Life and Death Decisions
Family members and caregivers of terminally ill patients are burdened with the power to make life and death decisions for their
loved one. Tori, a dedicated cat guardian, wrote the following words:
"Pea had a good last few weeks. I, on the other hand, had a horrible few
weeks. I was sobbing with astounding frequency and force and grappling
with feelings about life and death and the uneasy power I seemingly had
over Pea's. I felt despondent and guilt ridden every time I left the apartment
because I wanted to be with Pea. I eventually allowed myself only one
2 hour outing a day. During this time I relied heavily on Dr. Shanan"
Tori's experience is not unusual.
Compassionate Veterinary Care's end of Life Consultation emphasizes that making end of life decisions is more about how the pet will die than if or when. It provides answers to questions tormenting any family of a terminally ill pet: What defined the "right" time for euthanasia? What determines a pet's quality of life? Is making the decision "too early" or "too late" selfish? The family and veterinarian's respective roles in making the decision are discussed.
The death or loss of a pet is one of the most difficult things we ever experience. It is not the end to the relationship. But it is the end of the pet's physical presence, which is a drastic, often devastating, change. Grief, commonly experienced before, during and after the loss of a pet, is often accompanied by a sense of loss of control over the course of events, lack of desirable choices, and powerlessness.
Helping owners choose between ever intensifying medical treatment, hospice care or euthanasia is a difficult task calling for much sensitivity and care. Making the decision entails asking the question: "What would I want my pet's death to be like?" Confronting this question can be overwhelming, evoking fear, anxiety, guilt, and other strong feelings. It is easier to cope with making an end of life decision by dividing it into several more concrete questions. Such questions to consider can be:
- Does euthanasia make me responsible for my pet's death?
- How will I know when is the right time for euthanasia?
- Whose expertise can the family rely on as a basis for the decision?
- What environment is most appropriate for my pet to die in?
- Who will be present when my pet dies?
- What options are available for the care of the pet's body?
An important part of this decision making process is to thoroughly explore all the options and their consequences - ethical, medical and financial. Once the different possible answers to each question have been sorted out, it is easier to look at the new reality as a whole with a greater sense of control. Owners may need time to think about the options and discuss them with family members before making a decision.
Making a decision to help your companion animal die can be one of the most difficult and painful decisions you will ever make in your life. Once you realize the time for your pet's euthanasia is near, it is helpful to do as much planning and preparing ahead of time as possible. There are many choices you have about your pet's death, and making some decisions ahead of time may reduce some of the inevitable stress that will be experienced when the time has come.