How Do We Know When It Is Time To Say Goodbye?

Pet Hospice

 

I find it very difficult to write this post. It has not even been 2 months since the question of Compassionate Euthanasia came up in our home. “How do we know when it is time to say goodbye”? Just as important a question, “How do we find peace making this decision”? Neither is easy to answer and the way you answer will be very specific to you and your family. Through our process, as difficult as it was, we found peace and I want to share how we did it.

Shasta Finds His Forever Family

In November 2013 we were blessed to find Shasta and rescued him as a Senior. Within the first few months he was diagnosed with arthritis (see Diagnosing Shasta). Later he was diagnosed with Cushing’s Disease. He had almost 4 wonderful years living with both (I’ll have upcoming posts related to our good years).Compassionate Euthanasia-Denise's Dog Dish

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Aging Shasta

Around April 2017 we started to really see him age. His vision declined. His movements became slower and he was more cautious about jumping onto or off of furniture. His appetite also changed, more specifically he became a picky eater and treat connoisseur where he used to love everything and was very food motivated.

May 2017 at BlogPaws became a particular turning point. He became anxious with his appetite continuing to decline. He responded really well to acupuncture with Dr. July Buzby.  Since she also knows Shasta well, she was concerned about how fragile he seemed and we went to an Emergency vet in Myrtle Beach (we researched where to go using AAHA). We wanted to make sure he was not having an Addison’s crisis (this is the opposite of Cushing’s and can be a result from treatment). He ended up bouncing back though he did not return to where he was prior to this episode. It was cute when he regained his appetite, was desperate to eat but a bit off balance from his new medications.Compassionate Euthanasia-Shasta eating medicated

Unfortunately, on the plane ride home, I realized our travel days together were at an end. He was anxious at new locations and took longer each time to orient himself. This was a difficult reality since he loved traveling and always wanted to be with us. It also meant his pet therapy days were over. He still loved our walks, being with us and eating, although pickier as I mentioned before. He remained happy and comfortable until early July.

The good news was I had started conversations with Treatibles . They make CBD chews, oils and gelcaps (I promise a whole post in the future as I love them). We intended to use it for Shasta’s anxiety and arthritis pain but ultimately the oil ended up being wonderful to keep him calm and comfortable during the last week of his life. (You can use my discount code DDD at checkout for 10% off.)

Wednesday, July 12, I called Dr. Buzby and asked her THE question, “How do we know when it’s time to say goodbye?”. She mentioned information she had heard when learning about Pet Hospice. Think of the top 3 things they enjoy doing and when they lose two it is time. I bawled while at the same time felt comfort that there was something so concrete to help us make a decision.

Shasta’s Last 24 Hours

I went home that night and Denton and I discussed the new information from Dr. Buzby. We realized Shasta had stopped playing with his squeaky toys probably all the way back in late April=#1/3. He stopped being able to take walks and eating over the week before=#2&3/3. We became teary and knew we were not ready THAT night but the time was soon. We cuddled and loved on him all night, he was comfortable, thanks again to Treatibles. When the alarm went off the next morning his breathing was shallow and rapid. We knew our time was short, we held him and told him how much we loved him and would miss him but it was ok he didn’t need to fight anymore we would see him again someday. Within two minutes he passed peacefully in our arms.

Finding and Sharing Peace

Though we did not have to make the appointment for Compassionate Euthanasia we were there. There is NOTHING that will heal the crushing heartbreak but we did find peace. I have shared the concept regarding their top 3 favorite activities with fellow pet parents in the process of the decision or having made the decision for Compassionate Euthanasia. Those who have made the decision tear up with me as they are able to find a greater peace in having made the decision. Those in the process also voice how grateful they are for a better method of determining when it is time to say goodbye.

[bctt tweet=”3 Questions to help you find peace with Compassionate Euthanasia #compassionateeuthanasia” username=”@denisegruzensk”]

I love Lap of Love their website describes their services, “Lap of Love’s mobile veterinarians focus on veterinary hospice, in home euthanasia and consultations for your terminally ill or elderly pet”.

A video with one of their founders, Dr. Dani, is one of the best discussions about Quality of Life Issues I have ever heard.

We will eventually share the love we have for Shasta by rescuing another.  I do not plan to rename Shasta’s Yorkie Yap or Shasta’s Swag and Dog Deals but will introduce you to the new contributor when we adopt our next furry family member. In the meantime, I will continue previously planned posts with information gathered while he was still with us.

Until Smiles, Barks and Wagging Tails Return….Vet Care Disclaimer for Denise's Dog Dish

Have you had to make THE decision? What do you think of the 3 questions?