Vet Shares That There Are More Emotionally Draining Things In Their Job Than Putting Animals To Sleep
Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience akin to that of parting with your human family member. So it’s no wonder that for many pet owners and animal lovers, putting your furry friend down seems like the hardest thing anyone could ever do. But for the vets around the globe, it’s an inseparable part of their daily work.
And one anonymous vet decided to refute the common belief that animal euthanasia is the most difficult part of their job. In an illuminating and touching post, this vet explained why that’s the case and wondered if “Does that make me a bad vet? Hopefully not.”
The author went on to list three other hardest moments of being a vet, and they really put this job in a whole new perspective and it has to do more with people than with animals themselves.
One anonymous vet explained why putting an animal down is not the hardest part of their job in this touching Imgur post
Image credits: jaminriverside
Other vets elaborated on why being close to your pet when the vet is administering euthanasia is vital
Image credits: jessi_dietrich
Image credits: jessi_dietrich
Image credits: jessi_dietrich
And this is what others had to say about parting with your beloved animal
What makes it so hard for any dog owner to part with their beloved furry friends is that special bond these beautiful animals share with humans. In fact, owners are so close to their dogs that the majority love them as much as their children, suggests Anna Trobec, an animal researcher from “Petovly.”
Anna has recently conducted a study surveying 2750 dog owners to get a clearer picture of the human-dog bond.“It positively surprised me how a high percentage of dog owners would do anything they can just to save their dog and keep him or her healthy,” the researcher told Bored Panda over email. “After all, we do think of dogs as our children, and they certainly consider us their parents,” she added.
Anna also said that 99% of those surveyed consider their dogs family members, which explains why the death of an animal hurts as much as the loss of a family member. Moreover, “60% of respondents feel like dog parents, not dog owners, which further lessens our differences which we bear as species.”
I'm dreading the moment I will have to say goodbye to my girl...Sometimes when I think about it, my heart literally hurts :(
I don't know how old she is, but when her time comes, spoil her and be there for her at the end. It's hard, but I was lucky to have a sensitive vet who let me stay with my cat and a kind relative was by my side.
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I thought I'd never be able to cope with being in the room with any of my pets when they had to be euthanised, but I've done it several times now (all elderly animals) and I'm so glad I did. The thought of any of my babies being alone at their end is too much to bear. You just have to suck it up and remember to think of them and not yourself.
Same here. My responsibility, my decision, my place is therefore at their side. I want the last words they hear from me to be "I love you".
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I would have thought seeing abused animals would be on the top of the list.
I don't know how often people bring their abused pets to the vet. I imagine that vets are more likely to see abuse at a shelter or a sanctuary. Bless one of my friends, she took someone's abused kitten to the vet, then told the owner that it had died so that she could adopt it. Bless the kitten, because she grew into a wonderful companion to another cat who had been abused.
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The vet has no relationship to the animal he is putting down. So of course it is not so emotional than it is for the owners
That's not entirely true. Sure they aren't with the animal day in and day out, but they've probably been seeing them as a patient for years, maybe helped the through some tough illnesses or injuries. I was just a volunteer at our local clinic in high school. I had regulars that I came to love. I cried with more than one family while we eased the suffering of old friends. If your vet staff doesn't love your pets, then you need to find a new vet.
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Pet owners yelling and screaming at staff about the cost of care and calling them selfish is the reason veterinary professionals are now the number one profession at risk of suicide, and it's become even worse during the pandemic. The truth is, veterinarians and veterinary technicians make less than half of what their human counterparts do (doctors/nurses) so when we have people driving up in fancy cars and bragging about their "purebred" poodle mix, then start screaming at us that we're just out for money, it's heart breaking. X-ray equipment, surgical equipment, and having a fully-stocked pharmacy on-site all cost money. A veterinary clinic is a mini hospital, with nearly all the equipment you'd find if you went to the ER. That's where 90% of the money is going, NOT to staff wages. The industry has become so toxic that I actually left to protect my own mental health. So please be kind your vet staff, because your words are literally killing them.
I treat street dogs and cats. truly, putting them down isn't the hard part...watching them suffer meaninglessly and crawling towards a slow and painful death because caregivers and daily feeders don't want to put them down because of personal beliefs is much worse. breaks me anew each time.
Yeah. I tend a feral colony of cats, and when that time comes, it's heart-rending, but.... I took 'em on. I only wish we could ease people in agony as we do animals.
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Our amazing vet always told us that the priority number one is the animal quality of life. I believe in euthanasia for humans (the right to go in peace and with dignity) and also for our companions. What's the point of keeping a sick animal in life if the treatment makes their life miserable?
I agree completely! With my last kitty, I felt as though I just couldn't say goodbye to her, and said I was willing to do *anything* to keep her alive. My vet said, "I know you. Do you want to avoid grieving at the cost of her being in pain?" And of course my answer was no. Grief will break your heart, but I could never be cruel.
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It was really hard but my family and I stayed in the room with our girl when she had to be euthanized at 3 years old. She had sudden congestive heart failure and there was nothing we could do, it was a breed thing. I couldn’t bring myself to touch her but I made sure she could see me and I told her she was a good girl while my mom sat near me and my dad stroked her head. We were heart broken and crying but we made sure she knew how much we loved her before she went. It’s really hard and even though it was almost two years ago, it makes me cry to this day, but if you ever have to go through this, please don’t leave them alone. They need you so much at that moment. It is heart shattering but you can’t turn your back on them then.
We have a sick doggo - Henry has a porto-systemic shunt - which means that he wasn't expected to live a long time. We shed tears and hugged a lot (Henry couldn't understand why) and then we found an awesome vet; Lisa is actually a surgeon but has taken Henry on as her 'special case'. She has done everything possible and more - even to the point of happily consulting (free of charge) over the phone because she knows Henry is terrified of the surgery. Yes, it has cost us a lot of money and we have had to scrimp and save as we couldn't get insurance for a birth defect but with Lisa's support we have raised our pup to a healthy 7 years which is at least five more than was expected. Every penny has been worth it just to have our little doggo for this extra time. Thank-you to Lisa and all vets for the amazing work you do. We salute you!
I held both my kitties when it was time for them. I have a dog and a cat now (they are best friends) and I am DREADING when its time for them to go but you can bet your sweet ass I will be holding and whispering how good they are and how much I love them. And I will thank the vet that helps us.
When My dog was put down I was in the room and gave him little scratches and talked to him until the vet said he was gone. He was in really bad health and definitely suffering. Miss you Murdock <3
I dearly love the vets at the clinic I take my little ones to. Shout out to Dr.Abdelmalik and Dr.Norman!! When Mr. Charles was at the clinic to be evaluated and i was at home waiting, when it was found out he had severe kidney failure and it was time to cross over the Rainbow Bridge it was almost closing time. They asked if I wanted to wait until the morning and I said no. There was no way he was going to spend his last night by himself in a cage. They stayed open until I could get there to be with him. For my little Lucy Loo, I can't even go there about what happened, but for her they opened early for the emergency and Dr. Norman was there in 10 minutes after being called to help her. I wouldn't dream of leaving any one of my babies alone at that time. Pre covid, if a family was in an exam room going through that they would turn on a little candle in the waiting room to indicate there is a family saying goodbye and to please stay quiet out of respect. I just love these folks.
2 years ago I lost both of my much loved cats within a month of each other. One to cancer and the other to diabetes (and pinning for her pal). I was with them both for every second of the last minutes of their lives. It absolutely killed me but I would have it no other way.
I would never ever let any of my pets die alone... and never have... they gave me their entire life... it's the very least I can do
One of my friends is a vet nurse, she says the hardest thing is not putting animals to sleep, it's putting healthy animals to sleep because people decide they don't want a dog/cat/rabbit etc anymore. They do offer to take the animal and sort out foster care and rehoming, but if people decline that they have to do it. Heartbreaking. People suck.
I love my vet. It makes me so sad that he, like other vets, might be abused by the people half of his patients. And if you are grousing about routine bills for service, you should never have adopted the animal in the first place. Imagine yelling at a pediatrician when you have to pay for a well-child checkup. I once spent $1500 for abdominal surgery of my cat. I thought it cheap at the price. A similar procedure for humans would have cost way more than 10x that. As for euthanasia, it made me cry to learn that so many furball parents won't stay with their pet at the final moment. It never occurred to me not to. I feel like I have "loved them to sleep." I just wish they would let us stay when surgical anesthesias are given. It must feel about the same way to the animal.
I stay awake at night and cry thinking of the day when my girly will have to be put down (or she'll just die, whichever happens) she's my best friend and mostly what's kept my alive. I don't know how I'll survive without her, she's already pretty old...
I can sort of understand *some* of the shouting, if linked to his first point. Desperate people who love their pet may behave irrationally of they cannot afford the treatment that will help save their pet. But these should be the ONLY time someone feels angry at the person who is doing their best to help - and even then only because your EQ has taken a hit. (I do not condone violence or any shouting that is threatening, but I understand how people can get animated during heightened emotional times - they are reacting to the situation, not the person, but the person is the face of the situation). Everything else is just entitled tw@ts who shouldn't be allowed near animals.
a nice thing i saw recently in an episode of the incredible dr. pol was that they have a candle they light with a sign next to it that says "if this candle is lit, someone is saying their last goodbyes, please be respectful"
My daughter is a vet. She's a second year internal medicine specialist. We just talked tonight about how people will spend $2000 on a specific breed of dog, but will not pay for a parvovirus shot because it's "too expensive," so, the puppy dies, and then screams at her because she can't save it. I can't tell you how badly vets are treated. There's a reason that veterinarians have the highest suicide rates. I'm begging you...please care about your fur babies doctors. They're literally killing themselves.
My 23 year old snek died this month. I'm gutted, struggling, and so very sad. Yes, he had a long life of love, but it still hurts to not have him with me.
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's agony to lose your best friend. The hurt never really goes away, but someday you will be able to think of him with more joy than pain.
Load More Replies... My kitty girl was super terrified of the vet in spite of going to him for years. She had to be sedated for the slightest exam or treatment, such as claw trims. When it was time to say goodbye, Dr B sedated her so I could hold her without her panicking. So at that crucial, heart rending moment when I wanted her to know how much she was loved and going to be missed, she wasn't awake enough to know what was happening. I know she didn't suffer. But I feel like we missed our precious goodbye at our moment of parting. Still grieving heavily since January.
So sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you for a mom. There’s no doubt that she knew she was loved.
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The hardest and saddest time of my life has been putting 2 of my dogs to sleep, it absolutely killed me and left me heartbroken for a long time, much more than any family member I have lost. To not be there cradling your pet so they can see you and/or smell you as they breathe their last breaths is just unforgiveable and people should be ashamed of themselves, so selfish. I know I will have to do it again I have 4 dogs and I dread having to go it through it all again but of course it's worth it for the years of love and companionship you get back and it's the last loving act you can do for them, take the pain away, and you leave them alone????
I worked at a vet clinic all through high school and he's right. I was never more proud to be a part of that clinic than when we were preforming respectful, compassionate euthanasias with caring owners. Sure it was sad, but it was also beautiful. What's NOT beautiful is when someone dumps off their older, but basically healthy pet for a convenience euthanasia and they're too big of a coward to stay for it. THOSE were the ones that broke my heart. Those and poor people who couldn't afford life saving care are the ones that will haunt me til I die.
I had to have my first cat put to sleep after a long battle with hyperthyroidism (she was a ripe old 17 too). I didn't want to do it. I didn't want to be there. I would have loved to have been a million miles away. But I didn't. I cuddled her, I told her I loved her (despite her having gone deaf). I told her I was sorry. I told her to sleep. I held her constantly until her little heart stopped and I held on some more. It was heartbreaking but it was the least I could do for her.
As an adult, I have done my best to be with each of my pets when I had to let them go. One died while I was out of town, but my boyfriend was with him at the end. Another died in her sleep. The rest, however, I have had the privilege of holding in my arms as they went to sleep one last time. Each time has been excruciating, but I can't bear the thought of not comforting my child - yes, my cats and dogs are my children - in their final moments.
Also, when I let my last dog go, her vet came to my home so she went to sleep in my arms, on her bed, in front of the fireplace. I carried her out to her vet's car and then spent the night sleeping on her bed with my cats, who were also devastated that she was gone. It's been over 8 years, and I still miss her. I'm grateful I found my Nica, who would otherwise have been put down because she was a street dog before she joined my little family.
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It was a very hard decision to make. 12.5 years, kidney failure. You want to believe until the very last moment that it will get better, while you see and deep down know that... No. This is it, this is the end. Maybe a few more days, weeks, if you are lucky, but what a life that would be, seeing it all slip away slowly. And you just hope and wish and pray there won't be much pain and suffering for them. For me, what eased the pain a bit (and yes, the guilt to some point, of deciding about another being's life) was when someone told me: 'This is a no-win situation. You cannot choose a good option - you can only choose the lesser bad one.' I was there, hugged her, petted her, cuddled her and told her a thousand times over how much we love her and how grateful I am to have shared all this time together. (And wow, I am crying like mad again.) Reading this helps me in a way that what made me decide was I didn't want her to suffer... or at least to suffer as little as possible. Thank you.
Now I'm crying too. You're a good pet mommy - a great one, really.
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Oof. I held my pup while he passed. I'll never forget it. I don't believe in God, per se, but I felt my pup's spirit leave his body, even though his heart was technically still beating for a few more seconds.
I know what you mean - I'm an atheist, except when it comes to animals. I know it doesn't make sense, but there you have it.
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8 years ago, my rescued kitty had health issues. She almost died. I had money issues but I told the vet I'd give him all my income if needed, cat definitely is my priority but I wasn't able to pay rn. He was ok. Long story short, when I was able to pay, he asked a ridiculous amout of money. He took a lot on himself for us. This is a great hooman. <3
I'm stunned that people leave the room when their pet has to be put down! I could never do that. I've had four cats that lived to glorious old age (and I made sure they were healthy and not in pain), and I can't imagine not being there with them.
Please, please be there for your pets in their final moments. You're all they have and, in their darkest hour, they need your love and support.
So basically being a vet is often bad due to the people you have to deal with. No surprise there. People can be so good sometimes, but often choose not to be.
Treessimontrees - You're partly right. People can make the *choice* to be rational and kind all the time, but many choose not to.
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Tough post to read this morning as my little one is currently in doggy ER for an emergency appointment. My vet has done an amazing job taking care of my baby. He was diagnosed with diabetes almost exactly a year ago and has had several complications since. The level of care and compassion my vet has shown (especially in the middle of a pandemic) is far greater than any care or compassion I have gotten from any of my own doctors. Hats off to all the vets and vet techs out there. You all have my serious respect and thanks.
Having held my dog when she was put to sleep with a broken pelvis (hit by a car that drove off) I know how much better it is for your pet to see you and feel you stroking it as it passes. It is better for you too knowing that you did the right thing by them in their last moments.
I didn't want my mom to die alone, I definitely don't want any of my pets to die alone if I can help it!
I didnt have the chance to sya goodbye to my pet, he wasnt even put down. he died peacefully in his sleep.
I'm sorry for your loss and regret, but to be honest, that's what I wish for my 18 year old cat (Not now, of course. Not until much, much later).
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I don't know what I would have done without my vet. Knowing when it's time to stop the suffering. Allowing me to hold her until we were ready. Hold her post injection until I was ready to hand her over.
I NEVER LEAVE MY BABIES ALONE WHEN IT IS TIME. Sugar died in the car on the way back from the hospital. She had been there for three days. I took her home, rubbing her ears all the way home and just as we drove up the drive way, she took her last breath. I didn't even know until I went to bring her into the house. Charlie, Maddie, and Jackie died at home, the vet came to the house and I got to hold them. Beau was having surgery and the surgeon called me and said that is liver was nothing but one huge tumor and did I want him to go peacefully. She gave him the shot and I picked him up and took him home. Katy died on the way to the emergency clinic, she had lung cancer and I was taking her from my vet, who did not have an oxygen cage, to the emergency hospital, and she died about 30 seconds from the hospital. Alex died in my arms at home. I sat with her all night, Sugar and Pepper with me. Pepper died during surgery, we found out from the post that she and a cardiovascular
tumor that exploded during the surgery. I got to say goodbye to her. Lil Bit had oral melanoma, I held her when she left me. I held Molly when the vet gave her the shot. I held Buttons and then took her home, she was in massive kidney failure because of a genetic anomaly and Buck, JD, Bismarck, Mandy, Lady, Cassidy, all died in my arms or at the vet's. I was there except for Cassidy. I adopted him at six weeks with parvo and never got to even hold him. But I loved him even though he only live one more week. They are all in their urns on the mantle so that they can "see" outside.
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Flea medication should be outlawed. There are plenty of natural remedies out there.
I was there and held my furbaby when he was out down. I was a horrific mess but would never have done it another way.
One thing I always hope for is to be right there holding my cat when one dies. I have a lot of rescues so I have gone through this a lot. Most every time I gave gotten to be there when one dies, whether being put down at vet or dying at home. I know they love me being there, holding them.
just read this with my little Care Bear asleep on my knee, my heart is hurting at the thought of losing him. It would never cross my mind to leave him alone in his last moments, I'd need to be there for him
I feel this. Even as an owner it was easier to let them go after you used all options and knew itcwas for the better, than not being to able to afford those options. I had thousands in dept 2019 and the feeling that I could possible not offer all thats needed or maybe be a chance wracked havoc in my mind. In the end it sure hurt but at least I new I gave everything I had and then some.
Edit: dept because of vet costs. OP, ultrasounds, punctures (?) twice a week for months
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Wait, what??? Who would not want to be there for their pet till the end? I don't get it at all! I'm fairly poor, but I've already decided to order the vet home to put my cat down once it's time, no matter how much it'll cost. No way her last experience will be at vet's! It's home with me, where she belongs.
I have had three dogs out down due to age or terminal illness that caused too much suffering & loss of good quality of life. I worked hard with my vet to do the best we could but in the end stopped when my legs signaled it was time. I was very happy that each time my bets allowed me to hold my dogs as I didn’t want them to be alone when they went. They explained what would happen and allowed me some time with them afterwards to hold them and say goodbye. It was hard for us all because we’d worked so hard to keep them healthy and fussed quite a bit about yearly vax vs titers (I prefer titers and only do what’s needed legally). But I know I can talk to them and I go to them after I’ve researched reputable sources as much as I can. I don’t complain about costs but instead want to know options that will extend my pet’s quality of life. My budget is not unlimited nor do I want to provide my pets with a treatment that invasive and stressful.
It’s the hardest part of being a pet-parent, having to say goodbye. I also feel it’s the greatest/most important gift I can give my pets ... take their pain away so they aren’t suffering. It’s also so important to be with them, they should be held & loved until the very end. It’s heartbreaking for us; they shouldn’t have to be scared, confused and looking for us at the time. We adopted 2 senior cats 14 & 15 (when we adopted them) Jan of 2020. Their original owner died and they ended up in the shelter. The last thing I wanted was for them to have to live out their their lives in the shelter, or if they were lucky enough to be adopted due to their age that they would be split up. It’s been a year & 3 months since we adopted them and I wouldn’t change a thing. Sadly the oldest was just diagnosed with a cancerous mass in his nasal cavity. We know it won’t be much longer now. He has been through enough trauma. I will not abandon him at the end. They give so much love and deserve to be with loved ones when they cross that rainbow bridge. The love he’s given is worth the pain of saying goodbye.
I wanted to be in the room with my best friend Diemond because I didn't want him to feel like he was left alone until he took his last breath. But when the vet tech went to bring him back to me he already passed away. I was so heartbroken and I miss him so much.
I'm dreading the moment I will have to say goodbye to my girl...Sometimes when I think about it, my heart literally hurts :(
I don't know how old she is, but when her time comes, spoil her and be there for her at the end. It's hard, but I was lucky to have a sensitive vet who let me stay with my cat and a kind relative was by my side.
Load More Replies... I thought I'd never be able to cope with being in the room with any of my pets when they had to be euthanised, but I've done it several times now (all elderly animals) and I'm so glad I did. The thought of any of my babies being alone at their end is too much to bear. You just have to suck it up and remember to think of them and not yourself.
Same here. My responsibility, my decision, my place is therefore at their side. I want the last words they hear from me to be "I love you".
Load More Replies... I would have thought seeing abused animals would be on the top of the list.
I don't know how often people bring their abused pets to the vet. I imagine that vets are more likely to see abuse at a shelter or a sanctuary. Bless one of my friends, she took someone's abused kitten to the vet, then told the owner that it had died so that she could adopt it. Bless the kitten, because she grew into a wonderful companion to another cat who had been abused.
Load More Replies... The vet has no relationship to the animal he is putting down. So of course it is not so emotional than it is for the owners
That's not entirely true. Sure they aren't with the animal day in and day out, but they've probably been seeing them as a patient for years, maybe helped the through some tough illnesses or injuries. I was just a volunteer at our local clinic in high school. I had regulars that I came to love. I cried with more than one family while we eased the suffering of old friends. If your vet staff doesn't love your pets, then you need to find a new vet.
Load More Replies... Pet owners yelling and screaming at staff about the cost of care and calling them selfish is the reason veterinary professionals are now the number one profession at risk of suicide, and it's become even worse during the pandemic. The truth is, veterinarians and veterinary technicians make less than half of what their human counterparts do (doctors/nurses) so when we have people driving up in fancy cars and bragging about their "purebred" poodle mix, then start screaming at us that we're just out for money, it's heart breaking. X-ray equipment, surgical equipment, and having a fully-stocked pharmacy on-site all cost money. A veterinary clinic is a mini hospital, with nearly all the equipment you'd find if you went to the ER. That's where 90% of the money is going, NOT to staff wages. The industry has become so toxic that I actually left to protect my own mental health. So please be kind your vet staff, because your words are literally killing them.
I treat street dogs and cats. truly, putting them down isn't the hard part...watching them suffer meaninglessly and crawling towards a slow and painful death because caregivers and daily feeders don't want to put them down because of personal beliefs is much worse. breaks me anew each time.
Yeah. I tend a feral colony of cats, and when that time comes, it's heart-rending, but.... I took 'em on. I only wish we could ease people in agony as we do animals.
Load More Replies... Our amazing vet always told us that the priority number one is the animal quality of life. I believe in euthanasia for humans (the right to go in peace and with dignity) and also for our companions. What's the point of keeping a sick animal in life if the treatment makes their life miserable?
I agree completely! With my last kitty, I felt as though I just couldn't say goodbye to her, and said I was willing to do *anything* to keep her alive. My vet said, "I know you. Do you want to avoid grieving at the cost of her being in pain?" And of course my answer was no. Grief will break your heart, but I could never be cruel.
Load More Replies... It was really hard but my family and I stayed in the room with our girl when she had to be euthanized at 3 years old. She had sudden congestive heart failure and there was nothing we could do, it was a breed thing. I couldn’t bring myself to touch her but I made sure she could see me and I told her she was a good girl while my mom sat near me and my dad stroked her head. We were heart broken and crying but we made sure she knew how much we loved her before she went. It’s really hard and even though it was almost two years ago, it makes me cry to this day, but if you ever have to go through this, please don’t leave them alone. They need you so much at that moment. It is heart shattering but you can’t turn your back on them then.
We have a sick doggo - Henry has a porto-systemic shunt - which means that he wasn't expected to live a long time. We shed tears and hugged a lot (Henry couldn't understand why) and then we found an awesome vet; Lisa is actually a surgeon but has taken Henry on as her 'special case'. She has done everything possible and more - even to the point of happily consulting (free of charge) over the phone because she knows Henry is terrified of the surgery. Yes, it has cost us a lot of money and we have had to scrimp and save as we couldn't get insurance for a birth defect but with Lisa's support we have raised our pup to a healthy 7 years which is at least five more than was expected. Every penny has been worth it just to have our little doggo for this extra time. Thank-you to Lisa and all vets for the amazing work you do. We salute you!
I held both my kitties when it was time for them. I have a dog and a cat now (they are best friends) and I am DREADING when its time for them to go but you can bet your sweet ass I will be holding and whispering how good they are and how much I love them. And I will thank the vet that helps us.
When My dog was put down I was in the room and gave him little scratches and talked to him until the vet said he was gone. He was in really bad health and definitely suffering. Miss you Murdock <3
I dearly love the vets at the clinic I take my little ones to. Shout out to Dr.Abdelmalik and Dr.Norman!! When Mr. Charles was at the clinic to be evaluated and i was at home waiting, when it was found out he had severe kidney failure and it was time to cross over the Rainbow Bridge it was almost closing time. They asked if I wanted to wait until the morning and I said no. There was no way he was going to spend his last night by himself in a cage. They stayed open until I could get there to be with him. For my little Lucy Loo, I can't even go there about what happened, but for her they opened early for the emergency and Dr. Norman was there in 10 minutes after being called to help her. I wouldn't dream of leaving any one of my babies alone at that time. Pre covid, if a family was in an exam room going through that they would turn on a little candle in the waiting room to indicate there is a family saying goodbye and to please stay quiet out of respect. I just love these folks.
2 years ago I lost both of my much loved cats within a month of each other. One to cancer and the other to diabetes (and pinning for her pal). I was with them both for every second of the last minutes of their lives. It absolutely killed me but I would have it no other way.
I would never ever let any of my pets die alone... and never have... they gave me their entire life... it's the very least I can do
One of my friends is a vet nurse, she says the hardest thing is not putting animals to sleep, it's putting healthy animals to sleep because people decide they don't want a dog/cat/rabbit etc anymore. They do offer to take the animal and sort out foster care and rehoming, but if people decline that they have to do it. Heartbreaking. People suck.
I love my vet. It makes me so sad that he, like other vets, might be abused by the people half of his patients. And if you are grousing about routine bills for service, you should never have adopted the animal in the first place. Imagine yelling at a pediatrician when you have to pay for a well-child checkup. I once spent $1500 for abdominal surgery of my cat. I thought it cheap at the price. A similar procedure for humans would have cost way more than 10x that. As for euthanasia, it made me cry to learn that so many furball parents won't stay with their pet at the final moment. It never occurred to me not to. I feel like I have "loved them to sleep." I just wish they would let us stay when surgical anesthesias are given. It must feel about the same way to the animal.
I stay awake at night and cry thinking of the day when my girly will have to be put down (or she'll just die, whichever happens) she's my best friend and mostly what's kept my alive. I don't know how I'll survive without her, she's already pretty old...
I can sort of understand *some* of the shouting, if linked to his first point. Desperate people who love their pet may behave irrationally of they cannot afford the treatment that will help save their pet. But these should be the ONLY time someone feels angry at the person who is doing their best to help - and even then only because your EQ has taken a hit. (I do not condone violence or any shouting that is threatening, but I understand how people can get animated during heightened emotional times - they are reacting to the situation, not the person, but the person is the face of the situation). Everything else is just entitled tw@ts who shouldn't be allowed near animals.
a nice thing i saw recently in an episode of the incredible dr. pol was that they have a candle they light with a sign next to it that says "if this candle is lit, someone is saying their last goodbyes, please be respectful"
My daughter is a vet. She's a second year internal medicine specialist. We just talked tonight about how people will spend $2000 on a specific breed of dog, but will not pay for a parvovirus shot because it's "too expensive," so, the puppy dies, and then screams at her because she can't save it. I can't tell you how badly vets are treated. There's a reason that veterinarians have the highest suicide rates. I'm begging you...please care about your fur babies doctors. They're literally killing themselves.
My 23 year old snek died this month. I'm gutted, struggling, and so very sad. Yes, he had a long life of love, but it still hurts to not have him with me.
I'm so sorry for your loss. It's agony to lose your best friend. The hurt never really goes away, but someday you will be able to think of him with more joy than pain.
Load More Replies... My kitty girl was super terrified of the vet in spite of going to him for years. She had to be sedated for the slightest exam or treatment, such as claw trims. When it was time to say goodbye, Dr B sedated her so I could hold her without her panicking. So at that crucial, heart rending moment when I wanted her to know how much she was loved and going to be missed, she wasn't awake enough to know what was happening. I know she didn't suffer. But I feel like we missed our precious goodbye at our moment of parting. Still grieving heavily since January.
So sorry for your loss. She was lucky to have you for a mom. There’s no doubt that she knew she was loved.
Load More Replies... The hardest and saddest time of my life has been putting 2 of my dogs to sleep, it absolutely killed me and left me heartbroken for a long time, much more than any family member I have lost. To not be there cradling your pet so they can see you and/or smell you as they breathe their last breaths is just unforgiveable and people should be ashamed of themselves, so selfish. I know I will have to do it again I have 4 dogs and I dread having to go it through it all again but of course it's worth it for the years of love and companionship you get back and it's the last loving act you can do for them, take the pain away, and you leave them alone????
I worked at a vet clinic all through high school and he's right. I was never more proud to be a part of that clinic than when we were preforming respectful, compassionate euthanasias with caring owners. Sure it was sad, but it was also beautiful. What's NOT beautiful is when someone dumps off their older, but basically healthy pet for a convenience euthanasia and they're too big of a coward to stay for it. THOSE were the ones that broke my heart. Those and poor people who couldn't afford life saving care are the ones that will haunt me til I die.
I had to have my first cat put to sleep after a long battle with hyperthyroidism (she was a ripe old 17 too). I didn't want to do it. I didn't want to be there. I would have loved to have been a million miles away. But I didn't. I cuddled her, I told her I loved her (despite her having gone deaf). I told her I was sorry. I told her to sleep. I held her constantly until her little heart stopped and I held on some more. It was heartbreaking but it was the least I could do for her.
As an adult, I have done my best to be with each of my pets when I had to let them go. One died while I was out of town, but my boyfriend was with him at the end. Another died in her sleep. The rest, however, I have had the privilege of holding in my arms as they went to sleep one last time. Each time has been excruciating, but I can't bear the thought of not comforting my child - yes, my cats and dogs are my children - in their final moments.
Also, when I let my last dog go, her vet came to my home so she went to sleep in my arms, on her bed, in front of the fireplace. I carried her out to her vet's car and then spent the night sleeping on her bed with my cats, who were also devastated that she was gone. It's been over 8 years, and I still miss her. I'm grateful I found my Nica, who would otherwise have been put down because she was a street dog before she joined my little family.
Load More Replies... It was a very hard decision to make. 12.5 years, kidney failure. You want to believe until the very last moment that it will get better, while you see and deep down know that... No. This is it, this is the end. Maybe a few more days, weeks, if you are lucky, but what a life that would be, seeing it all slip away slowly. And you just hope and wish and pray there won't be much pain and suffering for them. For me, what eased the pain a bit (and yes, the guilt to some point, of deciding about another being's life) was when someone told me: 'This is a no-win situation. You cannot choose a good option - you can only choose the lesser bad one.' I was there, hugged her, petted her, cuddled her and told her a thousand times over how much we love her and how grateful I am to have shared all this time together. (And wow, I am crying like mad again.) Reading this helps me in a way that what made me decide was I didn't want her to suffer... or at least to suffer as little as possible. Thank you.
Now I'm crying too. You're a good pet mommy - a great one, really.
Load More Replies... Oof. I held my pup while he passed. I'll never forget it. I don't believe in God, per se, but I felt my pup's spirit leave his body, even though his heart was technically still beating for a few more seconds.
I know what you mean - I'm an atheist, except when it comes to animals. I know it doesn't make sense, but there you have it.
Load More Replies... 8 years ago, my rescued kitty had health issues. She almost died. I had money issues but I told the vet I'd give him all my income if needed, cat definitely is my priority but I wasn't able to pay rn. He was ok. Long story short, when I was able to pay, he asked a ridiculous amout of money. He took a lot on himself for us. This is a great hooman. <3
I'm stunned that people leave the room when their pet has to be put down! I could never do that. I've had four cats that lived to glorious old age (and I made sure they were healthy and not in pain), and I can't imagine not being there with them.
Please, please be there for your pets in their final moments. You're all they have and, in their darkest hour, they need your love and support.
So basically being a vet is often bad due to the people you have to deal with. No surprise there. People can be so good sometimes, but often choose not to be.
Treessimontrees - You're partly right. People can make the *choice* to be rational and kind all the time, but many choose not to.
Load More Replies... Tough post to read this morning as my little one is currently in doggy ER for an emergency appointment. My vet has done an amazing job taking care of my baby. He was diagnosed with diabetes almost exactly a year ago and has had several complications since. The level of care and compassion my vet has shown (especially in the middle of a pandemic) is far greater than any care or compassion I have gotten from any of my own doctors. Hats off to all the vets and vet techs out there. You all have my serious respect and thanks.
Having held my dog when she was put to sleep with a broken pelvis (hit by a car that drove off) I know how much better it is for your pet to see you and feel you stroking it as it passes. It is better for you too knowing that you did the right thing by them in their last moments.
I didn't want my mom to die alone, I definitely don't want any of my pets to die alone if I can help it!
I didnt have the chance to sya goodbye to my pet, he wasnt even put down. he died peacefully in his sleep.
I'm sorry for your loss and regret, but to be honest, that's what I wish for my 18 year old cat (Not now, of course. Not until much, much later).
Load More Replies... I don't know what I would have done without my vet. Knowing when it's time to stop the suffering. Allowing me to hold her until we were ready. Hold her post injection until I was ready to hand her over.
I NEVER LEAVE MY BABIES ALONE WHEN IT IS TIME. Sugar died in the car on the way back from the hospital. She had been there for three days. I took her home, rubbing her ears all the way home and just as we drove up the drive way, she took her last breath. I didn't even know until I went to bring her into the house. Charlie, Maddie, and Jackie died at home, the vet came to the house and I got to hold them. Beau was having surgery and the surgeon called me and said that is liver was nothing but one huge tumor and did I want him to go peacefully. She gave him the shot and I picked him up and took him home. Katy died on the way to the emergency clinic, she had lung cancer and I was taking her from my vet, who did not have an oxygen cage, to the emergency hospital, and she died about 30 seconds from the hospital. Alex died in my arms at home. I sat with her all night, Sugar and Pepper with me. Pepper died during surgery, we found out from the post that she and a cardiovascular
tumor that exploded during the surgery. I got to say goodbye to her. Lil Bit had oral melanoma, I held her when she left me. I held Molly when the vet gave her the shot. I held Buttons and then took her home, she was in massive kidney failure because of a genetic anomaly and Buck, JD, Bismarck, Mandy, Lady, Cassidy, all died in my arms or at the vet's. I was there except for Cassidy. I adopted him at six weeks with parvo and never got to even hold him. But I loved him even though he only live one more week. They are all in their urns on the mantle so that they can "see" outside.
Load More Replies... Flea medication should be outlawed. There are plenty of natural remedies out there.
I was there and held my furbaby when he was out down. I was a horrific mess but would never have done it another way.
One thing I always hope for is to be right there holding my cat when one dies. I have a lot of rescues so I have gone through this a lot. Most every time I gave gotten to be there when one dies, whether being put down at vet or dying at home. I know they love me being there, holding them.
just read this with my little Care Bear asleep on my knee, my heart is hurting at the thought of losing him. It would never cross my mind to leave him alone in his last moments, I'd need to be there for him
I feel this. Even as an owner it was easier to let them go after you used all options and knew itcwas for the better, than not being to able to afford those options. I had thousands in dept 2019 and the feeling that I could possible not offer all thats needed or maybe be a chance wracked havoc in my mind. In the end it sure hurt but at least I new I gave everything I had and then some.
Edit: dept because of vet costs. OP, ultrasounds, punctures (?) twice a week for months
Load More Replies... Wait, what??? Who would not want to be there for their pet till the end? I don't get it at all! I'm fairly poor, but I've already decided to order the vet home to put my cat down once it's time, no matter how much it'll cost. No way her last experience will be at vet's! It's home with me, where she belongs.
I have had three dogs out down due to age or terminal illness that caused too much suffering & loss of good quality of life. I worked hard with my vet to do the best we could but in the end stopped when my legs signaled it was time. I was very happy that each time my bets allowed me to hold my dogs as I didn’t want them to be alone when they went. They explained what would happen and allowed me some time with them afterwards to hold them and say goodbye. It was hard for us all because we’d worked so hard to keep them healthy and fussed quite a bit about yearly vax vs titers (I prefer titers and only do what’s needed legally). But I know I can talk to them and I go to them after I’ve researched reputable sources as much as I can. I don’t complain about costs but instead want to know options that will extend my pet’s quality of life. My budget is not unlimited nor do I want to provide my pets with a treatment that invasive and stressful.
It’s the hardest part of being a pet-parent, having to say goodbye. I also feel it’s the greatest/most important gift I can give my pets ... take their pain away so they aren’t suffering. It’s also so important to be with them, they should be held & loved until the very end. It’s heartbreaking for us; they shouldn’t have to be scared, confused and looking for us at the time. We adopted 2 senior cats 14 & 15 (when we adopted them) Jan of 2020. Their original owner died and they ended up in the shelter. The last thing I wanted was for them to have to live out their their lives in the shelter, or if they were lucky enough to be adopted due to their age that they would be split up. It’s been a year & 3 months since we adopted them and I wouldn’t change a thing. Sadly the oldest was just diagnosed with a cancerous mass in his nasal cavity. We know it won’t be much longer now. He has been through enough trauma. I will not abandon him at the end. They give so much love and deserve to be with loved ones when they cross that rainbow bridge. The love he’s given is worth the pain of saying goodbye.
I wanted to be in the room with my best friend Diemond because I didn't want him to feel like he was left alone until he took his last breath. But when the vet tech went to bring him back to me he already passed away. I was so heartbroken and I miss him so much.
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