03/06/2025
🌈 How Will I Know It's Time to Say Goodbye? 🐾
One of the hardest decisions any pet parent will ever face is knowing when it’s time to say goodbye.
Lately, I’ve found many clients asking themselves this one question over and over — How do I know? How can I be sure? This is, of course, completely understandable.
There’s no perfect moment, no one-size-fits-all answer. But there are signs. It often comes down to one painful but loving question:
Is my pet still enjoying life, or just enduring it?
💔 Are they in pain that can’t be managed?
💤 Do they sleep more than they’re awake?
🥣 Are they eating or drinking less — or not at all?
🐾 Have they stopped doing the things they used to love — walks, cuddles, even wagging their tail or purring?
👀 Do they seem confused, anxious, or withdrawn?
These aren’t just symptoms — they’re messages. And as guardians, it's our job to listen with our hearts, not just our eyes.
💬 If you're unsure, please reach out to your usual vet. Many clinics offer quality of life consultations, and there are helpful tools and checklists to guide you through this emotional process. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Veterinarians often talk about “Quality of Life” — not just how long our pets live, but how well. If the bad days far outweigh the good, it may be a sign they’re ready to rest.
If you feel this post resonates with you and your current situation, reach out - talk to your vet, family and loved ones. Sometimes it can be those who see your pet less often - who really notice the bigger differences (We see our pets every day - so small changes can, of course, add up)
Please also feel free to reach out to me and my services, whilst I cannot offer quality of life assessments, I am happy to help discuss and guide owners in these difficult moments.
It’s never easy. It never will be. But letting them go with dignity, surrounded by love, can be the final, most selfless act we give them.
If you’re facing this choice, I see you. You're not alone. Take your time, ask questions, and trust that your love will guide you through.
🐾💞 Saying goodbye isn’t giving up — it’s letting go with grace.