Honored Pet Memorial Wall

Kai – You were the lead in our pack and each day you are without us is so painful. We miss you so much and hope that one day we will see you again in health and happiness. We love you Kai!

Still thinking of you Sweetie! This time last year – I knew the end was near and made sure we went to PetSmart and got one last beautiful portrait with you and the kids and Honey! Still hear you meowing in my heart – still hurting so bad – thought it would be easier but not at all – Love you – thought about you at Thanksgiving and how last year you ate part of our Turkey before we even got to cook it – Miss you 🙁

Dear sweet, sweet “Kitty” – October 6, 1994 – October 22, 2010 Thank you for 16 amazing years. thank you for dedicating your entire self to our family, thank you for loving us, hugging us and being our best friend. We grieve now and forever for the special times we’ve shared. We hope you enjoyed your time with us and knew how much joy you brought to our family. You were a real special character and we will always remember the laughter and good times you created. You certainly had us all trained! Baby girl you were there for us unconditionally, and now there is a giant void left in our hearts without you. But we believe, so thirst no more little girl just ring the bell for a treat and you will never be denied because you are with God We love you always…Until we meet again…

My Haley, my baby girl. You were my co-pilot in life. I will miss you every single day until we meet again. Enjoy your time on the Rainbow but you better come a running as soon as I get there! Love you with all my heart baby girl!!!

Taken from the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement website, Wallace Sife, Ph.D. http://www.aplb.org To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: a time to be born and a time to die. -Eccles. 3:1 Euthanasia is one of the most difficult decisions anyone can ever make for a pet who is a beloved companion. Although the decision is demanded by humanitarian obligation, it is always traumatic for the person who must finally make it. It is perhaps the ultimate heartbreak we must be willing to endure for our adored companion animal. Aside from being the right thing to do, euthanasia can be a psychological nightmare of confusion, guilt and final responsibility Wallace Sife, Ph.D. The Loss of a Pet, Chapter 13 As loving stewards we have an unspoken covenant with our pets – that we will euthanize, if it is necessary. In the final analysis, only the owner can really understand when the time is right. And even then, emotions still make it so difficult. This is the ultimate loving act for our beloved companion animals. It is for them, regardless of the effects on us, that we must do this. But it is inevitable that we will grieve for ourselves, as well. And now we have to learn to somehow put this into some meaningful perspective. As a pet owner, none of us like to think of the day, seemingly far in the future, when we must say good-bye to our pet. Though the thought may briefly skim through our minds from time to time, we seldom dwell on it. It is natural to feel we have a lifetime to enjoy our dear pets. Unfortunately, because their lives are far shorter than ours, we must always be ready to face this terrible decision. The more you educate yourself about euthanasia – ahead of time – the less likely you will be to question the decision or procedure, afterward. This can help prevent those feelings of wishing you had done some things differently, and it may relieve some of the guilt that inevitably follows. Making the decision to euthanize your pet involves intense conflicting emotions. Deciding when the time is right The decision of when to euthanize is as individual and personal as you and your pet are. This is a judgment that only you can make, and it involves great personal courage and sacrifice. Many people fear they will not be able to recognize when the time is right. Do not hesitate to seek guidance from your veterinarian. It is good to include family members or friends who share a close bond with your pet in the decision-making process. This is a time when you will need the support of those who truly understand. Some important things to take into consideration as you contemplate this decision may be: Does your pet still seem to enjoy life? Is he/she able to carry out normal body functions as before – eating, walking, and eliminating? Is your pet in pain? What is the prognosis for your pet? What are the treatment options? Will they create an uncomfortable quality of life for your pet? Are you able to afford the cost of treatment? For some, this must be the overriding consideration. It may be helpful to weigh the good days versus the bad days. When the bad override the good, it may be time. Remember, no one knows your pet better than you do. You have spent a great deal of time learning to communicate with your pet by reading his/her body language. Attend to what your pet may be trying to communicate. And trust what your heart tells you. Making the appointment Once you have made the decision to euthanize your pet, the next step is making the appointment. The timing is often critical, and you may need to act quickly. Some people prefer to spend a few final days with their pet. If you do have the time to plan ahead, it is a good idea to first discuss with your veterinarian all aspects of what to expect. Some important considerations are: Will the veterinarian who cared for you pet be the one performing the euthanasia? Consider the time of day and the day of the week. You will need time before and after to deal with your emotions. You may need to take a day or two off from work. Do not hesitate to care for yourself. You are important. You are making a decision based on what is best for your pet. Make some decisions that are the best for you, as well. The euthanasia procedure is typically done at the veterinarian’s office, but can also be performed at home. Your veterinarian may or may not offer this service, and if you prefer, he/she may be able to offer a referral. If not, then you have some important research and networking to do. Euthanasia is normally a quick, peaceful, and virtually pain-free procedure for your pet, regardless of where it is performed. The following information is to help you understand what will take place during the euthanasia process and how your pet’s body may react. We have included some additional advice that will be useful, afterward. The euthanasia process The euthanasia process itself is designed to be as quick and peaceful for you and your pet as possible. Euthanasia solution is ideally injected intravenously, usually in the animal’s front or back leg, and is a fast-acting sedative which stops the heart within a very short period of time. When the veterinarian is ready to begin the procedure an assistant will usually be asked to help hold your pet. After shaving the area, a needle or catheter is inserted into the vein. The veterinarian will test it first, to make sure it is in the vein and that the solution is administered as desired. Your veterinarian may choose to sedate your pet or place an intravenous catheter beforehand to help ensureContinue reading "Euthanasia of a Beloved Pet"

By Moira K. Anderson Copyright 1988 by Moira K. Anderson This article is reproduced for client distribution with full permission from the author, by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories. For more Information visit iaopcc.com. The death of a pet brings some of the most painful and difficult emotions and decisions a pet owner must face. This pamphlet will help you through some of them… How will I know when to euthanize my pet? Your veterinarian is the best judge of your pet’s physical condition: Whether an illness or injury is terminal; whether surgery or medication would significantly prolong your pet’s life and for how long. However, you are the best judge of the day-to-day quality of your pet’s life. You will be able to tell if it is suffering unreasonably, or if it is still finding pleasure in life despite its condition. If a pet still has a decent appetite, responds to attention, seeks your company, and participates in playing or family life, many pet owners feel that it is still enjoying life and living with dignity. If, on the other hand, the pet is clearly in constant pain, undergoing difficult and stressful treatments, unresponsive to affection or seemingly unaware of its surroundings, a caring pet owner will make the decision to end this companion’s suffering. Evaluate your pet’s health honestly and unselfishly with your veterinarian. Nothing can make this decision an easy one, but it is the final act of love you can make for your pet. Should I stay during euthanasia? Many pet owners feel this is the ultimate gesture of love and comfort you can perform for your pet. Some have felt relief and comfort by staying: They were able to see for themselves that the pet did not suffer, that it passed gently and peacefully, and that it was truly gone. For many, not witnessing the death—and perhaps not viewing the body afterwards—made it difficult for them to accept in their hearts that the pet was really dead, and more difficult to deal with the grief later. On the other hand, this is a traumatic ordeal, and you must ask yourself honestly whether you are emotionally prepared to handle it. If you feel that your emotions will not be in control, you are more likely to upset your pet than comfort it. These emotions are natural, and no cause for shame. Your veterinarian will also be involved in this decision. Some clinics are willing to allow the owner to be present; others are less enthusiastic. If you feel strongly about staying and your vet is unwilling to permit it, you may wish to have the euthanasia done elsewhere. Some veterinarians are willing to euthanize pets at home. Others have come out to the owner’s car to administer the injection. Again, discuss these options with your veterinarian. What do I do now? When a pet dies, you face the question of how to handle its remains. When you are upset and grieving, it may seem easiest to leave the pet at the clinic and allow the vet to dispose of it. Some find this the best choice; others feel a pet deserves a more formal ceremony. Home burial is a common choice. It is economical, and you may want your pet near you in the surroundings it loved. However, city regulations usually prohibit pet burials, and this is not a good choice if you rent, or move frequently. To many, a pet cemetery provides a sense of permanence and security and offers formality and dignity to pet burial. Owners appreciate the serene surroundings and care of the gravesite. Cemetery costs vary depending on the services you select. Cremation is an inexpensive option that allows you to handle your pet’s remains as you wish: Bury them (even in the city), scatter them, leave them in a columbarium, or keep them in a decorative urn. Check with your veterinarian, pet shop or directory about the options available in your area. You should consider your living situation, personal and religious values, finances, and plans for the future. It’s also best to make arrangements in advance, rather than in the midst of your grief. I hurt so much! Am I overreacting? Intense grief over the loss of a pet is completely normal and natural. Every pet owner who considers a pet a beloved friend and companion, a true family member, goes through exactly what you are going through now. You are not being overly sentimental, weak or foolish to grieve. You may have spent 10 or 15 years with this pet. During that time, the pet was a constant part of your life, always ready to give you love and comfort and companionship. Pets provide unconditional, nonjudgmental love. So don’t be surprised if you feel devastated by the ending of such a powerful relationship, whether long or brief. Other people who don’t understand the pet/owner relationship may not understand your pain. But all that matters is what you feel. Those feelings are valid, and can be extremely painful. You are not alone, though: Thousands of people have felt what you feel, and go through these feelings over and over again as they build loving relationships with new pets. What can I expect to feel? Different people experience grief in different ways. Besides your sorrow and loss, which can be devastating in itself, you may experience guilt, anger, denial and/or depression. Guilt may come if you feel that you were somehow responsible for the pet’s death—the “if only I had been more careful!” syndrome. It is pointless and often erroneous to burden yourself with the responsibility for the illness or accident that claimed your pet’s life. Weighing yourself down with guilt only makes it that much more difficult to work through your loss. Denial is difficulty accepting that the pet is really gone. It’s hard to imagine that it won’t come running to greet you, or that it doesn’t need its evening meal. Some pet owners carry thisContinue reading "Ten Tips on Coping with Loss of a Pet"

For Rosie, all our love and treasured memories go with you and yet still stay in our broken hearts/ Wait at Heaven’s gate, ol girl till we see you again 2/14/96 – 10/10/10

To my baby Bailey. My biggest wish is that I added even half as much love to your life as you did to mine. I love you so much and miss you every minute. I cannot wait to see you again one day where I can hug you and never let go this time.

In loving memory of my best friend for 16 years, Harley. You stuck with me through good and bad and were always right by my side to cuddle up with. You were such a good boy and so sweet. I will miss you so much and will always love you. You have a special place in my heart. Someday we will meet again. September 14, 1994-October 5, 2010.