“I’m afraid it’s the end of the road.”
There’s never a right time to say goodbye to a cherished pet. It’s not something you can emotionally prepare for, even when they’re diagnosed with a terminal illness. But how do you know when to let go?
Knowing When Their Time Is Near
The fight against cancer is difficult. You’ll notice days when your fur baby is happy and lively, and days when they barely eat or simply want to sleep. The ups and downs make it challenging to decide whether you should hold on or let them go.
When Sasha and Ice deteriorated, they weren’t interested in their favorite treats and stopped eating altogether. Sasha eventually lost the use of her back legs, while Ice was in severe pain. I felt guilty for a very long time after their passing, particularly in Sasha’s case. Had I waited too long and caused unnecessary suffering?
By the time I faced Blueberry’s emergency visit to the vet, I was adamant that I would do what was best for her quality of life, not because I wished to keep her around just a little bit longer. Berry suffered a liver rupture, and her abdomen was full of blood. The vet gave me the option of surgery and explained how unlikely it would be that Berry would survive. If she did make it through surgery, she’d have a month left, and it would be spent in recovery. I couldn’t imagine such a lively dog with such a big personality, miserable and in pain, so that I could possibly have an extra month with her. It was such a difficult decision, one of the worst days of my life, but I chose euthanasia.
One thing you should always remember, and I know how hard it is, is to always prioritize their quality and not their quantity of life.
The Question of Euthanasia
Some pet owners choose euthanasia long before their fur companions show signs of unmanageable pain, loss of appetite, or poor mobility. They’ll spend the day going for a walk in a beautiful location or feeding them their favorite treats before saying goodbye. Others wait until their pets are in severe discomfort, cannot walk, or end up at the vet in critical condition.
The time for euthanasia should be discussed with your vet. They can help you monitor your pet’s condition based on the type of cancer or critical illness. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, and while it is extremely tough, don’t feel guilty about doing what is best for them. It’s a decision made out of love and not wanting them to be in pain or lose the light in their eyes.
Saying goodbye to Blueberry, I remember lying on the floor next to her with my arm around her in the vet’s office. As the euthanasia was administered, it felt as if she were falling asleep. I whispered in her ear; there was so much that I wanted to tell her. How much I loved her, how much she meant to me, but I knew and she knew what was in our hearts. I wasn’t aware of her passing until the vet informed me that she was gone. She looked so peaceful.
There’s never really a ‘right’ time. Letting go is about considering their quality of life and the prognosis provided by your vet. Age is another factor. Senior pets are less likely to handle chemotherapy or major surgeries. Many types of treatments are also costly and may not provide the relief or the improvement that you had hoped for.
Making the final decision is the hardest thing you could ever be asked to do as a pet parent. You know their personalities, when they’re in constant pain, and when you’ve exhausted the options to help them.
Hospice Care for Pets
Hospice care for your dog or cat means assisting with their end-of-life needs. Pets that have lost mobility rely on you to take them outdoors to relieve themselves. You’ll gently clean them, feed them, and give them lots of love, of course! You can use a harness or a sheet to lift weak or immobile pets. Be sure to provide adequate support, particularly for large-breed dogs.
It is a good idea to create a quiet space where they can relax but still be part of the family. They want to be close to you. If you decide to provide your pet with hospice care, be prepared for the responsibility and emotional toll.
Good Days and Bad Days
Pets with cancer have good days and bad days, but when the bad days start outweighing the good, you have to question their quality of life.
Sasha passed a day before I was to contact the vet. I still question whether I should’ve made the call much sooner. She had lost her mobility but not her personality, and right up until the end, she would still bark at you for her favorite things, as she had done throughout her life. I think that’s why I struggled to say goodbye.
The night of her passing, she was in the living room resting on the carpet, and as I sat in front of her, she lifted her head and held my gaze for a few seconds. I knew that was her way of telling me that it was her time.
The ups and downs, visiting one vet after another, and trying different remedies to give each dog affected by cancer more time, came down to acceptance and perseverance. From holistic remedies with Sasha and Ice to chemotherapy with Blueberry, one thing’s for certain: we experienced a dog cancer journey filled with an abundance of unconditional love and endless hope. For that, I will be forever grateful.
Revelation 21:4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”