The hardest good-bye…

Euthanasia comes from the Greek expression meaning ‘good death’ and refers to assisted dying. The euthanasia process is peaceful, painless, and dignified.

As pet owners ourselves, we know intimately the pain and grief associated with the difficult decision about knowing when the time is right to euthanize our beloved pet. It is not an easy decision and is not to be taken lightly. Our veterinarians, who are pet owners themselves, can help you when the time has come to make the best decision given you and your pet’s personal circumstance. It is not a time for judgement, but a time for us to listen to your concerns for yourself and your companion friend. We have included a list of questions that may assist those who are beginning to look ahead and face this difficult decision:

  • Is there a reasonable chance for a cure or for comfort?
  • How much additional time might treatment give?
  • What will the quality of that time be?
  • Do I have the financial and emotional resources to handle long-term medical care, if needed?
  • Will I have the necessary physical and emotional stamina to attend to my pet’s needs (getting up at night, preparing a special diet, giving injections)?
  • Is our relationship changing or decreasing in quality as I anticipate the loss?
  • How many of my pet’s usual activities are still possible?
  • Is my pet suffering, even though physical pain is not evident?

Please feel free to contact our office to arrange to speak to one of our veterinarians to help you through this difficult decision. We’ll also prepare you with what to expect, so that there are no surprises on the day. We at Tsolum understand that this is the most difficult time for a pet owner and are here to help. Please contact us today at (778) 428-6401.

Once the decision is made

Choosing a place to say good-bye to your pet is very important. It can be done at our hospiutal or in the comfort of your own home. You can decide.

Your pet will be sedated before the administration of the intravenous euthanasia solution. This allows your pet to relax, surrounded by loved ones, and it gives your family additional time to say good-bye.

The sedation will be administered through an intramuscular injection. This injection can be felt as any injection would, but the discomfort will last only moments. 

Most of the time sedation will help your pet become sleepy, but still be awake. Either way, they are pain free and very relaxed. Once your pet is well sedated, an IV catheter is placed in his/her leg to administer the euthanasia drug. 

We will encourage and support you to take all the time you need with your pet to say good-bye.

There are different choices for the after care of your pet. Many pet owners choose to bury their pet, but another option is to have your pet cremated, and you can choose to have the ashes returned to you.

Regardless of the choice, please be assured that your pet’s remains are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of the decision you make. As pet owners ourselves, we treat your pet as if it was our own.

Aftercare

Should you choose to bury your pet at home, please let us offer you this advice. Please ensure that your pet’s remains are buried at least 3 feet deep to prevent disturbance of the site by wildlife. The solution given to your pet can potentially harm wildlife. It is also harmful to people, so please ensure the site is not close to a well for drinking water.

Cremation

Learn more about pet cremation at the Vancouver Island Crematorium.


Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown…