Hospice & Pet Loss Information

Regarding Grief »    Self-Care »

One of our goals is to keep animal companions strong, healthy and a part of your life for as long as possible. We want to make sure they are born healthy, grow and develop correctly and are nursed through illnesses. Veterinary medicine also includes the final stages of life. Hospice care, euthanasia and memorialization are a part of our lives as animal care givers. Dealing with the impending death or the sudden loss of a loved one can be an extremely difficult time.

Hospice care is available when an animal has a terminal illness that can be managed in the home environment. Nutritional support and pain management are the cornerstones of hospice care. This service is available in certain situations at Mendocino Animal Hospital. Hospice care requires a lot of open communication and contact between the medical staff and the animal’s owners.

The decision to euthanize an animal is never an easy one. Our doctors and staff are always available to discuss the different options available to you and your family during this time. These can include after hours appointments and home visits for euthanasia.

There are also different options for memorialization of your companion after death. Private cremations with unique urns and pet cemetery burials are available upon request.

Regarding the grief you may experience after your companion's death:

Grief does not have a time frame. It will come and go with the passing of time, but the initial intensity is sometimes present for weeks and months. Often when we are experiencing the grief over a loss, other past painful losses and experiences will also emerge, adding to the pain. These emotions are a natural part of living and loving; however, sometimes we need help in order to deal with them.

If you have suffered painful losses before, you may know that no two losses are alike and losing loved ones does not get easier. If a loss of this magnitude is new to you, you may feel as though you will never get over it and that you will be suffering forever.

PEOPLE DO RECOVER from painful losses. The people who adjust to loss are those who experience their feelings about the loss and take one day at a time. Many eventually decide to bring another pet into their lives.

In every case, grief does not go away magically. Dealing with your loss, taking good care of yourself and the passage of time are the best healers.

Suggestions for self-care:

Your system gets out of balance when you suffer with major grief. You need to take extra good care of yourself.

• Reach out — do not be alone with your grief.
• Talk only with people you feel understand you.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take good care of yourself: get proper rest; eat something nutritious every day — even if you are not hungry; take a soothing bath or shower, and brush your teeth to help you feel refreshed.
• Drinking alcohol or using other drugs can intensify feelings of depression.
• If you are afraid of forgetting about special qualities or memories of this dear animal, write down the very things you want always to remember.
• Recalling fond memories may bring tears – that is NORMAL!
• Be patient. Your life has changed. Take one day at a time!