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Saying goodbye to your favorite pet may be one of the greatest challenges you will ever face. Do not be surprised if you grieve as deeply as though you have lost your best friend. For many people, a favorite pet is a best friend.
No matter how much you have loved your favorite pet, saying goodbye is deeply and soulfully challenging.
Perhaps your veterinarian has recommended that you put your pet to sleep to prevent any further pain. Or maybe your pet was hit by a car after running out of your yard. Whether your pet is dying of old age, has been diagnosed with an unusually early cancer, or was hit by a car, the goodbye process will most likely be equally gruelling. The best gift you can give yourself is to be gentle with yourself through your grieving process. Grieving is a process, and it is crucial to honor this process by allowing it to occur without fighting it or being unusually surprised by it.
If your pet has to be euthanized, first make sure that you have made the right decision. Know in your heart that you do have a choice, and that you need to make your decision from the heart. Regardless of what your veterinarian recommends, you still have to make a decision for yourself and your favorite pet. You will live with this decision for the rest of your life, so you will want to know that you made the most loving decision possible. If necessary, you can always get a second opinion. Also, talk to your family members, your friends, and any other support people so that you do not go through this decision making alone.
If you have decided to euthanize your pet, be prepared for process. Talk to a friend who has been through this process, ask your veterinarian for recommendations, and talk to your pet! Explain to your pet that you are making a decision to prevent him or her from further pain. Tell your pet that you love him or her dearly and will always remember this member of your family.
If you are a person of faith, pray with your pet. Your pet can use all the support possible, and you will benefit greatly from continuing your bond with your pet for literally forever. By talking and praying through this process, you will deepen your bond with your pet and not have any regrets afterward that you showed up with love and support. Take a friend with you to the vet’s office – and plenty of kleenex.
Decide beforehand if you want your pet cremated or buried. Do you want a special memorial stone? Do you want to keep the ashes? Do you want to use a pet cemetery? These are all choices and decisions you should make beforehand if possible.
If you can muster the courage, give yourself and your pet the most beautiful gift possible. Hold your pet while it is put to sleep. You will never forget these precious moments, and your pet will leave knowing the full depths of your love.
Make certain that you have support directly after the appointment with your vet. Whether your pet is euthanized or dies or leaves for any other reason, employing some sort of ritual will make all the difference in the world.
Perhaps you want to have a miniature funeral with family and friends. Light a candle. Light incense. Use a special box to bury your pet. Or buy a lovely urn for the ashes.
Know that no matter why you must say goodbye to your pet, and no matter how you do, the love you continue to give through this process will be the love that remains forever. And never forget – your pet might be physically gone, but its spirit will live on forever. Bless you and your pet.
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