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The Correct Attitude For Euthanasia

Reasons for Euthanasia
We are never quite prepared for the death of our Companion Animal.
Whether death is swift and unexpected or whether it comes at the end of a slow decline,
we are never fully aware of what our Companion Animal has brought to our lives until our companion is gone.

Nearly all of us hope for a peaceful passing for our beloved companion animal ,
hoping to find it lying in its favorite spot in the morning.
The impact of the death of our companion animal is significantly increased when,
as responsible and loving life-time parents , we decide to have our four-legged life-long companion euthanized.

What is Euthanasia
Euthanasia is the induction of painless death.

In veterinary practice, it is accomplished by intravenous injection of a concentrated dose of anesthetic agent(s).
The animal may feel a slight discomfort when the needle tip passes through the skin,
but this is no greater than for any other injection.
The euthanasia solution takes only seconds to induce a total loss of consciousness.
This is soon followed by respiratory depression and cardiac arrest.

Doctors of veterinary medicine do not exercise this option lightly.
Their medical training and professional lives are dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Veterinarians are keenly aware of the balance between extending an animal's life and prolonging its suffering.

Euthanasia is the ultimate tool to mercifully end the suffering of companion animals.

To request for euthanasia of a companion animal is probably the most difficult decision
one has to make.. All the stages of mourning may flood together, alternating rapidly.

@We may resent the position of power.

@We may feel angry at our animal for forcing us to make the decision.

@We may postpone the decision, bargaining with ourselves that if we wait another day,
the decision will not be necessary.

@Guilt sits heavily on the one who must decide.

The fundamental guideline is to do what is best for <animal>, even if you suffer in doing this.

Remember that as much as <animal> has the right to a painless death,
you have the right to live a happy life.

Each of us mourns differently, some more privately than others, and some recover more quickly.
Some animal owners find great comfort in acquiring a new animal soon after the loss of another.
Others, however, become angry at the suggestion of another companion animal.
They may feel that they are being disloyal to the memory of the preceding beloved animal.

! Do not rush into selecting a replacement.
! Take the time to work through your grief.

To help you to prepare for the decision to euthanize <animal>, consider the following questions.
They are intended as a guide; only you can decide what is the best solution for you and <animal>.
Take your time. Speak with your veterinarian.

Which choice will bring you the least cause for regret after the companion animal is gone?

Consider the following:
#What is the current quality of my animal's life?
#Is it still eating well? Playful? Affectionate toward me?
#Is my companion animal interested in the activity surrounding it?
#Does my companion animal seem tired and withdrawn most of the time?
#Is my companion animal in pain?
# Is there anything I can do to make my companion animal more comfortable?
#Are any other treatment options available?
#If a behavioral problem has led me to this decision,
    have I sought the expertise of a veterinary behaviour consultant?
#Do I still love my companion animal the way I used to, or am I angry and resentful of the
    restrictions its condition has placed on my lifestyle?
#Does my companion animal sense that I am withdrawing from it?
#What is the quality of my life and how will this change?
#Will I want to be present during the euthanasia?
#Will I say goodbye to my companion animal before the euthanasia because it is too painful for me to assist?
#Will I want to wait in the reception area until it is over?
#Do I want to be alone or should I ask a friend to be present?
#Do I want any special burial arrangements made?
#Can my veterinarian store the body so that I can delay burial arrangements until later?
#Do I want to adopt another companion animal?
#Do I need time to recover from this loss before even considering another animal?

For consultation please email to caf@hkcaf.org

last updated : 10 Oct 2004