Honored Pet Memorial Wall

To my Zorka who was and will always be the best dog ever. I miss you soooo damn much zozo. I can’t get over her loss. It’s been only 3 days and it hurts like hell. I would have never thought it’d be so hard. I love you Zorka. RIP in the Meadow. I’ll never forget you. Veronique Durney

Dear sweet little Nikki, Our tears and memories soothe our wounded souls. You brought so much love and happiness into our lives and we miss every moment now without you. You will always be our precious little guy and live in our hearts forever. Our lives were so enriched for the 18 years you gave us. We will keep your place on the sofa where the three of us watched our favorite shows each night. Until we meet again when we are all home together once more. Glenn and Rachel

To my Cookie Girl you were the best dog that anybody could ask for. You were our best friend and you will be missed everyday. I love you bubba and one day I will see you and Maxboy again over that rainbow bridge. Don & Jen Fischer

Good-bye, Missy, you were truly one of a kind and not a day goes by that I don’t miss you. You gave our family fourteen years of unconditional love. I hope you know how much you are loved and missed. You will never be forgotten. I hope one day we will meet again … over the rainbow bridge … and be together forever. Audra Musco & Family

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"