard. There was an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of my shovel chipping away at the half-frozen ground. I don't know where I found either the emotional or physical strength to dig my cat's grave. I just knew that her intense suffering needed to end, and that the hole needed to be dug before more cold and snow set in the next day. So, I found myself alone in the backyard, chipping away at the rock-hard earth while my cat lay suffering in the warmth of our home.

Two years ago, we adopted a 2 year-old cat from a local pet shelter and named her Naima (NY-EE-MAH). It was the first pet that I had ever had as an adult, so it was a new experience for me. We thought a cat would keep me company during the day, and would be comforting to have around during the periods when my MS is in relapse. Naima did turn out to be good company, but she was so much more than that. She gave me an appreciation for the day-to-day elements of life that can easily be overlooked or taken for granted. I will never forget how she would run onto the back patio and roll her body round and round over the bricks as if that simple activity was the epitome of utter bliss. She had so many quirks and was so incredibly sweet; she made me realize that I had the capacity to truly love an animal. I'd never known I was capable of that before she came into our home.

We'd taken excellent care of Naima; regular vet appointments and recommended vaccinations. Unfortunately, by the time she was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma, the malignancy had spread rapidly. Her weight dropped quickly, she was no longer able to eat or drink water without throwing it up during bouts of terrifying spasms and retching. At the end, she was too weak to get up at all, and she wailed in pain in the middle of the night. We knew she would slowly starve to death if we didn't intervene. And intervention meant euthanasia. I spent the last few days of her life singing to her, stroking her head, and looking into her eyes. This will sound crazy - but Naima let me know that it was time to let her go. However, I wish I had known more about euthanasia before we set out to the animal clinic on that cold February night.

Initially, I had hoped we would be able to have her euthanized at home where she could be comforted and surrounded by its familiarity. Since that was not possible, we put her in the pet carrier and took her out into the night. Although she had spent the entire day barely conscious, she became somewhat alert when she realized she was leaving home. We arrived at the animal clinic, and waited. I couldn't stop the tears from streaming down my face as I talked to Naima. I didn't want her to be scared. I told her I would stay with her until the end.

A friendly assistant called us back to a regular exam room. My husband and I paced the floor as we waited for the vet to enter. We extracted Naima from the carrier, and I pet her head and sang to her while I tried not to cry. After several minutes, the vet entered the room with an assistant. His manner was professional, but gruff and a little distant. He spoke very little; only to ask if we were going to stay and witness the procedure. We nodded, and he spoke directly to his assistant, instructing her to lay Naima on a towel on the metal examining table.

The vet didn't speak to Naima at all, nor did he explain to us what was about to occur. Instead, he immediately set to work, placing a constricting cuff around her leg and wiping the skin with an alcohol pad. I watched anxiously as he inserted a needle and began to inject the pinkish liquid slowly into her vein. Once the injection was completed, the vet put on his stethoscope and listened. After a few seconds, he announced: "her heart has stopped."

Those four words unleashed a torrent of tears that I had been trying to keep under control. I was stunned by how quickly it happened. I don't know why, but I had thought I would have had a few more moments to say goodbye.

We wrapped Naima in the towel and placed her body in the pet carrier. The vet and his assistant had already left the room, so there was no one to escort us out of the facility. We passed through the waiting room of barking dogs and mewling cats carrying our lifeless pet in a carrier. The drive home was quiet, and the night had gotten colder and wetter.

When we arrived home, we carefully placed Naima's body into a pillowcase. Then we trudged out to the darkness of the backyard, and buried our pet princess into the soggy grave I had dug for her. My husband filled it in, and placed a large garden pot on the spot. The animal clinic did give us the option of having Naima's body cremated and the ashes scattered over a pet cemetery. I don't know why, but I just felt that she belonged in the backyard, where she enjoyed spending time cavorting in the ivy and relaxing in the warm weather.

The word, euthanasia, is of Greek origin and means "good death." I don't know if there is such a thing as a good death, but I know that Naima had a good life and we did everything we possibly could for her. Instead of focusing on the one day that she died, I am trying to remember the wonderful 800+ days that she lived with us. I am trying to remember to be grateful for the small things, and the joy that exists in the ordinary. Even now, when I look out onto the back patio, I can see her in my mind's eye, rolling round and round, her tail wagging with glee.

Thank you, Naima. I'll always remember.

Euthanasia of a Beloved Pet is recommended by LoveisJoy

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Comments about LoveisJoy’s Review

This is very close to my heart... we brought our dog in today... they sent him home with antibiotics and pain meds instead of putting him down. I'm glad for that... The doc says he has less then a year to live. I believe he wants us to have him pass at home. He's an 80 some lb dog. I love him but I don't know if I can do that.

Thanks for the nice note... you really put it in perspective for me.

In response to angel28960's comment from Oct 22, 2008 at 4:57PM:

Thanks for your kind note. I wish I had been better prepared for my cat's euthanasia, but it all happened so quickly. My hope is that by sharing my experience I can help someone else in the future. :)

I am so sorry about your cat. I had the exact same experience 2 years ago when my puppy got Parvo disease. I didn't even consider researching euthanasia...I just wanted to put Bernie out of his misery as quickly as possible. However, I left the clinic feeling like Bernie was cheated out of a proper goodbye. A friend recently told me that some vets will come to your home to do the procedure there, and will also help with making sure your other pets understand what happened. Next time, I suppose.

This was a very moving review. I'm crying. Maybe euthanasia should have meant quick instead of good death. Again my condolences for your loss. Naima was very blessed to have you and your husband for her family. I'm sending hugs with this comment.

That was so sad! I am in tears! Poor kitty. Wonderfully written, I am so sorry for your loss.

I'm so sorry to hear about Naima. I know it's hard losing a loved one. You will be able to think of all the great times you had with her and have these lovely pictures of her (so cute) to look at.

I'm so sorry about your beloved cat. Until a person has acually loved a pet, that can't understand your pain. That must have been tough for you to share.

Oh, my! I am soooo sorry to hear about your cat. I hope you are hanging in there! I went through a similiar experience last year when my Chewie died of an auto immunine disorder at 10 years old. The difference-- our vet was sooo amazing. She worked with us so hard to keep Chewie alive and when we had to make the final call (it was starting to be cruel to keep her alive only through blood transfusions) they were soooo supportive. (could be the fact that we were paying our life savings to keep her alive-- but I will take it anyway!) My husband and I were both balling and they gave us our space, let us say our good-byes, etc. They even sent us cards and made a donation to a pet charity! If only everyone were like that!!! I wrote a review of my dog in memory too. Check it out: Keeshond. My thoughts are with you!

I CAN CERTAINLY UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS AND THE PAIN,
I AM A DOG MAN MYSELF,
BUT I HAVE HAD SERVERAL CATS AND BIRDS , FISH YOU NAME IT I HAD HAD EXCEPT SNAKES CAN'T STAND SNAKES...I DON'T EVEN LIKE TO SEE THEM ON A MOVIE,

ANYWAY
I AM KINDA OF GOING THRU THE SAME THING ,
MY DOG WOFIE, THE ONE THAT IS IN MY PROFILE PIC. IS 22 YEARS OLD ,
AND HE IS NOT DOING VERY WELL.....HE CAN'T USE HIS HIND LEGS VERY WELL, HE HAS LOST ALL OF HIS TEETH, DIDN'T KNOW DOGS LOSE THEIR TEETH,
RECENTLY HE BECAME VERY ILL BECAUSE OF THAT BAD DOG FOOD MESS.....
I HAVE NOT MONEY OR INSURANCE FOR HIM ....

PEOPLE TELL ME I SHOULD PUT HIM TO SLEEP....

BUT I SAY IF IT TIME FOR HIM TO GO GOD WILL TAKE HIM.....

HE KNOWS ME ,HE KNOW HIS SURROUNDINGS, HE IS PRETTY ALERT FOR HIS OLD AGE

HE HAS BEEN THRU GOOD TIME AND BAD TIMES WITH ME ..THREE MARRIAGES NUMERIOUS GIRL FRIENDS...WE HAVE EVEN BEEN HOMELESS...AND WE ARE STILL TOGETHER .....SOMETIMES I FEEL AS IF WE ARE BOTH KEEPING EACH OTHER ALIVE....

I DON'T THINK WOFIE, IS GOING TO MAKE IT THRU THIS YEAR, BUT I AM HOPING HE DOES.....

I LOVE MY DOG........
AND WHEN AND IT IS TIME FOR HIM TO GO I HOPE THAT IS IN HIS SLEEP AND PAINLESS........

IT SO HARD TO HAVE TO GO AND ASK SOMEONE TO PUT A BELOVED PET ASLEEP.....

I HOPE THAT YOU HEAL,THAT THE SORROW GOES AWAY, AND THAT JUST MAYBE YOU CAN LOVE ANOTHER CAT.......
WHO KNOWS ONE MIGHT JUST SHOW UP AT YOUR DOOR.....

IT MIGHT BE BECAUSE NAIMA SENT YOU ANOTHER HER....

TAKE CARE,
SADEYES

Personally, I am a "dog person", rather than a "cat person". That said, I have a friend who winds up caring for cats that are dumped at her house. (I suspect, because the people doing this know she will try to care for them.) When I visit her house, I enjoy the friendly cats, and ignore those who ignore me. To the subject at hand: The loss of any pet can be a traumatic experience, depending on the person and the pet. I have had several pets (dogs) that have had to be euthanised due to medical problems they developed. I chose this option to prevent a beloved pet from suffering. To me, that is the only part of the whole process that is "good". Currently, I have a 10 year old Shih-Tzu who is almost blind, but otherwise in very good health. She handles her disability quite well. I help her by leading her so she can go outside and do her business. Unless (and until) she develops some more serious problem that affects her quality of life, there is no way I would have her euthanised. But should she have problems which cause her pain and suffering, I would feel the most kind thing I could do for her would be to keep her from suffering. My first action would be to explore whether medication could solve the problem. If not, My love for her would not prevent me from having her put to sleep. In fact, that love is the primary reason why I would do it. As a slight digression, I believe that when I die, all my past pets will be there to greet me. There is no religious basis for this. I just happen to believe this is how it will be.

My heart goes out to you. I to have been through this.

My heart just broke for you and the loss of your sweet kitty,Naima. I have lost several dogs, but only one by euthanasia. No loss is easy. Our Vet was very caring. My husband was disabled and could not go to the clinic. I did not want the last minutes of my 15 yr old Yorkies life to be a frightening experience. She had been diabetic for 5 years, had lost her hearing and gone blind, but she still knew our touch and love.The Vet and her assistant came to our home. She explained everything before hand. Let us hold her and cry for as long as we wanted before and after the procedure. They took her to be cremated.The sadness is always there, even tho you may give another lucky animal your love and home. Just remember how lucky you all were, in that you gave her a wonderful home and all your love, and she appreciated and returned that love.

I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Naima. She was a beautiful little girl who will be missed by many after this review. I have been working in animal care since I was 16 and have been the head vet tech/clinic manager at the hospital I work for for almost five years now. Let me tell you, it hasn't gotten any easier for me to assist in a euthanasia and I still shed tears while holding the vein. It's upsetting that neither the vet nor the assistant showed compassion during your time of need and comfort. Being in this field, I do notice that most techs and doctors become desensitized from the emotional aspect of euthanasia. Many fail to remember that bedside manners are just as important as their professionalism. Naima is playing happily at the Rainbow Bridge and is smiling down on you. Please take care.

Euthansia is never an easy decision, but sometimes there is no real choice. My childhood dog finally had to be put to sleep at the age of 23, he was very sick and there was little else that could be done. He was gone, but the great memories will be with us forever.

Ugh..it upsets me that the Vet wasn't comforting to you at this time. For us animal lovers, our furry babies are just as important as our human babies. I'm sorry you had to go through this and I hope it doesn't deter you from adopting another furry baby to keep you company. There are so many out there who need a good home. (I just got another one for my birthday!) There is someone out there waiting to be loved by you!

Thanks everyone, for taking the time to read this and offer your thoughts. It's been healing for me to share this story and to know that so many others have felt the same. -LoveisJoy

I feel for you, I also have lost a lot of pet in this way ,just like losing a human Loved one the pain is the same , as far as the euthanasia I wish we also could go this way, it is peaceful the liquid goes through the heart and when it enters the heart stops . Vet's if they know your pet's usually are good with them they will call them by name and let you do what you want like talk to them pet them and hold on to them while they are going through the finally journey of life , This is a something we all have to face in life and yes it is hard and painful. I belive that they are waiting for us when we take our final journey also , this way of thinking makes it a little easier to let them go . Peace be with You Spiritshadow

My heart goes out to you. As one who has been there done that your advice is well taken. The day is horrific but we do often talk about Buffy and Popcorn and their antics though the day Buffy actually died - 4 hours before the Vet appointment - haunts me and though I wasn't in the room when we did euthanize Popcorn I can only imagine what it was like for my husband to look in her eyes. I know it's a peaceful death and only loves of us pet lovers can really understand. Again thanks for the reminder! Jo

Love and Bard, I am so sorry for your loss. Naima was a beauty with a beautiful name and I can feel your heart breaking across the miles. This was a beautifully written tribute to her. I'm so sorry that the vet seemed so distant and not in tune with your feelings and needs.

I about died when I had to put my 16 year old dog Casey to sleep. I still wonder if he forgives me but he was so ill. And I had a 15 year old cat that I had to the same too. I couldn't stay in the room. My husband stayed with him. I hate playing God yet I knew in both cases it was the right thing to do. I'm so sorry to read of your loss. Pets are truly family and I know many who grieve as though they lost a family member. I am one of those people.

I am so sorry for the loss of your Naima. She was a beautiful girl and I know how much life Scrappy brings to our lives and that is what Naima did for you. I know she is with you in spirit.
You would think vets would have a bit more thoughtfulness knowing what you both were going through.
I am going to go home and give Scrappy big bear hugs tonight. ~ a pet parent

I too was surprised by the depth of my feeling for out little golden girl. Like my wife I miss her and loved her dearly. It’s been a weak and just reading these words have caused me to choke up. I never did understand why people felt so strongly about their pets, strongly enough that they were and are wont to leave them behind when danger nears. Now I understand fully their connection to their pets; they are part of the family, much like Naima was and will always be a part of our family…

Such a shame the vet was that way, I always thought they loved pets as much as we do. I sat here with tears reading this and know how you feel. Naima is now at peace and playing in the backyard as she always did, if only in spirit and in your heart. Thanks for letting us get to know her a little! Ron

In response to joyjoy's comment from Feb 13, 2008 at 3:44PM:

I kept hoping she would go in her sleep. But I'm glad her suffering is over now.

In response to njchicaa's comment from Feb 13, 2008 at 4:10PM:

The vets that we visited always seem to assume that we knew what to expect. I think they forget that some of us are first time pet owners and need more direction and attention.