Readers Respond: What Does "Pet Hospice Care" Mean To You?

In the past, most end-of-life choices for pets were limited to euthanasia and pet owners were left to their own devices to "get over it." Pet loss grief is a common theme in the VetMed forum. Many people struggle with end-of-life issues for their pets. What does the more encompassing concept of "pet hospice" mean to you? Share your thoughts

Pet hospice vs human hospice

Death is a natural end for us all and can be very ugly, painful and demon driven or quietly beautiful. I have witnessed many different types as a human hospice caregiver. We humans are driven by complex ideas and interupt most of own natural instincts by outside influences and morals, animals do not have this hinderence. When they want to die they naturaly move away from the pack so they don't bring danger to the greater good. When we interupt this sacrifice by force feeding or pain meds for months at a time this interfeers with instinct. They understand only that you need them for something so they wag a tail, or smile or something equally strainful. My animals have all let me know when they needed to go outside as well as leave their bodies. This communication is a non verbal flow of energy and we all understand it when we listen. Hospice care for animals would only be for humans. We have our own suffer out of compaassion,guilt,love,religion,etc. that is enough suffering on this eart

—ronchef

He was going to be put down @ a shelter

I have had the opportunity to spend 207 days with the best dog a woman could ask for. I knew it was the end of the road for him but was more than willing to help make his last days the best ones of his life. Hospice care for elderly pets is both a blessing for them and for us. I love you Willis and you may be gone, but never forgotten.

—Guest Mary

Loving your pet through the End

When my beloved pet of 15 years was facing the end of his life, he was not ready to let go of me, and I certainly was not ready to let go of him. I wanted to love him, nurture him, and offer him the unconditional love and acceptance he had given to me for so many years. For me, Pet hospice care for him came naturally. He was my child, a major part of my family. I couldn't imagine doing anything less. The spiritual process that takes place during end of life is so special. I would not want that taken from me, and I didn't want to take that from him. I had some of the most precious moments of my life, as I traveled this journey with him, offering him love, care, and compassion. Our bond was so much deeper, even more so than it had been. He thanked me, in his own way, each day. I could see in his eyes, that he was grateful, that I chose to care for him, and be with him during this time. I wouldn't have traded this time with him for anything in the world.

—Guest petsaschildren

Pet Hospice- A loving alternative

Being a pet mom to several pet-children, the time I spent caring for, and nurturing pets nearing end of life were priceless. Yes, I could have ended it quickly, though I had to ask myself, if that was truly my decision to make. God had brought them into the world, and I believe, only God had the right to call them home. Pet hospice care is not for everyone. For me, it was the right choice. It was an opportunity, to love, care, and nurture my beloved pet unconditionally, even when he couldn't give back. It was an opportunity to put myself aside, and look to the needs of another living, breathing creature who had brought so much joy into my life. Yes, it was hard work, and yes, there were times I thought my heart would break. With the help of a caring veterinarian, and use of natural herbs, and lots of prayer,I was able to manage the pain and discomfort for my pet during this time, and allow him to pass in God's time, knowing he was loved unconditionally, without reservation.

—petsaschildren

precious

This is an awsome idea. I am a care giver for people and I think that I would love to become involved with this idea and care for the animals.

—Guest susan

naturally vs. with help

I think if an animal is in a lot of pain, to relieve it would be to put them to sleep. If we humans could be so lucky. I think in human form, it's a curse to have to live out long deaths because it's not legal to have lethal injection. If the pet is suffering, help it end. If it happens fast on their own and they go away to do it, like my cat did, that was a gift. Rarely happens with dogs though.

—Guest Gina