Aftercare

DecisionExpectationAftercare

Aftercare: memorial options and support for a difficult time

Pet euthanasia after careWhat happens to my pet’s body after the procedure?

You have several options from which to choose. You can do an at home burial. The second option is to have your pet’s ashes returned after they are cremated. I use a highly reputable pet crematorium. A third option is to have the pet cremated in a group cremation ceremony, and not receive the ashes back. A fourth option is to dispose of your pet’s remains on your own. There is no right way here, follow what your heart and mind together tell you.

If you have your pet come with me after the procedure, then I also can make a clay paw print which is the given to you.

Can you give me some details about the cremation options?

Yes. You have two options, and it is important for you to be informed up front about the nature of these options. Individual cremation is when your pet is cremated alone and you will have their ashes returned to you. Communal cremation is a process where groups of animals are cremated together and individual ashes are not returned.

euthanized pet remains Is there a memento that I can receive in memory of my pet if I desire?

Yes. Dr. Maria will provide you with a clay paw print if so desired.

Do I have options for the kind of container my pet’s ashes will come back to me in if I choose cremation?

Yes, you may choose from a variety of urns. A standard white box will be provided with your animal’s ashes at no further cost. However, if a more decorative urn is desired, there are options to discuss with Dr. Miller.

How can I and other caregivers for my pet mourn our loss?

The process of mourning a lossis a situation that is different for all involved and needs to be looked at from all sides.. They key is to be honest about the variety of feelings you are having and to discuss them with someone you trust. My clients have done things like the following to help in the mourning process:

  • Saved their pet’s leash or collar and placed it in a special place
  • Had their pets ashes cremated and placed into an honorary urn
  • Scattered their pet’s ashes in a favorite location or on a favorite hike.
  • Shared favorite memories of the pet with loved ones
  • Planted a flowering perennial in honor of their pet
  • Had a statue of their pet made and placed in their yard
  • Constructed a memory area in their house where various pictures of their friends are exhibited
  • Kept a tuft of hair from their pet
  • Had a picture of their pet painted
  • Made a scrapbook with pictures of times with their pet friend
  • Buried their pet in a sacred location (e.g., pet cemetery)
  • Visited a local pet shelter and spent some time with other animals who also might benefit from their love
  • Thought about (at some later point) adopting a pet needing a warm, safe home
  • Volunteered to help a rescue group or pet shelter
  • Taught school children about proper pet care and the importance of pets in their lives
  • Financially supported the pet of an elderly friend or relative who may no longer have the income to provide for his or her constant companion.

If you have trouble getting over your loss, you many want to consult a person trained in dealing with complex grieving problems.

What are good books that discuss the unique bond between people and animals that might help with the mourning process?

Please see the below list of books. This list is by no means comprehensive, and I do not necessarily believe any book on this list is better than what you may find on your own. However, several of these books are recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

  1. White E. B. Charlotte’s Web. New York, Dell Publishing Co., 1952.
  2. Viorst J. The Tenth Good Thing About Barney. New York, Aladdin Books, Macmillan Publishing Co., 1971.
  3. Rogers F. Mr. Rogers’ First Experience: When a Pet Dies. New York, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1988.
  4. Wilhelm H. I’ll Always Love You. New York, Crown Publishers Inc, 1985.
  5. Sibbitt S. Oh, Where Has My Pet Gone? A Pet Loss Memory Book, Ages 3-103. Wayzata, Minn, B. Libby Press, 1991.
  6. Brackenridge, Sandra S. Because of Flowers and Dancers; Veterinary Practice Publishing; 1994. Call the publisher at (805) 965-1028 to order.

Where can I find stories about others saying goodbye to their pet?

One of the best newspaper feature articles specifically talking about at-home euthanasia was a Chicago Tribune newspaper article written November 19, 1999. The title was “Farewell to a Faithful Friend: Home Euthanasia Brings a gentle Death to Ailing Pets”.

Books on this subject include the following list. These are just a sampling of books, not necessarily the best out there. Conducting your own research to find the book best addressing your needs is most highly advised.

  • Nieburg H A, Fischer A. Pet Loss: A Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children. New York, Harper & Row, 1982.
  • Church J A. Joy In a Wooly Coat; Living With, Loving & Letting Go of Treasured Pet Friends. Tiburon, Calif, H J Kramer Inc, 1987.
  • Grollman E A. Talking About Death: A Dialogue Between Parent and Child. Boston, Beacon Press, 1990.
  • Quackenbusch J, Graveline D. When Your Pet Dies: How To Cope With Your Feelings. New York, Simon & Schuster, 1985.
  • Anderson M. Coping With Sorrow On The Loss of Your Pet. Loveland, Colorado, Alpine Publications Inc., 1996.
  • Lee L, Lee M. Absent Friend. Bucks, England, Henston Ltd., 1992.
  • When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings; Jamie Quackenbush, M.S.W., and Denise Graveline; Simon & Shuster; 1985.
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