Dealing
with Pet Euthanasia
It is the hardest
thing you’ll ever have to do. Euthanizing, also referred
to as “putting to sleep”, a dear member of your
family – your pet. My sympathies are with anyone who has
ever done it – you never know how hard it is until you’ve
done it. In May of 2006, I found out that my 5-year old dog,
Dee Dee, had cancer. Recently, in early July, the vet assured
us that we had made the right decision – to put Dee Dee
out of her misery. I am still teary-eyed at the thought of happy
memories with her, but I am here to help anyone who needs it.
I decided to make a website, to help other children –
and adults, too – through this always difficult time.
Here are some tips from my website that can hopefully help you
now, and always.
• You will
move on. The first few weeks are the hardest.
• Remove the pet’s belongings from your sight.
It is a great idea to treasure items like favorite toys, leashes,
I.D. tags etc. in perhaps a scrapbook or shadow box, but wait
until you are emotionally ready to think about the pet.
• If you haven’t euthanized yet but know it is
coming up, there are six words that will ust basically be
your friend in the long run: Try Not To Think About It. Try
out for a new activity at school. Have a sleepover with your
friends. Join the Summer Reading Club at your local library
(if it exists). Babysit. Have a lemonade stand. Watch a funny
1950’s flick with your friends. Anything it takes –
but don’t forget, it is still important to spend time
with your pet, too.
• You will feel better after the deed is done. If it
is hanging over you like a dark rain cloud, you know that
it’s coming. Once it is over with and done, you’ll
know you really did do the right thing.
• Ask your parents what they think – to be there
or not to be there at the appointment. Some people can’t
bear to see the moment of their special pet’s passing.
Others may not let a hurricane interfere with their being
present! On the other hand, some veterinarians may not allow
a child under a certain age be present, either. Some may limit
the amount of people in the room, so if this animal was really
taken care of by your brother and your dad, then they really
should be the only ones in the room.
• Know in your heart that your former furry friend will
never leave you. Forever will they be in your memories. Your
pet doesn’t want you to be sad. Have knowledge that
there is a rainbow shining – somewhere.
- Aria, 10,
Ohio (PenPal
#1437)
keep
checking out Paws for Thought. Your submission might run next
month!
Useful
Links
North
County Humane Society
Feral
Cat Coalition
Spay
and Neuter Your Pet: A Matter of Life and Death
 CALLING
ALL ANIMAL LOVERS!
The
Girl Crew here at A Girl's World
is starting a new project, and we need your help! We're
going to write an online class in Pet-Sitting, and we'd
like you to tell us your stories about your pet-sitting
triumphs, tribulations, successes, and disasters!
Have
any tips, hints, great ideas about pet-sitting? Send
us those, too!
Submissions: You give us the right to edit this submission,
use it online, in special books or wherever we choose.
Thanks for sharing your stories with us! For more details,
please read our Submissions
Policy.
|
|
