Euthanasia and Grief

When is it time?  Quality of life vs. quantity of life.  More bad days than good Lack of appetite Lack of recognition of family members Unable to do things once enjoyed

The process  Owners in room vs. not  Children present?  Decision for after care  Last moments Special treats, making comfortable, other pets in room?  Sedation. IV catheter or not

Solution  Euthasol most common: Sodium Pentobarbitol 1 ml per 10 lbs of body weight Causes cerebral death prior to circulatory collapse and cardiac arrest No pain due to fact that cerebral cortex is paralyzed first. Cessation of brain activity within 30 seconds of injection. IV solution

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Grief  Several support groups and websites available.   

Role of Technician  Educate client on euthanasia procedure  Never tell client what to do  Be supportive prior, during and after procedure.  May provide some sort of memento of pet Clay paw print Urns with engraved plaque Poems, etc.

Rainbow Bridge Poem  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...

 Some people are ready for another dog right after a loss, but many need some time to grieve

Stages of Grief  Denial and Isolation  Anger  Bargaining  Depression  Acceptance

Denial and Isolation  At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer.

Anger  The grieving person may then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.

Bargaining  Now the grieving person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?"

Depression  The person feels numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath.

Acceptance  This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss.

In Loving Memory “Skye”