
28/01/2025
Hi everyone! I hope you all had a terrific holiday season and this message finds you in good health.
Recently I've had a few of my dear grooming clients pass over the rainbow bridge and their families had to navigate through the grief.
I try to always pass along helpful information to my clients when the situation arises.
So to any of my pet parents that are struggling with end of life care for elderly or sick pets I wanted to share some information.
While no two families will grieve losing such an intricate part of our family members the same... there are some resources I just want people to know about.
Our pets get aches and pains and suffer from joint and body pain just like we humans do. Our knowledge and technology has been booming over the last 20 years and we are so very lucky to live in an era where pets are finally being afforded the necessary things to keep them comfortable. Pain management for pets is so so important. Discuss with your doctor any ailments and what treatments have been shown to help. There are even pain medications that last for a month... some work for a few hours other days... the point being there are many different types of meds to try.
Sometimes a second opinion is needed. There's nothing wrong with going to a second vet to discuss your pets care. Sometimes doctors read people wrong or aren't in tune with what the patient needs or expects. So if you get alarming news or are unsure of things... ask questions. Get second opinions. Join a few peer groups and see if others are experiencing similar issues and what treatments worked for them.
When the time comes and we need to help our pets cross over to prevent a decreased quality of life... it's okay for you to discuss your pet with your groomer, vet, sitter and family to get their ideas but ultimately the decision is yours and so so hard. Always know that your babies comfort is your top priority and you are making decisions that are best for your family.
We are so blessed to have a few veterinarians locally that provide in home end of life care. These vets do hospice care for pets just like we humans use. These vets can help you navigate whether you and your pet would be more comfy at home saying goodbye or in the veterinary office. There's also additional resources they can provide to you for cremation and burial and tributes of your pet.
So while getting old "ain't easy"...I hope some of these resources will give you a little peace of mind that you're not alone and there is support in these situations.
As always, if anyone ever needs to talk, discuss or needs contact information for any type of care or service please don't hesitate to ask.
To my pet parents that have gone through loss... I'm thinking of you all and so thankful that you let me spend time with your best friends. They all hold a special place in my heart.