The 'last' Vet Visit . . . Options

[pablosmom]

i think what i have always thought about and dreaded, but thankfully kept in the back of my mind, is that last 'vet trip' you have to make with your baby. sometimes you feel better about it because you know your pet is suffering, but still, packing them up and getting in the car can be devastating enough.

i was somewhat lucky (if that is even a term that should be used in a case like this) in that my vet has a practice that allows a home visit for this very devastating occasion.

as horrible as this was, it was more soothing for me and less stressful for pablo, to be at home when the end came. he was laying on the couch which he so dearly loved to do and it was our home environment, with the t.v. on in the background like it ALWAYS IS, so it was kept as normal as possible.

i do not think i could have dealt with being in the vet's office and knowing how terrified pablo was of that place and putting him through that and ii just wish that more vets would considering doing this - i know its probably expensive but i think that considering the circumstances, if its something that is doable, then they should consider it, or at least offer the names of a service that will. i know that some mobile vets do this.

just something i was thinking about . . . .

[Brutus]

We live in the country, my vet does do this. I opted not to for some of the following reasons:

things can go wrong:

- it's not always peaceful, some do not go easily to the bridge
- there could be a bowel movement, not that this is an awful thing, but not a happy memory cleaning it up.
- aggression = Brutus hated going to the vet (as most animals), he didn't dislike the vet, but he didn't like going,
the few times my vet came to the house to treat my horses, Brutus did not like it at all, he was very protective of his home and although he never bit anyone, the chance was always there. Brutus would of been extremely upset if the vet came into our home because he would know he didn't belong there. That was the main reason we decided to do it in the office instead. I think if the vet would of come into our house that dreadful day it would of been a total fiasco. Away from Brutus' home, he was fine with the vet.

One thing my vet does do is he schedules the appointments for the end of the day, the clinic is closed...he and his assistant are the only ones there. They let you stay as long as you want and comfort you or leave the room if that's what you wish.

It's an awful thing no matter where it's done at, but it is the last gift we can give our beloved pet...the gift of peace.

[Bobbie]

Dear Pablosmom,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with home euthanasia. I have done that with each one of my boys and would have it no other way. It is also becoming more and more common around here (Mid-Atlantic area).

My vet(s) (I've had two different ones) schedule and plan for the "event". I give my little guy at least 10-15 mg Valium one hour before the vet is due to arrive. We have always sent our boys over the Rainbow Bridge in the morning and then immediately went to the cemetery for the burial service. I have had the experiences of my boys losing bladder and/or bowel control. For me, it was a final act of compassion to clean their little bottoms one last time. Once they passed, I could spend as much time as I wanted with each. The vet would leave after awhile, making sure we were OK first. Then we would take our little one to the cemetery. He always rode on my lap and my husband carried him to his grave.

I go and visit my boys almost every day. Each died in a different location in our house and I remember every spot. They are almost comforting, knwing that my boys were not afraid at the end.

So, that's my story and I'm so glad you shared yours!

Blessings.............................
Bobbie

[Ravyn]

I am so very sorry about your loss.. It's one of the hardest choices to make in life, and nobody should have to do it.
You are in my thoughts..