The Tribune

By BASIL SANDS

Our pets live relatively short lives. In fact I tell my clients, the average life span of a dog in the Bahamas is a short 8-12 years. Because of the combined stresses of our tropical climate (such as the summer heat, heartworms and ticks) as opposed to a temperate climate, the life expectancy is shorter. For many of us who love our pets (and I must say, that has increased during the last 20 years) their imminent death may be as painful as the death of a relative or friend. The death of a pet can affect some of us even more than the death of a relative or friend. Even for those who do not share the same emotional investment in their pets, the death of that pet leaves few people totally untouched.

A pet may come to symbolize many things to each of us. It may represent a child, perhaps a child yet to be conceived or the innocent child in us all. It may reflect the ideal mate or parent – ever faithful, patient, and welcoming, loving us unconditionally. It is a playmate and a sibling. It is a reflection of ourselves, embodying negative and positive qualities.

When a pet dies, we expect that our pain will be acknowledged, even if it’s not shared by our relatives, friends and colleagues. Though the bond between you and your pet is as valuable as any of your human relationships, the importance of its loss may not be appreciated by other people. The process of grieving for a pet is no different that mourning the death of a human being. Your grief may be compounded by a lack of response from a friend or family member. Do not fault anyone who cannot appreciate the depth of your grief for your pet. The joy found in the companionship of a pet is a blessing not given to everyone.

Speak with your vet, groomer or another pet owner. Seek validation for your pain from people who may understand you. I must say, that this is one of the hardest parts of my job as a veterinarian.

The stages of mourning are universal and are experienced by people from all walks of life. Mourning occurs in response to the death of a valued being, human or animal. There are five stages of normal grief.

1. Denial and Isolation
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

Explaining pet loss to

your child

It is natural to want to protect your children from painful experiences. Most adults however are surprised at how well most children adjust to the death of a pet if they are prepared with honest simple explanations. Children are capable of understanding that life must end for all living things. Support their grief by acknowledging their pain.

Reason for Euthanasia

We are never quite prepared for the death of a pet. Whether death is swift and unexpected or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline, we are never fully aware of what a pet has bought to our lives until our companion is gone. We may simply not pursue medical or surgical treatment in an aging pet. Everyone secretly hopes for a pet’s peaceful passing, hoping to find it lying in its favourite spot in the morning. The impact of a pet’s death is significantly increased when as responsible and loving caretakers, we choose euthanasia.

Euthanasia is the induction of painless death. In veterinary practice, it is done by intravenous injection of a concentrated dose of anaesthetic

As a veterinarian I do not exercise this option legally. My medical training and professional life is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. I am aware of the balance between extending an animal’s life and prolonging its suffering. Euthanasia is the ultimate tool to mercifully end a pet’s suffering. To request euthanasia of a pet is probably the most difficult decision a pet owner can make. The fundamental guideline is to do what is best for your pet, even if you suffer in doing this. Remember that as much as your pet has the right to a painless death, you have the right to live a happy life. I tell my clients all the time that it is better to remember the good quality of life your pet has had to the poor quality of life remaining if they are severely sick. Therefore, you should make the decision to euthanize to prevent suffering and allow your pet to have a painless death. To help you prepare for the decision to euthanize your pet consult your veterinarian. We are only intended to be a guide. Do not let us force any decision down your throat. Only you can decide what is the best solution for you and your pet. And hopefully this decision or choice will bring you the least cause to regret after your pet is gone.