Saying goodbye to a family pet is a terribly wrenching, and brings many difficult questions and emotions. How to know when the right time is to say goodbye is a very personal choice, and it depends on the pet’s ailment. I’ve gone through several times of saying goodbye to a dear pet suffering from age or disease; the most recent, only a few months ago. The best advice I could give is to say watch your pet closely and assess the stage of her condition. Is the pet suffering more than she is getting pleasure out of life? Is she in great pain, or very uncomfortable, even with medication? Does any lack of mobility and bodily functions cause her distress or anxiety? Does she still get some enjoyment being around you, or does she usually prefer to be alone? Does she respond to you? Does she take pleasure in the happenings around her? Or, is her joy of living gone, beyond the basic needs? Will she suffer even more pain and discomfort soon? Look in her eyes and at other clues to her behavior: Sometimes by doing this, you really can tell if the pet has the will to live, or if it is just enduring life. No matter when you decide it is time, our thoughts are with you and your special dog.
--Heidi
The Old Farmer's ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË staff
Saying goodbye to a family pet is a terribly wrenching, and brings many difficult questions and emotions. How to know when the right time is to say goodbye is a very personal choice, and it depends on the pet’s ailment. I’ve gone through several times of saying goodbye to a dear pet suffering from age or disease; the most recent, only a few months ago. The best advice I could give is to say watch your pet closely and assess the stage of her condition. Is the pet suffering more than she is getting pleasure out of life? Is she in great pain, or very uncomfortable, even with medication? Does any lack of mobility and bodily functions cause her distress or anxiety? Does she still get some enjoyment being around you, or does she usually prefer to be alone? Does she respond to you? Does she take pleasure in the happenings around her? Or, is her joy of living gone, beyond the basic needs? Will she suffer even more pain and discomfort soon? Look in her eyes and at other clues to her behavior: Sometimes by doing this, you really can tell if the pet has the will to live, or if it is just enduring life. No matter when you decide it is time, our thoughts are with you and your special dog.
--Heidi
The Old Farmer's ÃÛÌÒÁµÈË staff