A pet is never just a pet, every owner will tell you that. No matter the size, eating habits, and number of times you need to walk it, your pet becomes a family member and losing a family member is devastating. In these moments, your human presence, support, and care are as needed as ever.
We at Bright Side don’t want a single pet to suffer from loneliness at the hardest time in their lives, that’s why we want each and every one of you to read the following.
We can divide people into 2 categories: those who prefer to be in the hospital ward when their pet is being treated or euthanized and those who don’t. All of them have their reasons, of course. But the vet in question is writing this article for those who choose not to be there. The vet has a firm opinion on what needs to be done and what is right in those types of situations. This opinion was openly expressed in a Facebook post which quickly became viral.
In this post, the vet reminds us all about one simple thing — when we take a pet into our lives, we need to face the fact that their passing away is inevitable. Yes, it is “a bad day/time/event every time, there is no argument against that and it is devastating.” But we need to be there until the end.
We should not leave our pets when they’re in need. “Do not make their transition from life to death in a room full of strangers in a place they don’t like, they search for you when you leave them behind.”
The easiest way to understand what your pet feels in that very moment is to try to put yourself in their place. When you do, you’ll realize that “they don’t understand why you left them when they’re sick, scared, old, or dying from cancer.” They need your comfort, and you should provide it.
So, according to the vet’s own experience, when a pet is left to die or be euthanized the only thing they do is look for their owner. And isn’t that pretty logical and, well, expected? Anyone would do the same. Looking for your most important and beloved person in times of pain, grief, and suffering is what we all do, humans and animals alike.
Dr. Evan Shaw has euthanized many pets during his practice as a veterinarian, and here is what he has to say on the topic: “I have a lot of return clients and I have found that people who aren’t there at the end of their pet’s life find it to be one of their biggest regrets at a later point. I totally understand how hard it would be, but death is ultimately a part of life and needs to be experienced to help the grieving process.”
After reading all this, we will all think twice before leaving our pet alone in a room full of strange people and objects. Our last impact on our pets’ lives should be positive.
Don’t leave them to only be supported by the doctor, who’s the one who has to end their life.
Hold their paw one last time through the pain and anxiety.
Love and cherish them while you still can.
Be sure about one thing — grieving about your pet is as normal as anything. If any of your relatives or friends consider this loss to not be a reason to be devastated — that’s their opinion. Research has confirmed that losing a pet is comparable to losing a loved human for many people.
You might need help to get through this, so here are some sources that provide valuable advice:
Being a pet owner is a great joy and a great responsibility at the same time, so be ready for both.
Have you ever experienced the loss of your best animal friend? Please share your stories and advice on this matter in the comments. Let’s help each other in the dark times!
Please note: This article was updated in May 2022 to correct source material and factual inaccuracies.
