Top 3 Reasons to Choose In-Home Pet Euthanasia

The decision to end the suffering of a beloved pet is gut-wrenching. Pet lovers often go through of roller-coaster of emotions when wrestling with this difficult choice, making it all the more difficult to choose the best option. Though we wish that our beloved animals could pass on naturally from this world in a peaceful state of sleep, this often isn’t the case. Traditionally, the only option to relieve an animal’s pain and suffering was to bring them to the vet’s office to be euthanized. These days, at-home euthanasia is becoming more and more popular and many pet lovers are electing to say goodbye in the comfort of their own homes.Here are the Top 3 Reasons to Choose In-Home Euthanasia:In-Home Euthanasia Provides Comfort to Your Pet:Think of the scariest, most-stress inducing place possible. For many animals, that place is the vet’s office. It’s filled with strange sounds and smells, unfamiliar faces and unpleasant memories. The car ride alone is enough to trigger an extreme stress response in many pets. With at-home euthanasia services, you can save your pet the added stress during their final moments. In-Home Euthanasia Provides Comfort to You and Your Family:Saying goodbye to a pet is a very emotional experience. It’s normal to cry and show physical signs of grief when a beloved pet passes on. Doing so in a clinical environment in front of complete strangers is, at best, uncomfortable for most people. On top of that, having to drive home afterwards in an emotional state can be dangerous. With in-home services, this can all be avoided. You are free to create a loving environment of your choosing for your pet’s final moments. In-Home Euthanasia Provides Peace of Mind:Though most professional veterinarians are fully-qualified to perform euthanasia services, with in-home pet euthanasia you can work with a service that specializes in end-of-life care. Choosing to end the life of a suffering pet is different than any other medical decision you will make for your pet. Working with a professional that specializes in this compassionate service can help provide the best possible experience.If you find yourself facing this extremely difficult decision, consider at-home euthanasia for your pet. Nothing in the world can make make saying goodbye easy, but at-home services can make the experience more peaceful and dignified for both your and your pet.

Processing Grief After Losing a Pet

Losing a four-legged friend is one of the most difficult things any pet lover will ever experience. When you lose a pet, you lose a member of your family. Just as you would mourn the loss of a beloved family member, it’s important to process grief over the loss of a pet.Everyone processes grief in their own way. Many people can find themselves paralyzed with grief and don’t know what to do with themselves. The following exercises can serve as a great way to begin processing these emotions:Hold a Pet Memorial ServiceHonoring the bond that you shared with you pet with a formal memorial service can help you process your feelings of loss. Whether you chose to do this at home or use a Pet Memorial Service, it’s a wonderful way to process your grief.Create a Memorial in Your HomePick a place in your home to create a memorial for your pet. Perhaps near his/her food dish or in a favorite corner, whatever is meaningful to you. To honor your pet, light a candle, say a prayer or simply reflect on the time you spent together while honoring the bond you shared.Create an Online TributeOnline tribute services are a great way to help you process your feelings. They’ll allow you share photos, write an obituary and allow others to contribute as well.Make a Scrapbook If you prefer the old fashioned way, scrapbooking is a wonderful way to help visually process your loss. It can give you a chance to revisit the fondest memories you shared with your beloved pet.Write in a JournalJournaling can be therapeutic for dealing with the loss of a pet. Keep a journal and a pen in a convenient place and reach for it as treasured memories pop into your head.Create Some ArtArtistic expression is a therapeutic way to process grief for many people. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, or compose music, summoning your creative muse can help work through feelings of loss.These are just a few ideas on how to exercise grief over the loss of a pet. While they can be extremely beneficial to processing grief, they’re by no means a substitute for professional help. If you or a loved one are having a particularly difficult time dealing with a loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to a licensed grief counselor.

How to Know When It’s Time to Euthanize a Pet

If you’re like most people, the thought of ending your beloved pet’s life is unfathomable. He or she is your best friend, your family. You’re a devoted guardian who would do anything and everything to see him or her happy and healthy for as long as possible. It’s that same love and devotion that may bring you to the decision to euthanize. Pet euthanasia is a last resort, but it’s a compassionate choice rooted in love.The decision to euthanize is yours and yours alone. Nobody knows your pet as well as you do. Nobody else gets to decide what is best for your pet. And nobody else has to live with the decision. There is no definitive set list of things that you need to do to determine whether or not you’re making the right decision, but the following steps provide many pet owners in this difficult position with great peace of mind:Look for Signs From Your PetMany animals have a sort of sixth sense of when their time in this world is coming to an end. Refusing food and drink and a lack of interest to engage may be a sign that your pet is ready to exit this world.Get Your Vet’s OpinionA trained veterinarian who knows your pet will be able to provide you with the professional guidance you need to make this decision.Get a Second OpinionWhile your vet may know your animal well, it’s never a bad idea to seek a second opinion. The decision to euthanize an animal is final and seeking the advice of another professional may provide peace of mind.Ask Your Friends and Family For HelpYou likely are not the only person who has a relationship with your pet. Seek advice from friends and family that know your pet and ask for their perspective.Look Into Pet Hospice ServicesWhile the opinion of loved ones is great, seeking advice from an objective bystander can be immensely helpful. With pet hospice services, you can get unbiased advice from a trained professional who can guide you through different strategies to manage your pet’s quality of life.Making life and death decisions for your pet will never be easy, but if you follow these steps you can make an informed decision with a clear conscience knowing you did everything you could to do what’s best for your treasured pet. Whatever you decide, you can take comfort in knowing you let love guide your decision.

A Special Thank You to Some of Phoenix’s Finest Veterinarians

If you are like me, you want to know you are doing the best to keep your pet happy and healthy. And when it’s a matter of life and death, you want to know that he or she is being treated by the most capable hands possible. I recently went through this with my cat, Mikey. When Mikey got sick, I enlisted some of the best veterinary services in the Phoenix Valley to care for him. The doctors discovered an advanced case of lymphoma from which he wouldn’t recover. Ultimately, we decided euthanasia was the most humane option.Though the decision was heartbreaking, I have no regrets about putting Mikey down. I know that I provided the best possible medical care for him; there simply wasn’t anything else we could do. I’m eternally grateful to each and every one of the doctors for their thoroughness, professionalism and compassion. I wanted to personally thank and endorse each and every one of them as they helped me to navigate this difficult time.Dr. Hereski and Dr. Glover - Horizon Animal HospitalDr. Hereski and Dr. Glover were always able to get me in the same day for bloodwork and radiographs when needed. Their staff was caring and attentive the whole way through the process with Mikey. I would come in to buy different foods for Mikey and give them an update. Everyone was rooting for him.Dr. Arch Robertson - VetMedDr. Robertson has been providing ultrasound for pets in the valley for years. I always felt confident taking Mikey to VetMed because I knew that Dr. Robertson not only had a lot of experience, but also that he stays up to date on the latest medicine. He is very thorough and will let you know everything that can possibly be done for your pet.Dr. Jonathan Grant- The Scaredy Cat HospitalWhen Mikey’s tests weren’t conclusive and he wasn’t responding to standard treatments, I wanted to go to someone who knew cats. Dr. Grant specializes in cat care. He thoroughly reviewed Mikey’s record, ran a few extra tests and told me about a new drug that was safer for cats with Mikey’s condition.When I had to leave town for a week, there was no doubt that the only place I wanted him was at Scaredy Cat Hospital in one of their cat condos, a small room with a cat tree just for him. I knew that he would get attention from the caring staff and if something went wrong, Dr. Grant would treat him.Dr. Ale Aguirre - Salt River Veterinary SpecialistI needed an ultrasound asap when Mikey wasn’t feeling well and Dr. Aguirre fit me in right away. He was the one who found Mikey’s tumor and was so sensitive when he told me. He was available to consult with any of the doctors moving forward.Dr. Linda Beaver - Arizona Veterinary SpecialistsDr. Beaver goes above and beyond in her patient care usually staying late checking in with her clients over the phone. I had left her message after I found out about the tumor and she called me that night and fit me in the next day. She took her time explaining all of our options. She was ready and willing to be as aggressive as I wanted to be and totally understanding when I felt it was time to stop.

Pet Hospice Care Update: Remembering my Beloved Mikey

[soliloquy id="399"]This is a blog post I prayed I wouldn’t have to write. I had to put Mikey down last Friday. I’m heartbroken. He was in rough shape after his second round of chemotherapy, but I was hopeful that he was just fighting off an infection. That didn’t come to pass. I met with his oncologist on Thursday and she gave me a look. I knew that look. I’ve given that look. It’s not a look you ever want to be given. Mikey had an advanced case of lymphoma from which he wasn’t going to recover. I tried to manage his pain with medication, but that did little to ease his suffering. Normally he follows me wherever I go, but all he wanted to do was curl up alone under my daughter’s bed. Clearly, I was not managing his pain. I couldn’t allow him to suffer, so I gave Mikey the only gift I had left to give.I would be lying if I said that there haven’t been any tears. The past week has been filled with them. I’m an animal lover and have had my fair share of pets. I’ve loved each and every one of them, but Mikey was special. He’s been there for every major milestone in my adult life. He was there when I finished veterinary school. When my first daughter was born, Mikey had to make space for another baby in the house. He had to do it again when my second daughter was born. And he was there to comfort me every time I came home from a long day of consoling people going through what I’m going through now. This one is going to hurt.Though I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my Mikey, I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the time I had with him. It’s a simple fact; pets have a much shorter lifespan than we do. Inevitably, most pet lovers will have to experience this ultimate loss. While that pain can be agonizing, it’s SO worth it. I wouldn’t give up a single second I spent with Mikey. I truly believe he was a gift that was given to me. He taught me compassion and unconditional love. He made me a better person. I hope that his spirit of love and compassion will live on through me so that I can share it with others experiencing loss.

3 Stages of Pet Hospice Care: Update on Mikey

In September, I explained the various Stages of Pet Hospice in a 2 Part Blog Series referencing a personal experience with my sick cat, Mikey. I wanted to provide readers a vivid narrative of my experience so they could better understand the process. When we left off, we were actively working to manage Mikey’s quality of life. Since then, his health has taken a turn for the worse. Last week we discovered a mass in his small intestine, which we’re actively working to treat. Here is an update on the series of events that have followed since:Thursday, October 1st: We discovered the lump in Mikey’s small intestine and decided to treat with chemotherapy.Friday, October 2nd:Mikey began his first round of chemo.Saturday, October 3rd:Mikey battled a rough bout of nausea for most of the day as a result of chemotherapy. It was really tough to watch him suffer, but later that evening he seemed to respond to the treatment. He appeared to have taken a positive turn, acting like his old self.Tuesday, October 6th:Another bout of severe nausea overtook Mikey.Wednesday, October 7th:Mikey received a second round of chemotherapy. Beforehand, we ran tests, which revealed an elevated white blood cell count. This is typically occurs when an infection is being fought. He was in rough shape, but I gave him some pain medication so he could get some much-deserved rest.As of today Mikey is continuing to battle while we keep close watch on his condition. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, but we’re doing everything we can to help his fight. You may think that dealing with this type of situation everyday would make it easier for me, but it doesn’t. What does provide comfort is being able to share Mikey’s story with you. My sincerest hope is that my story can be a benefit to anyone caring an ill pet.

Pros and Cons of Being Present During My Pet’s Euthanasia

So you’ve made the difficult decision of putting your dog or cat to sleep. Euthanasia is a compassionate choice that prevents needless suffering and preserves your pet’s dignity. While coming to terms with the decision to euthanize your pet, you may ask yourself “Should I be present?”Deciding whether or not to be present is a highly personal choice as each human-animal bond is unique. There is no right answer, there is only a right answer for you and your pet. Two equally loving pet parents could reasonably disagree on this point. That said, it’s helpful to think through all of the pros and cons of being present for pet euthanasia to make the best possible decision for yourself.Pros:

• You Can Provide Comfort to Your Pet During this Trying Experience
• Peace of Mind in Knowing Your Pet Didn’t Suffer Needlessly During the Procedure
• Being Present May Provide Closure
• Electing Not to Be Present May Result in Feelings of Guilt or Regret

Cons:

• It Can Be Painful to Witness the Final Moments of Your Pet’s Life
• Your Emotional Response Could Create Additional Stress
• The Idea of Euthanasia Being Your Last Moments with Your Beloved Pet May Be Too Much to Bear

This list just scratches the surface. Nobody can tell you what the right decision is for you and your pet. If you are wrestling with this difficult decision, we can help. We’ve counseled many people in this situation throughout the Phoenix Valley. We understand this decision is personal and would never judge your choice no matter what you decide. Give Gentle Journey a call at 602-332-7757 or visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Part 2: What Are the 3 Stages of Pet Hospice Care?

In the last piece, I explained the first two stages of Pet Hospice using my own experience with my sick cat, Mikey. In the first stage, the Initial Diagnosis was made, followed by an acceptance that Mikey’s quality of life would likely need to be managed going forward. In the second stage, the focus shifted to tactically evaluating and managing Mikey’s quality of life. This is where Pet Hospice really shows it’s value as you benefit from an unattached pair of eyes who can help you develop a palliative care strategy. In this piece, I’ll focus solely on the third stage of Pet Hospice care: Coming to terms with the decision to euthanize.Stage 3: Coming to Terms With the Decision to Euthanize a PetThis is by far the most difficult of the three stages. Caring for a sick pet is extremely emotionally taxing and the decision to euthanize isn’t something to be taken lightly. When you’re in that situation, it’s helpful to speak with someone who can help walk you through a plan. Many pet parents experience a sense of relief when finally letting go of a suffering pet whose quality of life is really diminishing.Though we thankfully,haven’t yet reached this stage with Mikey, we did recently experience a scare. In fact, I feared we were getting to the point of euthanasia last week. Mikey was really antsy, having a hard time eating. He’s also been urinating around the house and is blocked off to certain areas as a result. Even though I deal with this sort of thing daily in my professional life, I sought guidance from other people because I didn’t want to make this decision under stress. I've been through euthanasia before I really wanted to make sure I was ready, and I felt like I wasn't. I made some changes to his medical plan and decided to push forward. That's where we're at now. I just wasn't quite ready to let go of him.Letting go of a pet will never be an easy decision, and you shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Pet Hospice allows you to make this decision alongside an expert who can reassure you when you're doubting or second guessing your decision. They can provide peace of mind and relief in knowing that you did everything you could to enhance and prolong your pet’s life. As for Mikey, every day I get to spend with him is a blessing. I don’t look forward to the day we have to come to terms with Stage 3, but if and when I do I’ll know that I did everything I could possibly do to determine that it’s time.

Part 1: What Are the 3 Stages of Pet Hospice Care?

I first met my beloved cat, Mikey, when I was a veterinary student in Colorado. He had been living at the clinic for about three months after he was brought in with a severe injury to his back foot, an upper respitory infection, and eyes swollen shut. Though he was still on antibiotics, the clinic had done a great job rehabilitating him and I just knew he was destined for a forever home with me.I’ve had several great years with Mikey, but recently he started to experience some health problems and decreased quality of life. It’s truly heartbreaking to see Mikey’s health in decline, but I’m grateful for strides our field has made in palliative pet care, specifically Pet Hospice care. Pet Hospices focus on enhancing quality of life in sick animals while providing support to pet parents transitioning through the 3 stages of Hospice Care. In this piece, I’ll just focus on the first two stages and provide examples of my experience with Mikey, to give you greater understanding of the value these services have to offer.Similar to the 5 Stages of Grief, pet parents go through a series of emotional steps as they come to terms with the idea of saying goodbye. Pet Hospice providers offer comfort, guidance, and expertise as you navigate the following stages:Stage 1: Initial DiagnosisDiagnosis marks the first stage of the process. In many cases, the vet will discover a terminal or debilitating illness in your pet. You experience grief and a whole roller coaster of other emotions. With Mikey, we weren’t able to diagnose a specific problem; unfortunately, sometimes we don’t have all the answers. What we do know is he has a condition that will progressively decrease his quality of life. We’ll need to do our best to manage his quality of life for as long as possible. Understanding this allows us to help Mikey by focusing on the next stage.Stage 2: Managing and Evaluating Quality of Life The focus of the second stage of pet hospice is assessing an ailing pet’s quality of life and coming up with strategies to manage it. In my own experience with Mikey, we’ve had good days and bad. One day he’ll eat and we think things are under control, the next day he wants nothing to do with his food. Your brain is so fried, because you're emotionally stressed out, making it hard to be objective. It’s a really awful and lonely place to be.This is where pet hospice is truly valuable. Having an unbiased pair of eyes to help you make a plan and evaluate quality of life when you aren’t thinking clearly is a godsend. Pet Hospice providers can help you come up with a plan and define parameters for if/when you are going to make a decision of life and death. Luckily we haven’t reached this stage yet with Mikey, but if we ever do it will provide me great comfort knowing we did everything we could for him.

What are the Benefits of in-Home Euthanasia for Dogs?

If you’re reading this article, odds are you’ve already decided that dog euthanasia is the most humane choice for your sick or injured friend. Saying goodbye to a pet is the most heartbreaking experience you’ll endure with your beloved animal. You’ve built a close bond with your furry friend and now you are simply looking to make the experience as peaceful as possible.In the past, the only option available was to bring a suffering animal to a veterinarian’s office to have the procedure administered. In recent years, in-home euthanasia services have become more common as many owners prefer to have their pet’s final moments take place in the comfort of their home. Here are some of the benefits of in-home euthanasia:

• Saves Your Dog the Anxiety of Going to the Vet
• Allows You to Grieve in Private
• Provides a More Intimate Setting to Say Goodbye
• Prevents the Need to Drive when Grief-Stricken
• Offers the Opportunity to Include More Loved Ones
• Can Give Closure to Other Pets

Making end-of-life decisions for your dog is an agonizing process. Having the strength to make the compassionate choice to end a pet’s suffering is much easier when you have all of the information. At Gentle Journey of Phoenix, we specialize in end of life pet services and can help counsel you through the process. Visit our website or give us call at 602-332-7757 to learn more.

How to Help the Elderly Cope with Pet Loss

Losing a pet is emotionally taxing for most, but it can be particularly hard on the elderly. After retirement, it’s quite common for seniors to lose their sense of purpose and belonging. Social interaction can diminish and depression may result. Pets often play a key role for seniors by making them feel needed and providing them with unconditional love and companionship. To understand the magnitude of the loss, it’s important to recognize what a pet can bring to a senior’s life:

• A sense of usefulness and productivity
• Motivation for self-care out of obligation to look after a pet
• Closeness and physical affection
• Companionship, someone to talk to
• Regular amusement and a respite from boredom
• Unconditional love

When an elderly person loses a pet, all of the above are in jeopardy as well. In many cases, the relationship with the pet was the strongest and most consistent in the person’s life. The loss can be a major disruption to their daily routine, making it difficult for them to find a reason to stay active. In the worst cases, it can even result in the loss of the will to live.Seniors grieving the loss of a pet need support and understanding. If you know an elderly person who has recently lost a pet, here are some guidelines to help them cope with their grief:Be PatientSeniors are less likely to be as open with their feelings as younger generations. They may not be as demonstrative with their grief, but it doesn’t mean they aren’t in mourning.Be Sensitive to FinancesMany seniors live on a fixed income and need to be mindful of every dollar they spend. They may have been forced to make life and death decisions based on finances. Try to be understanding and supportive.Be A Good ListenerA senior who’s recently lost a pet will need someone they can speak with openly. They may have relied on their deceased pet for interaction and its important they feel open to express their feelings.Be Mindful of Their RoutineMake sure they are taking care of themselves and making an effort to stay active. Try to ensure they are eating regularly and keeping up with any medications. Encourage them to engage in community activities.For older adults, coping with the loss of a pet can be overwhelming. Helping a senior regain their appreciation for life after such a loss is a worthwhile cause. By simply being available and mindful of their feelings, you can have a profound impact on their recovery from the loss.

Should I Get a New Pet Right After Losing One?

When a person experiences the loss of a pet, a void is left. Many people look to fill this void by bringing a new pet into the home. There are many wonderful reasons to do so, but it’s important to make sure that you are ready to give a new animal the love and devotion he or she deserves.Giving yourself and your family time to adequately grieve the loss of deceased pet is generally advisable. Failing to do so can often lead to misplaced resentment towards a new pet. It’s quite common for children to feel disloyal towards an old pet when a new pet is brought into the home too quickly.When you do decide that you and your family are ready, it’s best to avoid a pet that looks too similar to your lost friend. Allow your new friend to develop his/her own personality and avoid comparisons. Your new friend is unique and special and deserves his/her own special bond when you feel you are ready to make that commitment.Ultimately, only you can decide the right time to invite a new pet into your family. There are a whole host of variables to consider when making this decision. At Gentle Journey, we have extensive experience counseling grieving pet owners and are happy to provide support and answer your questions. Give us a call at (602) 332-7757 or visit us online to learn more:

Assessing Your Pet’s Quality of Life

As devoted pet guardians, we develop strong bonds with our animals and can become quite adept at noticing even the slightest changes in their behavior. Though the aging process can certainly take its toll, a marked decrease in the energy level of your cat or dog doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t still have enjoyable years left. At the same time, animals experiencing great pain won’t always make a demonstrable show of their condition.It can be difficult to assess quality of life in sick, injured and aging animals. It’s important to know what to look for, especially if you’re considering euthanasia. Have a veterinary professional assess their overall health and well-being. After that, the determination is largely based on your own intuition and personal understanding of your beloved pet. Closely monitoring these key behaviors can aid your assessment:Eating and Drinking:If your pet is avoiding his/food and water dish, it could be a sign that quality of life is suffering. Monitor their consumption habits closely, as malnutrition can develop quickly when an animal no longer feels compelled to eat.Mobility: Mobility is degenerative in all living things and is to be expected as an animal ages. However, if a lack of mobility is prohibiting your pet from performing basic life activities (e.g. relieving themselves), it could be a strong indicator of low quality of life.Demeanor: Is your pet excited to see you? Do they interact with the world around them? Animals that are in pain will often show a lack of interest in things that once caused happiness.Good vs. Bad Days:Vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and general frustration are all signs of a bad day. When these start to outnumber the good, it could indicate poor quality of life.Accurately assessing your pet’s quality of life is key in deciding how to care for an ailing pet. If you ultimately decide that ending your pet’s suffering is the most compassionate choice, in-home euthanasia is a very humane option. For a free consultation, give Gentle Journey a call at 602-332-7757 and we’ll walk you through the processs. If you’d like to learn more, please visit us online:

Client Memories: Dawn & Susie

Saturday, May 9th was supposed to be a glorious day for Dawn O’Bar and her partner, Susie. Friends and family had traveled to Arizona to celebrate their lifelong commitment to each other in marriage. Unfortunately, Dawn’s dog, Minnie, wasn’t in a particularly festive mood. Her bad days had begun to outnumber the good and today was no exception. After much deliberation, Dawn and Susie decided they wanted Minnie present, as she had been such an important part of their lives.The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch, but the following day Dawn and Susie knew they had an important decision to make. The newlyweds discussed Minnie’s quality of life and with a heavy heart came to the conclusion that “it’s time.”Minnie was the third of three dogs Dawn and Susie would have to put to sleep over the course of six months. For their other two dogs, they had the euthanasia procedure done in the “tense environment” of a veterinarian’s office. Dawn explained “That’s not my dog’s home. That’s not my home, then you have to drive your weeping self home after the situation.”When it came time to say goodbye to Minnie, they wanted to create a more comforting environment, so they turned to Gentle Journey:

“(Gentle Journey) was so kind and compassionate, what a difference. For a sad situation, they made it very comfortable. I won't be going back to a vet's office.”

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never an easy thing to do, but for Dawn and Susie, being able to do so in the comfort of their own home provided them a sense of peace and serenity. If you’ve decided to make the compassionate choice to end the suffering of your companion, and in-home procedure can provide great comfort to you and your pet. To learn more, give Gentle Journey a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online:

Pet Memorials: Honoring Your Pet’s Life

Since the dawn of civilization, human beings have performed funeral rituals and held memorial services as a way of honoring the departed. These ceremonies are essential for establishing closure, as they allow us a way to grieve the passing of a loved one while celebrating the life they lead.For many, the bond shared with a beloved animal runs just as deep, if not deeper, than that of most human relationships. When we lose a pet, the pain and suffering is just as real and our instinct to mourn the loss is equally strong. As such, it’s fitting that we honor our departed animals in similar fashion.Many people are utilizing Pet funeral homes to help plan memorial services. Most provide cremation and offer a variety of keepsakes to commemorate the deceased after the service. Others elect to perform their own services at home. Whichever option you chose, it’s important that the service provides the opportunity for your family to acknowledge the loss, share fond memories of your beloved pet, and openly express emotions.Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience; nothing you can do can change that. Holding a memorial service to honor your pet’s life can, however, ease some of the pain associated with the grieving process. To learn more about how you can best prepare for the loss of a pet, give Gentle Journey a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online.

Pet Euthanasia: Coping With Guilt

People experience a whole gamut of emotions when faced with the decision to euthanize a pet. There are feelings of sadness when considering a life lacking the companionship, happiness and love that our pets bring to our lives. There is the sense of compassion associated with choosing to end the senseless pain and suffering of a sick or injured animal. Then there is guilt. This is, perhaps, the most difficult emotion a pet guardian may face when deciding to euthanize.Guilt is an emotion people experience because they feel they’ve done something which conflicts with their moral character. It can manifest itself before the euthanasia procedure is even administered; this is known as anticipatory guilt. Pet guardians experience guilt for a variety of reasons. Some worry they didn’t do enough to save their pet. Others agonize over the timing, wondering whether they’ve made the decision too soon or too late. Still others lament the decision to end a life, in itself.If you’re experiencing guilt over your decision to euthanize, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. It’s a natural reaction and is a testament to the love and devotion you feel toward your pet. Try not to focus on what you can’t change. Instead, focus on what you can do to make your pet’s remaining days as peaceful as possible. With Gentle Journey, you can give your pet the gift of compassion by allowing his/her final moments to be spent in the warmth and comfort of your home. To learn more about our services, give us a call at 602-332-7757 or visit us online: http://doctorchristina.com/

Pet Loss: Helping Your Child Say Goodbye

As a parent, your instinct is to shield your children from sadness for as long as possible.The loss of a household pet is often the first opportunity many children have to learn about death. When handled honestly and with compassion, you can help your child develop the skill necessary to grieve and cope with this inevitable part of life.Providing your child the chance to say goodbye to their best friend is a first step towards enabling them to cope with their grief. It may be heart-breaking to witness this painful farewell, but the act itself can facilitate the healing process and help your child develop a healthy understanding of life and death.While providing children the chance to say goodbye is encouraged, it should never be forced. If a child isn’t ready, it may be more appropriate to honor the loss in an indirect way. Preparing a memorial ceremony with flowers, candles and some of your pet’s personal effects can be a great way to help your child explore his or her feelings. This also applies in situations, such as an accident, where a formal goodbye isn’t possible. Children should be encouraged to share their feelings about the special relationship they had with their pet and should be asked what they will miss most about them.Ultimately, how you choose to address the loss of a pet with your kids is a personal choice. Allowing children to say goodbye in a loving, peaceful environment is often the most positive way for them to mourn. At Gentle Journey, our goal is to help your entire family through this difficult time by giving you the chance to say a peaceful goodbye in the privacy and comfort of your own home. To learn more, please give us a call at or visit us online to learn more.

Should Other Animals Be Present During Pet Euthanasia?

Letting go of an ailing pet is a gut-wrenching choice many pet owners are forced to make when caring for an animal whose bad days far outnumber the good. Being present with your pet during this bewildering procedure is an intimate experience that honors the bond you’ve built with your beloved companion. A final embrace and loving farewell can be a positive moment that aids the grieving process.If you have other pets in the home who are closely bonded with your ailing friend, you may be wondering if they should be afforded the same opportunity to bid a heartfelt goodbye. Allowing other pets to witness the procedure can provide them with a sense of closure, reducing the chances they’ll be waiting for the departed pet to return. In many cases, your healthy cat or dog may want to stay close-by in support of a dying pet until he or she passes on.Not all animals will want to be present during the procedure and that’s okay. If this is the case, it’s generally advisable to abide their wishes and let them deal with the loss in their own, personal way. Additionally, it may be impractical to have other animals present at the time of the procedure if they are disruptive to the process. If this is the case, allowing them to say goodbye after the animal has passed can help them to understand what has taken place.Providing pets the opportunity to say goodbye is therapeutic and can help your healthy pet move on after the passing. This wasn’t always the case, as the procedure was generally performed in a veterinarian’s office. Gentle Journey and other in-home euthanasia services have changed the landscape of pet care making it possible for the whole family, pets included, to say goodbye in the most loving, caring environment possible. If you’d like to learn more about this compassionate service, call Gentle Journey at 602-332-7757 or visit our website: http://doctorchristina.com/services/ 

Preparing for In-Home Pet Euthanasia for Cats

The decision to put a suffering animal down is a heart-wrenching choice. As a devoted cat owner, you have likely considered every alternative and concluded that euthanasia is the most humane option. Deciding to end a beloved animal’s suffering is one of the the most loving decisions a pet owner can make. Once you’ve made the choice to euthanize, it’s important to know how to prepare for what will follow.Selecting an appropriate date for the procedure is your first step. There are many variables to consider when trying to determine the best time to schedule the appointment. This can be an overwhelming prospect for a grieving cat or dog owner, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. At Gentle Journey, we have extensive experience assisting grief-stricken pet owners as they navigate this distressing process. We are empathetic to what you are experiencing and will tenderly guide you through this delicate decision.As the scheduled procedure date approaches, you’ll need to make the necessary preparations. Carefully consider which family members should witness the procedure and decide what items would be particularly meaningful to have close-by. If you aren’t planning on handling the aftercare, make sure there is an obstacle-free path for your provider to remove the remains quickly and easily so you and your family can begin the healing process.Without question, putting your cat to sleep will be a painful and upsetting experience. While this cannot be avoided, a little forethought can go a long way towards ensuring that your pet receives the peaceful, loving sendoff he or she deserves. These guidelines are a good start in preparing you for the event, but are by no means an exhaustive list. Give Gentle Journey a call at 602-332-7757 for a thorough consultation, free of charge. We’ll answer all of your questions and make sure you’re prepared to provide your beloved companion a compassionate, tranquil goodbye. Visit us online to learn more about us: http://doctorchristina.com/about/

Pet Hospice: What You Need to Know

When a person becomes terminally ill with no hope for a cure, palliative care services such as hospice offer relief to patients and comfort to their families during the final stages of life. These services are instrumental in creating tranquility during a heartbreaking time, and help people focus their attention on enhancing the quality of the life that remains.Many people love their animals as they do their own children and would do anything in their power to ease the pain and suffering of an ill-fallen pet. Once reserved exclusively for humans, these end-of-life services are becoming available to pet owners as animal hospices are popping up all over the country. As these services become more ubiquitous, it’s important to understand exactly what to expect:Pet Hospice Defined: There is some ambiguity in the pet-care industry when it comes to providing a clear-cut definition for pet hospice care. It may seem semantic, but it’s important to address these issues so that set protocols for hospice care providers and expectations for pet owners can be established. Hospice care is essentially the ending of aggressive treatment for the purpose of a cure, with renewed focus on the pet’s comfort and quality of life.

“Making the decision for hospice care is an important part of keeping the family veterinarians and veterinary staff on the same page in regards to purpose and outcome of care.”-Dr. Christina Nutter, Gentle Journey

The Direction of Pet Hospice Care in Arizona:As the industry grows, there are a number of different ways that pet hospice services can be administered. Many of the services offered can be handled at the primary care facility, provided the trip isn’t too taxing for the animal. If the vet is willing to make house calls, this will provide additional support and comfort for the infirmed animal. Alternatively, once the decision to switch focus to palliative care has been established, many pet owners may choose to opt for in-home services, often at suggestion of their family vet.Electing to go with an in-home service has several advantages. First off, it removes any uncertainty regarding expectations for the care provided. The decision has already been made to switch from a curative to a palliative approach, eliminating any ambiguity about the intentions of the provider. The third-party service is there for one purpose: to ease suffering and improve quality of life. Second, in-home care removes the added stress that traveling to vet’s office creates. And, finally, with an in-home palliative care provider the animal doesn’t have the same negative associations they might have garnered through past experiences with their vet.Regardless of the specifics of service, more and more options are becoming available to Arizona pet owners who are caring for sick animals. As more hospice services are made available, pet owners are empowered to minimize the suffering of their ailing pets in a civilized, dignified way.