When is it time to say goodbye?

When is it time to say goodbye?

When learning of your pet’s serious illness:

When your pet is diagnosed with a serious or terminal illness, you may feel a wide variety of intense emotions that may seem overwhelming at times. Such emotions frequently include feelings of shock, disbelief, confusion, fear, sadness anger, guilt or helpless ness. While these emotions are normal and understandable responses, they can make it difficult to act and behave in ways you normally do and to make decisions with which you are comfortable.

Here are a few strategies that you may find helpful:

Write things down – List questions and concerns on paper to help you keep things straight, because in these situations is can be difficult to remember everything that you want to discuss with your veterinarian.

Seek Support – Talk to others who understand the relationship you share with your pet. This can be extremely helpful. If children are involved, it is very important to include them in discussions and the decision making process.

Take care of yourself – Helping a pet through a serious illness can be very stressful and tiring. Be certain that you are taking care of yourself, as well as your pet, as it is easy to focus all your energy on your pet. This can cause additional stress and may result in you becoming ill.

Think about quality of life – You now your pet best and are the one who needs to decide what constitutes a goody quality of life for him/her. Consider your pet’s ability to participate in daily routines, to interact with you, and to be who he/she is with you. Think about the weeks or months ahead and decide what will be important to you.

Be there for your special friend – While this is a difficult time for you, it is also a time of uncertainty for your pet. Spend time with your pet. Show your pet how much you love him/her.

Greens Fork Animal Hospital

8089 State Road 38

Greens Fork, IN 47345

(765) 886-5191 or (765) 962-4389

	Write things down – List questions and concerns on paper to help you keep things straight, because in these situations is can be difficult to remember everything that you want to discuss with your veterinarian.
	Seek Support – Talk to others who understand the relationship you share with your pet. This can be extremely helpful. If children are involved, it is very important to include them in discussions and the decision making process.
	Take care of yourself – Helping a pet through a serious illness can be very stressful and tiring. Be certain that you are taking care of yourself, as well as your pet, as it is easy to focus all your energy on your pet. This can cause additional stress and may result in you becoming ill.
	Think about quality of life – You now your pet best and are the one who needs to decide what constitutes a goody quality of life for him/her. Consider your pet’s ability to participate in daily routines, to interact with you, and to be who he/she is with you. Think about the weeks or months ahead and decide what will be important to you.
	Be there for your special friend – While this is a difficult time for you, it is also a time of uncertainty for your pet. Spend time with your pet. Show your pet how much you love him/her.