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We know that dealing with the loss of your pet or with your pet’s serious illness can be a very difficult time. Many people have questions regarding “when it’s time”, losing a pet and euthanasia. We are happy to discuss this topic with you in person and answer any questions that you may have.

The Rainbow Bridge Poem

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…

 

 

Euthanasia: What Actually Happens

When the decision to euthanize a pet is made, the first thing that will happen is the pet will receive an injection of medication to take away any pain or anxiety. This is called a pre-med and it will relax the pet.

We will then go over your options regarding group cremation (no ashes), private cremation (ashes and an urn) or whether the pet’s body will go home with the owner.

We also offer kiln-fired clay tiles with the pet’s paw prints. We make the imprints here at the clinic and they are finished in the color of your choice.

Once the pet is relaxed, we will continue with the procedure. If the owner does not want to be present, we take the pet into the back and perform it the same way as if the owner were there (except we hold them, hug them and tell them what good pets they have been).

The doctor and the technician will then come in to clip some hair over a blood vessel to give the injection. We make every effort to allow you to hold your pet and talk to them during the procedure. The euthanasia solution is an overdose of a pain medication and anesthetic so the animal does not feel any pain. Once the injection is given, most animal pass away within 1-2 minutes as the drug first makes them fall unconscious and then stops the heart. Occasionally, pets will lose control of their bowel, their bladder or will let out a deep sigh – this is all very normal.

Owners are then allowed to say their final goodbyes and gather their thoughts in the room in private.