05/13/2025
💚🐾🗣️Paws + Reflect🗣️🐾💚: by Ty-Shawna LVT
Welcome back to our next edition of Paws + Reflect! This week our post is by Licensed Veterinary Technician, Ty Hudson. As this post dips into some heavier content, we are adding a **TRIGGER WARNING** related to end-of-life care for our pets. If you do not feel you are in a space to read now, feel free to scroll past. ❤
Euthanasia: The end is just as important as the beginning
The definition of Euthanasia means the deliberate act of ending a life to relieve suffering, usually from an incurable and painful condition. It is a touchy subject to discuss, however it is a vital conversation to have in this industry that is often overlooked. Euthanasia is a topic that brings forth many emotions and considerations. We believe it is essential to discuss and understand its significance, especially in the context of compassionate end-of-life care.
To know when it is time to say goodbye to a beloved pet is a hard concept to grasp for most, which is understandable. Who wants to say goodbye to a part of them that has been there through thick and thin, and never once showed anything but unconditional love? It takes a lot of courage to make that hard decision. When I graduated from high school, I knew that what I wanted to do in life was help animals in any way I could. I took the path of becoming a Licensed Veterinary Technician. Still, I was very apprehensive due to my fear of euthanasia. I did not know if I could handle it. In my mind I thought it was wrong to end an animal's life even if they showed signs of decline. I have to admit, I was selfish in the beginning of my career because I didn't know how to compartmentalize the concept of it. I would avoid them all together at first because I just did not think I could handle it mentally.
Eventually, I assisted a Doctor with a euthanasia due to there being no one else to help. I would cry along with the clients as if it were my own pet that was being put down. Afterwards, I would feel numb and guilty. I expressed my feelings to one of the Doctors I was working with at that time and they gave me a different perspective to consider. She reminded me of the Oath I took to help animals to ensure they have the best care possible; that includes the end of life. Instead of looking at it as a negative it can be looked at as a privilege to be there to assist in the animal's transition with the patient's best interest in mind. That helped me understand the reason why it was necessary to be there for the patients as well as the clients during these very difficult times.
Another time I learned a lesson about euthanasia was with a young pitbull mix around 1 year of age and full of life. He had an aggressive cancer on his face that developed rapidly and the prognosis was not good. I sat in the room with the owner and just listened to her story. She expressed to me how much the patient had changed her life and got her through a very hard time and she didn't want to see him suffer. The love she showed for her dog and the strength it took for her to say goodbye was beyond admirable. I was honored to be able to be there for her and her sweet dog. It made me see that euthanasia is a blessing for some patients experiencing pain and suffering.
For us, end of life care is important because it shows compassion for the animal and support for their owners. It can be hard to make a decision in fear of making the wrong one. We focus on the quality of life that the patient has and keep their best interest in mind to ensure they do not suffer. It is important to be there for pet parents during these vulnerable times and let them know that they are not alone, that their family’s wellbeing is our mission as well. To be able to console clients during these times goes a long way and reflects that this job is more than just a job; it is a passion. End of life care holds as much importance as the beginning of life. Just as we celebrate new beginnings, it is equally vital to honor and provide dignity during the final stages of a pet’s life.