dogbesotted Posted January 13, 2011 Share Posted January 13, 2011 Respect For The Passage I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on a very difficult topic - death. Each one of us pet owners will be faced with the loss of our companion. It is not unusual for our personal views regarding our own mortality to become involved in the decisions we make for our pets. Some owners are unable to let go of their animal companions and cling to every last shred of hope. These people need confident direction and understanding to allow their pets to die with peace and dignity. I have long ago realized, it is my place to let these owners know it is time to stop hoping and allow their friend to pass on peacefully. We need to take care of them in their dying. Because of the shorter life span of animals, I will outlive most of my patients. I see them born and I see them through their death. This is very different from human medical practitioners who still insist on treating death as a disease, rarely seeing a patient’s life cycle in its entirety. Owners often ask me how I can be sure it is time for their friend to die.. In Chinese medicine it is believed dying is associated with the loss of shen, the vital life force that is seen in a patient’s eyes. Having stared into many dying eyes, I have come to believe this is true. I also understand the physiological changes a patient experiences from life threatening diseases – pain, weakness, nausea, respiratory distress, numbness, and unrest. I also spend time talking to my owners who will give me a clear picture of their friend’s quality of life and his priorities in life. This is different for each patient – some dogs need to take that daily excursion to the mailbox while others are content to curl up on the couch with a view of Mom and Dad getting the mail. Your cat may find it very important to make the upstairs trek to the litterbox, while others will accept you moving it to the kitchen, underfoot and all. Each one with special needs and individual personalities, your pet will try to make these decisions very clear. And if you can’t understand or see clearly through your tears, we are here to guide you through this process. There are some premises which all of us must respect. Animals do not fear death and that is not because of ignorant bliss, but rather an appreciation of the power of nature and her continuous cycles: the planets revolving around the sun, the moon revolving around the earth, the change of the seasons, night turning to day, water to vapor then back again as rain, and on and on and on. They are still connected to the laws of nature and know no fear; they just accept what they cannot change. Sometimes my patients are anxious, whining and restless, but I have come to realize they are worried about their people! Their Mom and Dad are crying, afraid, and unsure. Is it not the pet’s job to lick their tears away and wag their tail so hard that their parents will start to smile? But they can’t, they are dying and it seems like their parents need them more than ever. It is important for owners to know they need to let their friend move on; his duty of bringing unconditional love and joy has been fulfilled. A second premise must be mentioned. Our friends do not wish to live forever. They are not looking for quantity, only a quality of life. They have a purpose here; they are temporary gifts which must be returned. Our pets take away our pain, suffering, loneliness, selfishness, anger and misfortune. With a warm purr or happy woof, they try to teach each of us how to live as better human beings. If we listen to their quiet yet profound message, then a pet’s life will be eternal and meaningful. We need to live our lives as well, sharing the simple unconditional love and acceptance we have enjoyed from our furry companions. Donna M. Raditic, DVM, CVA Integrative Medicine Service Resident in Nutrition Veterinary Teaching Hospital The University of Tennessee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dogsrawesome Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 This brought me to tears Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 Respect For The Passage A second premise must be mentioned. Our friends do not wish to live forever. They are not looking for quantity, only a quality of life. They have a purpose here; they are temporary gifts which must be returned. Our pets take away our pain, suffering, loneliness, selfishness, anger and misfortune. With a warm purr or happy woof, they try to teach each of us how to live as better human beings. If we listen to their quiet yet profound message, then a pet’s life will be eternal and meaningful. We need to live our lives as well, sharing the simple unconditional love and acceptance we have enjoyed from our furry companions. Donna M. Raditic, DVM, CVA Integrative Medicine Service Resident in Nutrition Veterinary Teaching Hospital The University of Tennessee This is so true Helen... I am so greatful for every extra day I have with Ollie - especially when there has been so many times (when he was being treated with chemo) that I thought 'this is it'... My wonderful vet said no, not yet... Today he still gets up early to go for a walk, he hovers in the kitchen from around 5.30-6pm waiting patiently (most of the time) for his dinner to be put down.. And tonight he is curled up on my pillow on the lounge fast asleep... He is beyond precious to me but I will let him go when he no longer wants to walk, play and eat - it is my job to give him his wings when the time comes and I will be brave for him, just as he has been so brave through everything for me... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cathya Posted March 18, 2011 Share Posted March 18, 2011 I know that I will be facing this decision with one of my dogs in probably the not too distant future. He still has that 'vital life force' in his eyes but I have been dreading the time when it goes. Having watched this in a person I loved, I know exactly what you mean about when this goes. While I know I will struggle with this decision when the time comes, this post has helped me so much and when the time does come I will be making sure I read it again (and again). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kajtek Posted March 19, 2011 Share Posted March 19, 2011 Thank you for these powerful words. (Hopefully it is a long time before I need to be courageous. I have saved your post for the future) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monique.c Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 This made me cry so much, my family dog is getting put to sleep this afternoon, she is 13 and she has cancer which the vet has told us has spread throughout her body and there is no chance that surgery would get it all out. I know that it is her time and that she has had a good life but it is just still so sad. It's the first time I have had to deal with losing a pet and it has surprised me how upset I am... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hafhafa Hounds Posted August 6, 2011 Share Posted August 6, 2011 Thank you Donna, Having lost my heart dog 8 short days ago, I see the wisdom in your words all too clearly. It was time for Sally to leave and she did, with my permission and with the help of my vet. Without my permission, she might have held on just a little longer - but for who's gain and to what end? She was ready and I had to let her go. Sonia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCPuppy Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 What wonderful wise words. I dread the day I have to make such a decision, and hope it is many years in the future. I pray to dog that I will have the strength to let her go in peace. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now