“I work at a vet clinic and I’m sick of people dropping their dogs off to be euthanized.”
It’s never easy when you have to make that heartbreaking decision to put your fur baby to sleep. When that time comes though, as painful as it may be, one veterinarian employee is pleading with people to please stay there with their dog when they take their last breath!
Redditer /u/rescuemum didn’t mince words when she ranted about pet owners who abandon their dogs on the very last day of their lives.
“I can try to provide them as much love and comfort as I humanly can but at the end of the day I’m a stranger to them.”
Over in the /r/dogs subreddit, rescuemum shared a recent experience that left her feeling very sad and upset.
“Today a lady dropped off her 13-year-old dog to be put to sleep after I told her we didn’t have a vet in the clinic as she was on farm calls all day, she insisted on leaving her there at 9 am, knowing that our vet wouldn’t be back until well after 6 pm.”
“She was too busy to bring her back later, so she left her sweet girl to be alone all day before dying.”
As difficult as it may be to say goodbye, it’s worse for your dog when you’re not there to comfort them.
“It might be hard to say goodbye but it’s hell for them. They already don’t like the vet, they’re confused, they’re scared, they’re sad and they’re looking for YOU when they take their last breath.”
The woman kept the sweet girl at her side for most of the day, even taking her for a short walk. But all the pooch really wanted was her family.
“I kept her with me for most of the day, took her for a small walk, bought her a cheeseburger and donut on my lunch, and laid on the ground and cuddled her while she cried, scared and confused.”
“I kissed her and told her she was a good girl while she crossed the rainbow bridge, but her eyes never stopped looking for her family.”
During the pandemic it wasn’t always possible to be there for the procedure, so she mentioned that “this very obviously does not apply to anyone who had absolutely no choice during the pandemic.”
“Dogs know what’s happening, don’t do this to them. Be there when they cross that bridge. It won’t kill you, I promise.”
Sadly, dogs have a comparatively short life when compared to humans. Their health, just like ours, can decline to the point where medical intervention just won’t cut it anymore.
When their quality of life suffers, meaning they’re no longer happy, eating, or sleeping well, then it’s probably time to say your goodbyes.
Euthanasia is always the compassionate choice, but it’s not always easy knowing if it’s actually the right time. This quality of life checklist from Ohio State University’s Veterinary Medical Center can help with making an informed choice.
When that time does come, be sure to shower your doggy with their favorite foods, toys, and wet sloppy kisses. Because feeling loved is the best thing ever!
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