This postsecret hurts my heart
- Thread starter Dia
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Oh man- that is very heartbreaking. I get it- but I have experience from the other side too.
Our former vet (and my boss) found it very difficult to have the client in the room for the final shot- he took every death so hard. He would give a "sleepy shot" that put the animal into a very deep unconcious sleep, and the owner would hold their friend and say goodbye then- the holding and kisses would come while the animal was still aware. He preferred to give the final shot in the back, where I would find him on many occasions with a tear rolling down his cheek. If the owner wanted the body back, he would very carefully wrap the body in a clean towel, arrange it like it was sleeping, and carefully place it in a box (if the animal was small enough).
Most of the time, the final shot was very uneventful- the heart just stops, and the animal is in such a deep sleep that the shot is not felt. But I understood the way he preferred to euthanize- sometimes it is hard to find a vein, sometimes there is some disconcerting involuntary movement, most times the pets would eliminate, and the owner would completely lose it- not the way he wanted the owner to remember their pet. But sometimes it happens- the animal is unaware. There was another vet in the practice that was OK with the owner being present for the end, but I was present at a few that technically went fine, but the realities of death were completely shocking and angered the grief -stricken owners. It was those occasional not-so-pretty deaths that made me understand why it is perfectly acceptable and loving to say goodbye before the final shot.
Our former vet (and my boss) found it very difficult to have the client in the room for the final shot- he took every death so hard. He would give a "sleepy shot" that put the animal into a very deep unconcious sleep, and the owner would hold their friend and say goodbye then- the holding and kisses would come while the animal was still aware. He preferred to give the final shot in the back, where I would find him on many occasions with a tear rolling down his cheek. If the owner wanted the body back, he would very carefully wrap the body in a clean towel, arrange it like it was sleeping, and carefully place it in a box (if the animal was small enough).
Most of the time, the final shot was very uneventful- the heart just stops, and the animal is in such a deep sleep that the shot is not felt. But I understood the way he preferred to euthanize- sometimes it is hard to find a vein, sometimes there is some disconcerting involuntary movement, most times the pets would eliminate, and the owner would completely lose it- not the way he wanted the owner to remember their pet. But sometimes it happens- the animal is unaware. There was another vet in the practice that was OK with the owner being present for the end, but I was present at a few that technically went fine, but the realities of death were completely shocking and angered the grief -stricken owners. It was those occasional not-so-pretty deaths that made me understand why it is perfectly acceptable and loving to say goodbye before the final shot.
I think your pet will find you wherever you are if there is a spirit realm, if one believes in that. We had a beloved dog, and he remained with my mother after most of us had flown the coop, with the exception of my little sister. I did not know that they had decided to euthanize Brownie, but a strange thing happened. I suddenly smelled doggy breath and a happy wagging presence. I immediately called my mother and she tearfully told me that they had just returned from the vet's office and she wondered how I knew. Unfortunately, it was very traumatic for my youngest sister as there was some unexpected realities. I like to think that Brownie came to say goodbye to me and when my sister learned of my knowledge and what I experienced, it made her heart a little lighter.
oh, how SAD!!! wahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!! but a beautiful statement too. and so true.
kathydwells
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
I stayed for the final shot with my 16 year old doberman. It wasn't pleasant. Unfortunately she didn't "just go to sleep", and I will never, ever forget her last moments on this earth. It was 7 years ago but I seems like it was yesterday. I think about it most days. I saw her come into the world, and I felt like I should have seen her out as well. I wish now I had not done it. I wish I had said my goodbye's and left the room before the "final" shot. I loved her dearly I still do. I love my little one's now, but I don't think that when the time comes if I have to make that decision again that I will stay. It doesn't mean I love them any less. I will just chose to remember them the way they were.
I've had many pets over the years, and have always held and kissed them at the end. It would be much, much harder for me to NOT be there. I feel blessed to send them off with love.
I knew not to look and now I am bawling.
kathydwells
Darlene is my middle name, not my nickname
I should have warned you. I'm sorry!
This goes right to the heart.
Post Secret is cool, I'd never heard of it until today.
Post Secret is cool, I'd never heard of it until today.