End of Life Decisions

In the last couple of weeks, I have had two animal clients make their transition.  It is such a difficult time for us two-legged folks and we labor over the decisions we need to make, wanting to ensure that we make the right choices as far as our animals are concerned.

Both clients had two of the same questions for their animals and I realized they are the same two questions that most people want to ask their pets.  1) Do you want help from a vet to make your transition? or would you rather do it naturally? and 2) Do you want to be buried or cremated?

No matter how many animals I have asked these questions of, the answer is always the same:  "Whatever my mom and/or dad wants."

To them, what is most important is US and how we feel.  They want us to be comfortable, they want us to be at peace, so whatever will make us comfortable and give us peace is what they want.

They don't care what happens to their bodies after they transition because they don't associate with it anymore.  If their guardian wants to bury them in the yard, that's fine with them.  If their guardian wants to cremate them and spread the ashes somewhere, that's fine with them.  As long as their guardians feel good about the decision, the animals is on board.

As for euthanasia, I will say that most animals would prefer to not go into a vet office to make their transition and would prefer to be in the safety and comfort of their home with their loved ones around if they need assistance making their transition.  I do find that since animals are here to teach us and help us grow, they often are working on fulfilling their purpose right up the very last minute, therefore, they don't necessarily want their time cut short, and would rather have a natural passing.  They also know that can be really hard on us, so animals will usually tell me that if it gets to to be too hard for their guardian to let them go on their own, they are fine with getting medical assistance to make their transition.

It is a time where we struggle to do what is right for them but I can assure you that what is most important to them is that we make decisions that give us the peace, the closure and the comfort that we need.  In their eyes, we can do no wrong.  They have the wonderful ability to see everything through the eyes of compassion and understanding and they always trust that what is meant to be is what will unfold.

Bless our beautiful animal companions-teachers-guides.  We are so lucky to have them in our lives.