Q: My vet is great and I'm very happy with her services but when it came time to euthanize my cat Morris, the death-related options overwhelmed me. I wished someone had prepared me.
A: I, too, am guilty of failing to adequately inform clients of their choices for death services before the time of euthanasia. Most vets don't have the heart to discuss death before its time.
Nonetheless, it's a courtesy you deserve to have extended should your pet clearly be suffering his last months, weeks or days of his life.
That's why I urge all owners to consider taking matters into their own hands by learning about options before a pet becomes ill enough to consider death. Here is a brief description of the services available:
Euthanasia is often a one-injection procedure, two if the euthanasia solution is administered after a strong sedative (my preference). Death occurs very quickly, usually within seconds after administration of the drugs.
Burial or cremation are the two most common options, with taxidermy a very distant third. Pet cemeteries are available.
Cremation may be achieved ''communally,'' in which the animals will be cremated along with others, or ''privately,'' so remains may be returned to the owner for safe-keeping. The difference in expense is significant.
I hope you'll accept my apologies on behalf of our profession.
