So why do we do it? Why do we open our hearts when we know that someday we will have to say goodbye? The reason is clear - LOVE. Love is the reason why we do it. There they are, cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, goats, cows and even turkeys, etc., ready and willing to give us love. They are also there to receive the love we have to offer them. I have had several pets in my day: dogs, cats, rats, fish, birds, and hermit crabs. Some were harder to say goodbye than others, but I have always wondered what they were thinking towards the end. Did they know they were dying? Did they know how much I loved them, how much my life would change without them and how much I would miss them?
When I started my journey into Energy Healing I soon realize my passion was working with animals. The more I worked with animals the more I was able to communicate with them and them with me. I found that they were very receptive to communicate: wanting to know what was happening to them, to know if everyone they left behind would be OK, to communicate how much they loved their owners, and more. I found that after completing a session with me, the animal was more at peace as well as the owners. Able to release whatever was bothering them and continue to be at peace until the end.
When your animal is approaching his/her last days you may have many questions. What do I look for? How will I know it is time? Will I make the right decisions for my precious one? When I choose to have them put down, should I do it at home or at the veterinarian’s office? Should my other animal/animals be present? These are all valid questions and concerns.
Let me help answer some of these questions for you.
Of course every animal is different and so is their process. Some of the signs to look for when things are getting close to the end:
Lethargy - lasting more than a day
Disinterest in things he enjoys like walks, playing etc.
Stops eating and drinking
Incontinence
Unable to find a comfortable position
Weak and unable to walk properly (wobbly)
Difficulty breathing
When it is apparent that things are progressing, you have choices as to where the transition can take place. There is no right or wrong, but I feel in your home, with the other animals and loved ones present is the most optimal for many reasons. Some people prefer it at the veterinarian’s office and that is OK too. There are several places that offer in home services, so I recommend that you make some phone calls to determine which one you feel more comfortable with. Also make sure you have a backup company just in case you are unable to get in with your first choice.
I also suggest that my clients look at options to immortalize their pet (if they so choose). You can save a lock of their fur/hair, have a painting done (above is a painting I had commissioned for my dog Sierra), a paw print in plaster, etc. There are many options but keep in mind that if this is something that you really think you would like to do, it is better to do it now than to later wish you had.
Having a beloved pet prepare for the end can be very challenging but it also can be a peaceful time as well. For more information regarding this or other animal issues please feel free to contact me.