After spending 14 plus years with my Borzoi I had to make that dreaded decision..Luckily here in St Petersburg we have a mobile vet. Him coming to us made all the difference and even though it was one  of the saddest days for me it did make it much easier for my girl(Tasha)AND I ..

Carol Anne June 3rd, 2009 10:07:28 AM

So often we compare the veterinary profession to the medical profession - in terms of cost, standard of care, practices, ethics, etc.  We (consumers) have no problem using this comparison to condemn vets on a number of issues, fairly or unfairly.

By that same token, I do not expect my family doctor to come to my home.  I have a very personal relationship with him, I have been a client for over 20 years, and even though we come from a small town and our families even know each other - I would NEVER expect him to come to my home.  Equally, I would never expect my veterinarian to perform this service either.

Mobile vets are obviously in a different category - much like home health care providers.

As for the "death suites" regardless of what they are called, personally I find them creepy.  I can see the appeal, but it's not for me.

My clinic has always been extremely compassionate in euthanasia, and I have never had a complaint with how they have treated myself, my husband or my pets when faced with this difficult decision. 

The more I think about it, the more I wonder if the ritual of that final car trip and that final visit is something that I need to aid with closure.

Kim June 3rd, 2009 10:40:25 AM

Another name besides "death suite" might be more palatable.

When I was affiliated with a clinic in San Diego as the clinic animal behavior associate I opted to use the veterinarian that made house calls (we also had Dodd come in once a week for holistic work).

When it came time for her to perform the euthanasia for me she traveled up the mountainous roads to do so.

It is a heart wrenching process no matter how you elect to do it. So I think if you can have a vet come to the home--great but make arrangements for the body in advance and have friends help you.

Overall a clinic visit may be easier for everyone and having a room where people can stay as long as they need to AND reduce stress would be good...but my thought is that if the clinic is already a stress zone it won't make much difference how the room looks.

One of the things I recommend to all my clients (and we get permission from the clinics) is for them to take their pet for a happy visit.

Sometimes just visiting for a treat and attention before any proceedures happen at another visit does wonders to reduce the stress and negative association most pets develop.

Also, if wellness visits become more consistent that might help out, too.

Find me blogging at Ark Animals...

Ark Lady June 3rd, 2009 10:46:57 AM

I think every clinic should have a separate room for euthanasias.  It doesn't have to be as 'tricked out' as the one in the picture, but it shouldn't be exactly like the other exam rooms.  Just the addition of a padded bench, and room to lay a big dog on the floor (with space for people around) would make all the difference to people.  I hate beyond words that my clinic has a room that could be set up this way, but it has no ventilation, so it's almost never used (especially in the summer).  Instead, euthanasias are done in the same exam rooms that people will be in the next time they bring a pet in.  The weird thing is that only one client has complained about this.  I will have a friendly, compassionate vet come to my house, even if I have to buy him dinner at the best restaurant in town to show my appreciation.

KateH June 3rd, 2009 10:56:18 AM

I think the move towards "euthanasia rooms" in veterinary hospitals is a good one, but they're still no substitute for home euthanasias.  I assisted with many euthanasias in my years of working at veterinary hospitals, and while they were usually peaceful experiences, I've never been comfortable with the idea.  No matter how peaceful staff and veterinarian try to make this final transition, most pets are stressed by veterinary hospital visits, and pet owners can be left with their final memory being one of a stressful experience instead of the peaceful one it can be when done at the pet's home.  I feel that it's important to ask a veterinarian whether they offer this service while the pet is still healthy rather than wait until the service is needed, only to find out then that it's not available.

I have mixed feelings about the idea of euthanasia-only housecall vets.  I can't imagine having to deal with a complete stranger rather than the vet who's cared for a pet during its life and illness at that final and difficult time.

I address this in a bit more detail in "Buckley's Story - Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher".  Buckley's caring and compassionate veterinarian is also a good friend, so I was fortunate that there was never a doubt that when the time came, she would come to my house.  It was still a gut-wrenchingly difficult experience, but it was also the peaceful transition I wanted for Buckley - in her favorite place in the house, in my arms.  A few weeks after Buckley passed, I assisted my vet with a home euthanasia, and it was the most incredible, peaceful and deeply spiritual experience for the kitty, the kitty's owners, and for my vet and me.  Sometimes, there can be incredible beauty in sadness if it's "done" right.

To learn more about "Buckley's Story", click here. 

Ingrid King June 3rd, 2009 11:02:51 AM

There are enormous benefits to "big" medicine but there are some huge pitfalls to it as well, including the rampant passing of diseases from warehousing of patients in medical facilities (not just hospitals).  Doctors and medical staff tend to develop incredible immune systems that the average patient probably lacks or may well lose from sudden exposure to too much, too fast.  Big facilities are wonderful for well care and critical care but getting a patient, especially one with a compromised immune system (and that would include any patient being put on immune suppressing drugs like prednisone) back to their protective cave (home) where their exposure can be limited should be a goal.  Doctors willing to do house-calls are critical to that; better yet, those willing to do tele/video visits would be an even better supplement leaving the actual in person visits to those that can't be avoided.  If a patient's health is better served by being seen at home rather than transported, then it is the doctor (or nurse, or tech, or...) who should do the traveling IMO.

I'm a firm believer that, if one wants (for oneself or one's pet) the end of life be at home, that should be accommodated.  Is it really so very much to expect that a doctor make one or two house-calls over the life of a patient?

My mother and 3 of her siblings were delivered at home. The doc showed up later to check the babies and fill out the paperwork certifying their births. The same doc delivered my last uncle, me (sort of) and several more family members in the hospital when that became common. I remember several house calls as a young child.  That old doc was far, far from perfect and had few tools to use beyond his own experience and a very thorough knowledge of our family history (QUITE useful and lacking these days) but we shared a level of trust with him I don't even come close to with my more distant medical providers these days.  Not only do I expect doctors to make house calls, I resent it that so few do so these days.  I hope vets find a better balance between in office and home visits as they move forward.

PJBoosinger June 3rd, 2009 11:42:58 AM

I would not want somebody else's emergency to go untreated or received delayed treatment because my vet was at my house performing euthanasia for one of my ferrets.  I do go to a large practice with many vets, but there may be only one or two exotics vets on shift at any given time, and I don't think they staff exotics overnight.

My vet's hospital does have a separate room for euthanasia and grieving.  I forget what they usually call it, though it technically has a formal name, having been built as the result of a named gift.  I appreciate it because it is out of the way, quiet and has a private exit from the building.  Ferrets crash so quickly when they go that I don't know to what extent any of my ferrets have been all that aware of their surroundings when they went, and they are small enough that my arms can create a safe, known haven.

I've got one pretty sick guy right now and another one possibly looking at IBD so I'm going to make myself cry if I keep on typing :-/

regina June 3rd, 2009 11:48:15 AM

Yes our Vet will came to us.

Evet June 3rd, 2009 12:18:47 PM

The main obstacle to in home is a Vets schedule.   So the only option is before (early morning) work or after (evening) in most cases. 

Evet June 3rd, 2009 12:37:23 PM

I think I mentioned in a blog comment once before that, when asked, my previous vet told me that her insurance would not cover house calls, so she could not perform them.

Other than the cat who was euthanized at the emergency vet during unexpected heart failure, the cats I have had to have euthanized were senior citizens and "frequent fliers" at the vet, so they weren't unduly distressed at being there. My issues with one of the visits was the heartless way in which the preliminaries were handled, with me standing, crying helplessly at the counter, doing paperwork in front of the curious audience in the waiting room. I think that there's a level of compassion that the paperwork and payment can be handled from the privacy of the exam room.

That said, I wish I had the option for home euthanasia. My newly-diagnosed diabetic cat is a lot more stressed at vet visits than my other cats, and I would like to know that the option was there if I felt he needed it. We don't even have a mobile vet that comes to my part of town.

Feline June 3rd, 2009 02:38:02 PM

I cannot undrstand why any Vet would not do an at home euthanasia for a good client.  I don't buy the "insurance won't cover it" reason. I charge a little extra fee depending on the distance and whether I have to take a tech along. I try to do it after hours and at my convenience unless it is urgent (sufferring pet). This act  builds more goodwill with my clients than any genius diagnosis or miraculous cures I can do. Not only does it get back to the heart and soul of what we are supposed to be as veterinarians, but I think it is good business.

Hobson June 3rd, 2009 04:16:54 PM

I have had home euthasia once, and would have done it the other times if circumstances had permitted.  At least for the animals I've known, going to the vet was not a favorite experience, inevitably causing stress just from the smells.  I don't think a "death suite" would have fooled them, but sometimes going to the hospital is the only choice when you must do it right away because there has been some dramatic turn for the worse.  Also, home euthanasia vets are few and far between, and uncomfortably, I had to find a stranger vet for that purpose because our regular vet does not provide this service.

Stefani June 3rd, 2009 04:35:25 PM

Sorry for the OT post but Feline, have you found the Feline Diabetes Message Board yet? http://www.felinediabetes.com.

I highly recommend it -- and there are so many members there, that one might know of a vet in your area that provides this service.

Stefani June 3rd, 2009 04:39:19 PM

My regular vet was not available when the time came to put down my dog last summer.  I used a home-euth-only vet, and I felt she was a good choice.  This dog would have been fine being euthed at a vet hospital -- she loved to go there to look at cats -- but many animals are upset by the very fact of being at the vet's. 

Using the home-euth-only vet has several potential advantages:  1) may smell less like a vet's office; 2) isn't the regular vet so has no history of negative things happening s/he is around; 3) may have an easier time staying calm since s/he doesn't have the history with the pet.

But, man, those vets have to have the patience of saints to handle very emotional people all the time!  I know I had to stop to breathe and get my voice under control numerous times when I called to set up the appointment.

I hope I can arrange an in-home euth when the time comes for my now 13yo to leave me, but if not i'm going to ask for an in-car euthanasia.  This one loves the car and absolutely hates/fears going to the vet's.  I think my Element is big enough that the vet should be able to access the dog even in the car.

kabbage June 3rd, 2009 04:45:25 PM

Kabbage: I've done many in-car euthanasias. It's a great alternative for a pet that enjoys car rides. I've even done them at the doggie park and on the beach. As I've said before, the euthanasia experience should be like Burger King's old slogan: "have it your way." (Except when it comes to my choice of drugs and everyone's safety, of course.)

Dr. Patty Khuly June 3rd, 2009 06:31:07 PM

My cat-only vet also does home euthenasias.  I haven't been in that situation yet, but if I were able to control my pets passing, I would prefer to do it at home.  The question would be, how to keep the other cats away as I would not want them overly stressed either.  For those that do them in the home, how do you deal with that?

Jenny June 3rd, 2009 07:11:18 PM

I don't think that other pets in the household would get overly stressed if they are used to visitors. I have no scientific basis for my belief here, but anyway, Animals do have some grasp of the concept of death, they may accept the loss of their companion better if they see them pass, or at least view the body as opposed to  having them just go away never to return. The equivalent of closure I guess.  Plus, having "family" around may help the pet that is being euthanised. There have been times when other pets are a little too playful/friendly and get in the way or are a distraction.

Hobson June 3rd, 2009 07:57:43 PM

Jenny, My sentiments exactly..while I think it would be ideal for the dying pet, I can't imagine my other dogs acting solemn for the visit from the Vet...especially one that they know!

It would be bark mayhem. As far as the death suite or euthanasia room, having a larger than normal room to accommodate family members (humans) and a window to the outside is a nice thing. A little larger than normal table or floor space & bringing along a blanket or what-have-you familiar to the animal.

Because of my isolated horrid experience, I have come to learn that more people than thought have elected not to be present OR even to allow an "unaided" death. Some have actually turned frightened of the process because of my shared experience, despite the emphasis on how rare an event it would be. And yes, some have asked me important details so they know how to insure a humane death.

I would apologise for this...but who's fault is it? NOT mine, as NH citizen, we can thank our AG & Veterinary Board for allowing this cruel practice to continue long before "me".

And as noted yesterday, when amny chastised the vet oncologist , he/she spoke to you as a colleague and seemed to forget that Sophie Sue is not your patient but a treasured family member, just as ours are for us. A unique insight for you to benefit with your interactions.

And when did Fatal Plus, Sleepaway, and all those pentobarbital drugs become available for use?? Early 80's or so? An old-timer told me that the forbidden by AVMA chemicals were the norm 70's and earlier, possibly in tandem with CO2 or CO.

So I carefully & empathetically try to remind folks, that if their companion's euthanasia does not go 100% smoothly or ideal---it was humane, compassionate & kind and both people & pet's are very lucky to have this option available compared to the practices of the past.

Yes, every once in awhile I just "pop" over a statement that triggers the horror---no doubt I'll be 70+ years old and still crazed over it--- only then, my patience will be about zero and obsceneties will roll off my tongue!

Barbara A. Albright June 3rd, 2009 08:21:34 PM

I have performed these for owners in the past and for clients I have a good relationship with I would probably still do it.  But I have a tendency to worry about what could go wrong......and then not being at the clinic with access to drugs or the ISO machines if we needed it.  And though nothing bad has happened to me yet it would only take one event to make the experience an even harder choice for me to perform/offer.  But I do understand how they could be more comforting for the pet and family so I would say I would make a decision on a case by case basis. 

J.C. June 3rd, 2009 09:10:51 PM

I have had several experiences of euthanasia with pets, friend's pets, etc...and I don't have much to say on the ideal place, but I do have an unfortunate story of the worst experience. I accompanied a friend of mine as she took her dog to her hi-tech animal hospital. The dog had been suffering with a brain tumor, and my friend made the decision to euthanize her. We spent a few moments alone saying our goodbyes, shedding tears and waiting for the Vet. After it was over my friend went out to the car and I stayed behind and paid the bill (definitely recommend doing this beforehand). While I waited to pay in the waiting room, I noticed several televisions overhead. On one screen was Beanie (the newly deceased dog). It seems everyone in the waiting room got to watch. I get the point that the hospital has nothing to hide and you can watch great care being provided, but some care calls for a little privacy. 

Mary June 3rd, 2009 09:48:00 PM

• "...I think the soul of veterinary medicine is cannibalized by this drive to bring bigger and better medicine to a pet near you."

Posts like this are why I love this blog. And bless you for your in-home bedside manner. But the biggest concern people must address when deciding to do "it" at home is the logistics of the situation. In fact everyone saying goodbye to a beloved pet for the first time must do their homework first to make the end a little easier. Like what happens to the body?

Unprepared souls left with having to deal with their loved one's remains, even creating them, may be more traumatized than by a final visit to the vet. And if you ask me, it should all be about the dog's comfort level anyway. In which case the Monkey house approach isn't so bad. In our travels we were lucky enough to find a compassionate vet who helped us release Jerry from his broken body, outside on the grass under the big Montana sky while we were staying at Yellowstone.

PS: Goodbye Suite has a ring to it.

tripawds.com June 3rd, 2009 11:44:53 PM

Although I've general done euthanasias in the vet's office and asked the vet to do disposal, I'd be more likely to at least bring the body home these days.  My pets have been disturbed by a companion just "disappearing" but, when a cat died naturally at home this past year and they could "view" the body, they weren't disturbed after I removed him.  I'd always wondered if it was the "disappearing" that disturbed them and now I'm sure it was.  When I've taken cats to the vet's never to return, I'd describe the other cats' disturbance as confused and angry; with this last one, I saw the other cats grieve.  I'll always regret having deprived my pets of that in the past and I can't help but think part of the reason the cats fear going for a ride is that they think they might not be coming home.

PJBoosinger June 4th, 2009 12:21:04 AM

I found a story that talks about a vet who specialized in home euthanasias and thought you might want to see it:

http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20090604/LIFESTYLE/906040312/1024

Ark Lady June 4th, 2009 10:46:22 AM

I realize that they "aren't there" anymore, but its spiritually important to me to treat the body with respect.  I don't want my pets' remains to end up at a rendering plant, so I always get the bodies.

Stefani June 4th, 2009 11:49:58 AM

I was the director of the Argus Institute at Colorado State University and we're the ones who started the concept of the "Client Comfort Room", Family-present euthanasias, etc.  This was in conjunction with the Animal Cancer Center, Dr. Steve Withrow, etc. in the early 1980's.  For those of you in practice now, the days when it was the norm to drop your pet off and not be present with your pet during euthanasia seem archaic now, but that was the standard back then.

I've seen the dramatic shift in end-of-life services and know that grief support is absolutely the right direction for pet owners, however I understand the growing demands on veterinary practices because of it.  As a mental health professional who has devoted her career to this aspect of veterinary medicine, there is only one answer...vet med has to find ways to "share the care" with other related professionals.  You simply can't do it all yourselves.  The day is coming when there will be a well-designed 'veterinary health care system' composed of many ancillary services designed to provide a continuum of care for pet owners.  I know these services exist even now, but I have found many veterinarians reluctant to see themselves as part of this larger community.  Most do not stay informed about the other programs and services, seeing that as beyond their jobs.  But it's not beyond your jobs.  You are the authorities and people look to you for credible referrals.

Human medicine has strong ties to other related fields and professionals.  There are continuum of care teams for many medical practices, especially specialty practices.  The same model can be used in vet. med. in the future. 

Laurel Lagoni June 4th, 2009 11:53:08 AM

My first pet euthanasia was a house call...but I was green and scared and the vet did the deed and took away the body and I can still remember seeing my beloved curled up on the floor of her truck and I had so wanted to pet her one last time but I was too scared/sad/shy to ask. She did an OK job of it, but I remained haunted for many years.

Compare to another experience...it wasn't even my dog! I was helping provide hospice care for a large aged husky mix who had spinal trouble. We nursed the dog for weeks, but she didn't make it. The owner held a wake and the dog remained "on display" at the vet clinic for several days as all those who had participated in the life and caring of this creature were invited to come and say goodbye. I was again scared/sad/shy to touch the body, but the owner went with me and shared my pain and I was able to bury decades of grief and sorrow with that beast.

As for other animals being in attendance...that's a touchy subject. My personal truth is that the Universe (and all the people/critters in it) conspires to provide us with the "lessons" we require to progress in this life. Some humans aren't ready to let go of their control, so they can't allow some lessons. Barking mayhem might be just what the dying dog needs to send it off in peace...one last reminder that it is part of a pack and that the pack will carry on in their behalf?!

I've seen "clinic animals" (those living either permanently or temporarily at my vet's office) participate VERY appropriately during a euthanasia. Sometimes it wasn't "perfect"...but it was real, and the critters very often knew how to emotionally and/or physcially touch both the humans and the soon to be gone in just the right way.

Choices are a good thing. I've gotten better at recognizing them.

LynnO June 4th, 2009 01:08:32 PM

Zack hates to be restrained.  My fear is that when the time comes, and it is probably not far off, that I will have to carry him to the car.  Unless he is totally out of it, I'm sure he will fight it.  There is a local house-call hospice vet.  She does in home euthanasia, I think she will be the one I call unless it is an absolute emergency.

I worked for a vet for a number of years, and like my current vet, so am not against euthansia in the hospital, but don't think it is the best thing for my current dog. 

teri June 4th, 2009 01:41:41 PM

teri: You called her a "hospice vet." Does she provide more than just euthanasia services? If so, I find that concept fascinating and enticing. Honestly, trucking your geriatric back and forth asking, "Is it time now?" "Is it time now?" seems so stressful. And it's more common than you might think. This alternative also allows for more individualized care, pain relief, attention to what the pet really looks like under "real" circumstances and builds a relationship with the person who will ultimately do the deed. I would refer my clients to someone like this in a second--if they were GOOD, that is.

Dr. Patty Khuly June 4th, 2009 03:23:53 PM

LynnO: Your post is thoroughly insightful and 'personal truth' an interesting philosophy. We have all made our share of mistakes on our own that we regret for years. And then there are the mistakes that would have never been made, had outside parties performed to normal & ethical expectations.

Indeed,  other prior euthanasias held maybe a minor regret to be forgiven, but not the haunted guilt- ridden experience I have previously described. Ms. Dottie had just about the most perfect last day and euthanasia I could have asked for. And many employees at the clinic strived to make it happen that way--bless them.

But more interesting is your Universe theory & I say that, because of the numerous comments people have said regarding my "hard lesson". Was I to learn something from it? Was I to witness personal cruelty when I have been well aware of its existence for decades? Or only limited to the veterinary context? If someone could ever know & answer, gee whiz, I'd be speechless.

I have not been the first person to speak out. At least a dozen years ago, a man wrote the longest editorial published in NH's newspaper "Union Leader". He told of how his dog had unsuccessful bone surgery and horrible post-pain, couldn't stand or walk,(I think disk surgery) and also described witnessing the cruelest euthanasia imaginable. He also confirmed it was not via humane drug but toxic chemical IV injection.

My question is: how was this not stopped when obviously in violation of state law? Through many governors, many elected officials, more than one state veterinarian? It is reasonable to assume, IMO, that if it happened a dozen or so years ago, and again in late 2006 with a different veterinarian (same facility), how on earth did it NOT happen to many, many pets in between, & why were all those complaints ignored?

I find it incredible and cannot imagine my place in this Universe, or even more so, my innocent dog Pocket's place as a victim of such inconceivable abuse, inflicted suffering, and fraudulent behavior. To top it off, I am supposed to believe the home base clinic- (Edgefield Veterinary Hospital, Hampstead, NH) that set up the referral is an innocent party-- in a state of 550 veterinarians & less number of clinics?  Yes, I'd love to know what my role is in all this, it is one that I couldn't  and wouldn't wish on my most disliked acquaintance.

"You're sick as your secrets, par 1 1/2 & 1 3/4"

Barbara A. Albright/NH June 4th, 2009 06:27:47 PM

Dr. Khuly,

This is what her website says that she provides: (she is affiliated with a local hospital, but she is house calls only)

The services provided include: education about disease and aging, quality-of-life assessment, pain recognition and management, nutritional counseling, fluid therapy, feeding tube placement and maintenance, mobility and hygiene aids, in-home and laboratory diagnostic testing, EKG, blood pressure monitoring, pulse oximetry, oxygen support, bereavement support.

She also does in home euthanisia whether or not you are a client, but prefers at least 24 hours notice.

I can still haul Zack to the vet who is most familiar with his many problems, but when it gets too hard to get him into the car, I will be calling the hospice vet

Teri June 5th, 2009 11:42:52 AM

Teri: Brilliant! She really is my dream-come-true. Would you mind emailing me her website?

Dr. Patty Khuly June 5th, 2009 12:28:12 PM

My previous euthanasia experiences have been in regular exam rooms at vet's offices - and both were very good, professional and compassionate, btw - but the last one, our old lab, was at a nearby specialty practice that has a euthanasia suite like the one you describe.  I thought it was far less stressful for everyone involved.  There was no sense of being rushed because the room was needed, and it was much more peaceful and comfortable.  They even put our old girl on a gurney to make it easier for us to be near her during the procedure.  It was as "nice" as that situation could possibly be.

That said, though, a housecall would've been easier. She was a big dog in a lot of pain and had lost the use of her back legs, and getting her into the car and to the practice was almost unbearable.  It would be nice to have the option next time.

Laura June 6th, 2009 02:23:51 PM

Laura: The only problem with the option of the house call in your situation is one I hadn't yet mentioned: getting the large dog into my car after the euthanasia. Most people do not want to wait around with the body until the crematory/burial service comes to pick it up. That's why I bought a small SUV with a nice cargo space. Still, heaving a 100-plus pound body is not easy (gym or no gym) and I would never ask the client to do so. I have a stretcher and a tech and we usually manage just fine but I distinctly remember one 150-lb mastiff we couldn't manage on our own. I had to knock on a neighbor's door and ask for help. Luckily, he was an animal lover (and a good neighbor). 

Dr. Patty Khuly June 7th, 2009 07:31:46 AM

Laurel: I was so caught up in Teri's comment that I missed yours. Thank you for all your work and for bringing a more compassionate experience to end of life care for animals. Here's hoping we adopt that continuum of care model. I think it's doable, too. As someone who keeps close ties with a wide variety of specialists and refers A LOT of my caseload, I would be ecstatic if I could find services that dealt in end of life alone. But do you think that veterinarians would adopt this model? I worry that many veterinarians still see themselves as the one-stop-shop, eschewing specialists for their patients, doing grooming and boarding and everything else so as to maximize revenue at the expense of their patients. Any thoughts? 

Dr. Patty Khuly June 7th, 2009 07:41:50 AM

It is most important to me that I get good advice when euthanasia is advised.  One I think my vet didn't want to level with my about how bad my cat was and he told me to come back in a few days for more fluids.  I found I couldn't wait that long and took the cat to an emergency vet who leveled with me. She was wonderful and said "It's so hard to say good bye to these old timers but that is what I think you should do.  Let me show you your cat."  That was years ago and I remember it clearly.  And I am grateful for her honesty as it spared my cat further suffering.  I knew my cat had kidney failure but the cat I had before had it for 2 1/2 years and that is what I expected.  This cat had it for only 6 months and he wasn't thin.  I just didn't see it and he had ulcers in his eyes and throat among other things she showed me.  So for me I appreciate good advice and sensitivity.  And good advice means the welfare of the pet first.

I agree with PJ Boosinger.

I also had misgivings when I put to sleep my last cat.  It is illegal to bury your own pet in my state.  But years ago when I put a cat to sleep the cats left at home grieved.  One sat by the door for 3 weeks before he slowly resumed a normal life.  It was all the harder for us because we couldn't explain that his friend wasn't coming home.

So this time I asked my vet if I could take the body home so my other two cats would know he was dead and I was surprised to hear my vet say, yes, they grieve.  I put the body in the place where they always sleep together all day.  They first sniffed him all over.  Then they climbed on the body and slept on it all afternoon.  Shortly before my vet's office closed I returned the body to them.  I'm not sure it helped because how does a cat know what death means?  His brother has since gone around the house being much more noisy than usual and appears to be stressed.  But who knows how he would be if he didn't know what happened?

Pat Herrmann

Patricia Herrmann June 9th, 2009 09:29:59 PM

I think every clinic should have a separate room for euthanasias. It doesn't have to be as 'tricked out' as the one in thepicture, but it shouldn't be exactly likethe other exam rooms. Just the addition of a padded bench, and room to lay a big dog on the floor (with space for people around) would make all the difference to people. I hate beyond words that my clinic has a room that could be set up this way, but it has no ventilation, so it's almost never used (especially in the summer). Instead, euthanasias are done in the same exam rooms that people will be in the next time they bring a pet in. The weird thing is that only one client has complained about this. I will have a friendly, compassionate vet come to my house, even if I have to buy him dinner at the best restaurant in town to show my appreciation.

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