The Visiting Vet - Services
Euthanasia



Andrew Cotter's captures my exact sentiments in his book Olive, Mabel and Me:

...let us be upbeat and optimistic and think more about what dogs bring to us that what they leave. Besides, there is a cycle of rebirth with dogs. Not a literal reincarnation, but no matter how much you love one single dog, another can appear and take over the vital task performed entirely unwittingly but oh so reliably — to give us love and to receive it and to help steer us through this strange world. We will always hold on to the memories of the ones we have had but also let another come in, one who will pick things up as if to say, "It's okay...it's my turn now." And that is the real power of a dog.

What to Expect When Dr. Rice Performs Euthanasia

This is not a fast nor abrupt process, but it is a kind, gentle transition which may take 1 - 1 1/2 hours.

This is a very important, emotional, and spiritual gift that we have to offer, when necessary, in the animal world. I do not take this lightly.

I work to make this offering respectful and done with dignity for the animal, for the owner/caregiver and for me.

This is a three-step process as I am taking the pet deeper and deeper into unawareness. It will take 1 - 1 1/2 hours totally.

  1. An initial injection of a sedative is given under the skin. It takes a full 10 minutes to take effect.
  2. A second sedative plus an extremely strong pain medication is given to continue the depth of unawareness.
  3. Finally, when the pet is deeply unaware, a fatal overdose of anesthesia is given into the abdominal cavity. This final medication is slowly absorbed over 10-15 minutes. This medication stops the brain, which stops the breathing and the heart.

Euthabag publishers have many books to help with the loss of a pet for Adults and Children.