Pets and Euthanasia

It is never easy to let a pet go.  For the majority of pet owners, we think of our pets as part of the family.  I have a childhood memory of a cousin who was unable to have children so she spoiled her cat and lavished it with love.  She had a baby high chair and the cat would sit in the chair at dinner time and receive a bowlful of canned cat food.

Many pets live long, healthy lives with good care and veterinary visits. When the pet becomes so ill that it is no longer comfortable, cannot eat, or cannot maintain its bodily functions it may be time to consider euthanasia. 

What a difficult decision!  If only they could tell us if they are suffering.  Even when they are limping around their tag still wags, or they still purr when they are petted.  No one knows their pet better than the pet owner.  Once the decision is made it is time to let go and say goodbye.  Non-pet owners do not always understand that pet owners do grieve the loss of a pet.  But grieve we do. 

Luckily, we have wonderful memories of our pets.  And if you are as lucky as I am, you have an entire shelter of pets to share your love.  And when you are ready to open your heart and home, you can once again share the love with a pet that only a pet lover can understand.