While we all take extra precautions to keep our families safe and healthy during COVID-19, time still moves forward. As pet parents, we continue to choose the role as caregiver to our beloved 4-legged family members. The choice of owning and loving a pet also comes with heavy decisions as they near end of life. During a pandemic, we know these decisions can be even more challenging. We hope the following suggestions can bring guidance during this time for all pet owners faced with such difficult decisions.
- Call ahead before driving to the hospital. It is so important that you know exactly what to expect during this time. Allow one of the staff members to walk you through the entire process and some of the new protocol for humane euthanasia. Do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you need.
- Share your desires for aftercare. Stay on the line with the staff member for an end of life consultation. This is the time to share your wishes such as home burial vs cremation services and memorial paw print requests. With an empathetic heart, we know this conversation can be sensitive and sometimes emotional. We have found that being in the comfort of your home rather than, for example, curbside in the parking lot to process this information, can be very supportive during this consultation. Again, please do not hesitate to ask questions. It is critical that you are receiving the aftercare you want and need for your family.
- Honor and spend time with your pet at home. As we do our part to keep our clients and staff healthy with curbside service and limited contact, we still want our pet parents to spend as much time as they need with their pet. Due to COVID-19 protocol, time in the room during the procedure with the doctor is shortened. Therefore, we suggest that you take as much time as you need at home to honor your pet and move through the process of sharing a loving goodbye.
- Host a virtual memorial service. This can be a nice opportunity to bring friends together and share a few fond memories in honor of your pet’s life. Another option could be to host a live memorial service after COVID-19. This can take place in your home, your backyard, or maybe a place where your pet loved to play. Either way, this can be a chance to share your heart and receive support from friends and family.
- Visit our “Forever Loved” Facebook Page. This is a kind, safe, and supportive space to share loving memories and thoughts of our pets who have crossed over the rainbow bridge. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/ForeverLoved1stPet/ so that we may support you in honoring your beloved family member.
We seal this message with the offering of peace, comfort, and healing for you and your pet during this final act of love. For further guidance or questions around our COVID-19 protocol, please do not hesitate to reach out at any time.
“Little by little, we let go of loss, but never of love.”
