01/01/2025
As we begin the new year I write my first words of sympathy in 2025 in a card to the grieving family that finished 2024 with one of the saddest days, saying goodbye to a beloved companion of very many years after a long tough day. I also hear the desperate news of a client/friend who has also experienced a tragic bereavement. And I remember this day exactly one year ago when I said my final goodbye, as I injected my own 31 year old mare who had colic. Animals give us the most uncomplicated friendship, companionship and joy in so many ways and having to make the decision to say goodbye, is, in my experience, one of the hardest things that life presents us with. Sometimes we know it is the only and kindest decision, and then, the decision is not difficult. Other times we have to reach that decision by trying to imagine being inside that soul and trying to understand what they are feeling and what they would want, and that, I do not think is always easy. I read lots of posts saying ‘a day too soon is better than a day too late’. And that might be the right viewpoint. I also know there are others, including myself, who find it very difficult to think we could be making the decision for our own animal too soon. For me, even as a vet and with a recognition that euthanasia is a humane process, I experience feelings of betrayal if I am anything but 100% sure that I’m doing what my animal would wish for me to do at exactly the right time. Some euthanasias I still find difficult. It is a huge responsibility to end the life of another being. It is also a privilege that I can do this and ease pain and suffering. It can feel conflictual even when we are sure. I decided to write about this, just to express an honest view that I think euthanasia can be a very difficult decision and I hugely sympathise with every client that has to make this inevitable decision at some point. Some clients like to make the decision themselves, some ask me specifically to make that decision for them and tell them when I think it is time, and other times it is a case of us discussing and reaching a shared best opinion. You the owners are often the person that knows the animal best to make that decision for them especially when it is a gradual ageing rather than an acute illness. I will always be happy to give my honest opinion. And that will be my opinion on what I think is best for the animal. And when you reach that final decision, I will always be present in a quiet way and give you as much space and time to be with and say goodbye to your animal by yourself until you are ready, and then I will help them go to sleep one last time with you their familiar friend as close as possible.
