2min read
“I got Buda after I lost my brother, so I was grieving and Buda made our house happier again. He was a super sick puppy though. He had everything you can think of (even a perforated corneal ulcer), so all my experience in veterinary hospitals with him ended up pushing me to be a doctor. I loved how vets could care for a sick puppy and give me hope of a long happy life. He saw me graduate in high school, college, get married, and he moved with me to the US. I wish he had lived to meet Lara (my baby), but we still have pictures of him around the house and talk about him. He made Caio, my husband, fall in love with dogs and made me feel home here in the US, even though I was far from Brazil and everything I ever knew.” -Dr Barbara Boechat
Sean’s older cat Gracie limped with pain. She began to bump into walls and urinate in the living room. Then, when Sean’s younger cat began to groom Gracie, he realized it was time to prepare for her death.
Our cats and dogs are family, so it’s heartbreaking to say goodbye. We can help. If you’ve never lost a pet, this is new territory.
Bring us your questions, worries, and needs. We’ll hold your hand as you make end-of-life decisions for your furry family member.
Support your pet through each stage (and we’ll support you)
-Call us when your senior pet struggles with daily activities like walking or using the litterbox. We have ideas to improve your cat or dog’s day-to-day.
-Let’s talk again if your pet’s suffering gets worse. Pain and anxiety are normal with aging. We can prescribe medicines or call in specialists and partners for more help. We’ll make your companion as comfortable as possible.
– Eventually, you’ll notice that your pet’s quality of life has decreased enough that you’re ready to discuss an end-of-life plan. We won’t rush you into a decision. We’ll answer all your questions about euthanasia. Together we can offer your pet a peaceful transition.
Losing your pet isn’t easy. You won’t go through it alone.
5 Ways to Cope with Pet Loss
1. Reach out to close friends or family. Express feelings of grief when you have them. Give any pet siblings extra patience and love as they will also be grieving.
2. Focus on activities to calm your mind. Be prepared for the quiet in your home without your pet.
3. Hold a memorial for your recently passed pet. Continue your relationship through memories.
4. Talk to others who have lost their cat or dog. Connect with a community that understands.
5. Allow time to process your feelings. With our help, rest assured you did everything to improve your pet’s quality of life.
Moving through the loss of your pet looks different for each person and pet sibling.
Call us when it’s time. We are here for you at each stage.