Pet transport is a very important exercise that should be taken serious. If you are moving your pets to another home or you are selling them to other people, you will require transport. Arranging the transport by yourself may be hard to you especially f you don't know the right procedure. This is why many people opt for services from competent companies to service their needs with ease.
There is no need of involving yourself in a very tedious process that will only result in making your goals hard to attain. The first thing that will come in your mind when transporting your pet is the best company that can provide you with the services. There are both new and old companies that are in the market but selecting the best may be a very hard thing to you. The following piece is helpful during transportation and if you are ready for quality services for transporting your pet, the piece is indispensable.
First, it is good to choose a company that has been in the market for a long time. Companies with experience understand the right protocol and the process that can be used to make your goals a realistic possibility. With the increasing need for more transport, you must make sure that you have the right way forward and make the process faster and better.
Companies with no experience may not understand the documentations that are required during the process of moving your pets to the right destination. When you choose the right company, you will be in a position to enjoy the best quality services and move your pet from one point to another with ease. It is easy to make your pet conformable as well as making it have a safe transport to its destination. Companies without proper experience may make the pet lonely and frustrated during transport. The type of packaging that is used for transport should be firm enough to allow easy movements of the pet without making it panic.
Further, it is good to choose companies that have positive reviews in the market. This is a good thing to think of since you will have enough confidence when you are selecting your company. Companies with positive reviews are good and you can select them to give you the best service ever. When you choose from reviewed sites, it may be hard, as you will get poor services. To improve on the services, you can read on the reviews left by previous clients. If they are satisfying, you can enjoy high quality services throughout the process. Good companies give you the right way forward and this can be a very great opportunity when you are shopping for your dog transport services. You can further increase your faith knowing that the pet will reach easily.
Moreover, you can look at the prices that the companies are offering for your pet transport. Depending on your budget, you can choose the best services that fir your pocket needs. There are many companies in the market and with the increasing competition; you will have the best quote from your company. There are different cases where you need good quality and you cannot get easily due to high pricing. Our budget should be very flexible to help you get the right service for your animal transport. With a more informed choice, it is easy to enjoy good services from your competent company.
The above few points can help you in choosing the right company to offer quality services for pet transportation to different places. You can read more details online and make your choice better.
Wednesday, 31 October 2012
5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Veterinarian
Are you confused about how to select a veterinarian to look after your beloved pet? You'll need to find a really good vet (attached to a great clinic) in order to ensure that your pet is looked after in the best manner possible. After all, most people's pets are like members of their family and they do not compromise on the quality of care that is given to them.
Be sure to look for the following when selecting a veterinarian:
1. The vet is highly experienced: This is a given. An experienced vet will easily be able to diagnose problems correctly and also identify various potential problem areas. In addition, the support staff at the veterinary clinic should also be very good at their jobs.
2. The vet is attached to a full service clinic: You are bound to require a variety of services for your animal friend. While you do require vaccinations and general treatment from time to time, you also should be certain that your pet will get emergency medical services and grooming here as well. You'll save a great deal of time and effort if you get all these services in the same place. Be sure to enquire whether it has a proper x-ray department and a pathology lab.
3. The clinic should have a comfortable and welcoming ambience: You'll find that visits to the vet are a lot less stressful than usual if the clinic is a comfortable place. This is especially important if your pet is a dog since these animals have a very good memory.
4. The clinic takes care of different types of animals: While most veterinary clinics take care of dogs and cats, the best ones will also be able to treat guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, birds, fish and reptiles. You won't have to keep looking for a new clinic every time your kids get a different pet.
5. The vet takes the trouble to answer your (and your kids') questions: A really good vet will provide you with plenty of information about how best to take care of your pet. This information generally covers grooming, training and nutrition as well.
Be sure to select a veterinarian with a great deal of care because it is never a good idea to keep changing the one you visit. Over time the vet will have a very good understanding of your pet's needs and specific problems.
Be sure to look for the following when selecting a veterinarian:
1. The vet is highly experienced: This is a given. An experienced vet will easily be able to diagnose problems correctly and also identify various potential problem areas. In addition, the support staff at the veterinary clinic should also be very good at their jobs.
2. The vet is attached to a full service clinic: You are bound to require a variety of services for your animal friend. While you do require vaccinations and general treatment from time to time, you also should be certain that your pet will get emergency medical services and grooming here as well. You'll save a great deal of time and effort if you get all these services in the same place. Be sure to enquire whether it has a proper x-ray department and a pathology lab.
3. The clinic should have a comfortable and welcoming ambience: You'll find that visits to the vet are a lot less stressful than usual if the clinic is a comfortable place. This is especially important if your pet is a dog since these animals have a very good memory.
4. The clinic takes care of different types of animals: While most veterinary clinics take care of dogs and cats, the best ones will also be able to treat guinea pigs, mice, rabbits, birds, fish and reptiles. You won't have to keep looking for a new clinic every time your kids get a different pet.
5. The vet takes the trouble to answer your (and your kids') questions: A really good vet will provide you with plenty of information about how best to take care of your pet. This information generally covers grooming, training and nutrition as well.
Be sure to select a veterinarian with a great deal of care because it is never a good idea to keep changing the one you visit. Over time the vet will have a very good understanding of your pet's needs and specific problems.
Animal Ownership - A Blessing or a Nightmare
My cat, Smokey, came into my life a few years ago as an adult cat with a huge chip on her shoulder - with good reason.
Our first meeting was at the veterinary hospital. Her photo was on the receptionist's counter. I first noticed her huge green eyes, looking startled. She had been brought to the hospital for euthanization - her people didn't want her anymore. The veterinarian was familiar with Smokey, knew she was a young healthy cat - not to mention gorgeous. She asked the owners if they would turn Smokey over to the vet's ownership. They agreed. When she arrived in my home, I spent the next several years urging her to trust humanity again.
I'll give her previous owners at least one credit - they just didn't throw her out into the street and abandon her life and health to the fates and hazards of outdoor survival. But this is just an example of people acquiring a pet because it looks so cute as a baby animal, but don't consider the commitment of caring for an animal over its lifetime. There is a lot to think about when you decide to bring an animal or bird, or whatever, into your home.
The cost can be enormous if the animal develops health issues. Training is required but often disregarded as too time consuming; but then an undisciplined animal can cause major problems within the household. Having an animal impacts vacation planning, house cleanliness, yard maintenance, grocery bill, health issues if members of the home develop allergies.
Having an animal in your life can be a blessing. The benefits are beyond what most people realize. They impact the health of the owners in many positive ways. Medical professionals now recognize that pets can help reduce the pet owner's blood pressure and alleviate depression. Animals that require daily walks get the owner's moving up off the couch. Walking your dog through a neighborhood is magical. People who would never chat suddenly find themselves talking with strangers about their dog, then discover all they have in common. Friendships blossom.
Animals are gifted in many ways that science has yet to understand. My husband is a diabetic and occasionally will drop into a comatose state during his sleep if his blood sugar drops below normal. One of my shelties would wake me up and become very agitated until I checked on my husband. Some dogs alert their epileptic owner that a seizure is about to occur. Dogs have performed amazing rescues in areas devastated by disasters and work with police to capture dangerous criminals.
I think that most people know about the wonderful qualities of these special animals but fail to realize that these animals required not hours, but months of special training, were provided with optimum food, and there was no expense spared when it came to ensuring their physical and dental health.
You can't have a healthy active animal if you're planning on feeding it grocery store bags of food. Without training, the animal will follow its own instincts and make its own rules (without having its own parent to guide it). Without veterinary support, the animal can fall victim to a wide assortment of diseases, debilitating or fatal.
Some animals, particularly working breed dogs (herding, guard, hunting), require a sense of purpose, a job to keep them not just occupied but mentally engaged. These animals are high energy and very intelligent. In the wrong home, they may develop anxiety, depression, hostility, and health problems.
If you are considering owning an animal as a pet in your home, think about it long and hard. Consider your lifestyle, your neighbors, your health, and finances. If you think you can pick up a pet from a breeder or a shelter and plunk it into your home and everything is going to be magically wonderful - you are so dead wrong.
The initial joy in having a new 'friend' wears off when it becomes clear your house is now full of hair. There's hair in your soup and butter, on your nice clothes. You're spitting out hair and the carpet needs vacuuming much more often (some carpets are notorious for grabbing the hair - permanently).
Of course, your yard takes a beating too, especially since grass does not tolerate urine. It's not so much fun picking up dog poop from the yard and on daily walks. Oh, yes. Those daily walks are great when the weather is fine and you're not exhausted or sick.
And don't count on your kids or other family members to pitch in to help. Typically all the chores of caring for the animal falls on one member of the household - the one whose idea it was to get the animal. Children will promise the world to get a pet but are unable (usually) to follow through in being responsible for the daily chores of caring for it.
Cost can vary from a several hundred dollars a year (annual vet check up and vaccinations, nutritional food, training lessons and miscellaneous supplies) to several thousand dollars if the animal becomes ill. In an emergency (which seem to occur when your vet is on days off), the emergency hospitals charges start at around $500 just for walking through the doors. Add blood work, xrays, medication, surgery and you had better have your credit card handy. As the animal ages, they can develop chronic health problems, such as diabetes, heart and lung problems, allergies, arthritis, blindness, and multiple others which require special care and medication - and money.
I met a family who had a new puppy. The two small children were carrying it around as the parents were selecting items to purchase in my shop. It appeared only a few weeks old and should have been resting, However, it was being constantly mauled by the children. I commented that the puppy seemed awfully young to be away from its mother. The mother replied, "Oh, it just a toy for the children." I nearly lost my lunch.
Thousands of dog and cats are euthanized DAILY in shelters and animal pounds. All because (1) people made poor choices in caring from their animal, (2) should not have adopted an animal, (3) failed to neuter/spay the animal and let it roam, (4) some breeders are not selective in who adopts their animals, (5) people decided to abandon their animal.
If you cannot commit to the animal's wellbeing for the next ten to twenty years (or more with certain breed of birds or fish, etc.) get yourself a different hobby.
Our first meeting was at the veterinary hospital. Her photo was on the receptionist's counter. I first noticed her huge green eyes, looking startled. She had been brought to the hospital for euthanization - her people didn't want her anymore. The veterinarian was familiar with Smokey, knew she was a young healthy cat - not to mention gorgeous. She asked the owners if they would turn Smokey over to the vet's ownership. They agreed. When she arrived in my home, I spent the next several years urging her to trust humanity again.
I'll give her previous owners at least one credit - they just didn't throw her out into the street and abandon her life and health to the fates and hazards of outdoor survival. But this is just an example of people acquiring a pet because it looks so cute as a baby animal, but don't consider the commitment of caring for an animal over its lifetime. There is a lot to think about when you decide to bring an animal or bird, or whatever, into your home.
The cost can be enormous if the animal develops health issues. Training is required but often disregarded as too time consuming; but then an undisciplined animal can cause major problems within the household. Having an animal impacts vacation planning, house cleanliness, yard maintenance, grocery bill, health issues if members of the home develop allergies.
Having an animal in your life can be a blessing. The benefits are beyond what most people realize. They impact the health of the owners in many positive ways. Medical professionals now recognize that pets can help reduce the pet owner's blood pressure and alleviate depression. Animals that require daily walks get the owner's moving up off the couch. Walking your dog through a neighborhood is magical. People who would never chat suddenly find themselves talking with strangers about their dog, then discover all they have in common. Friendships blossom.
Animals are gifted in many ways that science has yet to understand. My husband is a diabetic and occasionally will drop into a comatose state during his sleep if his blood sugar drops below normal. One of my shelties would wake me up and become very agitated until I checked on my husband. Some dogs alert their epileptic owner that a seizure is about to occur. Dogs have performed amazing rescues in areas devastated by disasters and work with police to capture dangerous criminals.
I think that most people know about the wonderful qualities of these special animals but fail to realize that these animals required not hours, but months of special training, were provided with optimum food, and there was no expense spared when it came to ensuring their physical and dental health.
You can't have a healthy active animal if you're planning on feeding it grocery store bags of food. Without training, the animal will follow its own instincts and make its own rules (without having its own parent to guide it). Without veterinary support, the animal can fall victim to a wide assortment of diseases, debilitating or fatal.
Some animals, particularly working breed dogs (herding, guard, hunting), require a sense of purpose, a job to keep them not just occupied but mentally engaged. These animals are high energy and very intelligent. In the wrong home, they may develop anxiety, depression, hostility, and health problems.
If you are considering owning an animal as a pet in your home, think about it long and hard. Consider your lifestyle, your neighbors, your health, and finances. If you think you can pick up a pet from a breeder or a shelter and plunk it into your home and everything is going to be magically wonderful - you are so dead wrong.
The initial joy in having a new 'friend' wears off when it becomes clear your house is now full of hair. There's hair in your soup and butter, on your nice clothes. You're spitting out hair and the carpet needs vacuuming much more often (some carpets are notorious for grabbing the hair - permanently).
Of course, your yard takes a beating too, especially since grass does not tolerate urine. It's not so much fun picking up dog poop from the yard and on daily walks. Oh, yes. Those daily walks are great when the weather is fine and you're not exhausted or sick.
And don't count on your kids or other family members to pitch in to help. Typically all the chores of caring for the animal falls on one member of the household - the one whose idea it was to get the animal. Children will promise the world to get a pet but are unable (usually) to follow through in being responsible for the daily chores of caring for it.
Cost can vary from a several hundred dollars a year (annual vet check up and vaccinations, nutritional food, training lessons and miscellaneous supplies) to several thousand dollars if the animal becomes ill. In an emergency (which seem to occur when your vet is on days off), the emergency hospitals charges start at around $500 just for walking through the doors. Add blood work, xrays, medication, surgery and you had better have your credit card handy. As the animal ages, they can develop chronic health problems, such as diabetes, heart and lung problems, allergies, arthritis, blindness, and multiple others which require special care and medication - and money.
I met a family who had a new puppy. The two small children were carrying it around as the parents were selecting items to purchase in my shop. It appeared only a few weeks old and should have been resting, However, it was being constantly mauled by the children. I commented that the puppy seemed awfully young to be away from its mother. The mother replied, "Oh, it just a toy for the children." I nearly lost my lunch.
Thousands of dog and cats are euthanized DAILY in shelters and animal pounds. All because (1) people made poor choices in caring from their animal, (2) should not have adopted an animal, (3) failed to neuter/spay the animal and let it roam, (4) some breeders are not selective in who adopts their animals, (5) people decided to abandon their animal.
If you cannot commit to the animal's wellbeing for the next ten to twenty years (or more with certain breed of birds or fish, etc.) get yourself a different hobby.
Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Caring for Hedgehogs
Over the past few years, the UK has seen a steady decline in the number of hedgehogs seen. Given this worrying fact, it is more important than ever to give these spiky critters a helping hand over the coming months by ensuring that you care for them in the best possible way.
The decline of hedgehogs is thought to be because of a number of factors from the increased road traffic, chemicals such as slug pellets and insecticides being used in gardens, and even hibernation if the weather becomes too cold during winter or their nest becomes disturbed.
Our gardens make the perfect habitat, not just for wild birds, but for hedgehogs too. So, if you'd like to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, simply follow the simple advice below:
Hedgehogs are always on the hunt for food. You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing a regular hearty meal that will keep them coming back for more. There is a range of Hedgehog Feed available to purchase from dried biscuits to nutritious blends, stocked by all major retailers of wildlife food.Gardens make great hedgehog habitats. Pile up logs, leaves, straw and twigs in a quiet part of your garden, ensuring this area remains undisturbed. It is recommended that a Hedgehog Box or Hogitat is provided for even greater protection.Ensure your garden is easily accessible to hedgehogs, if you have a walled garden it is suggested that you remove a brick, making a hole in the fence or tunnelling underneath so that hedgehogs can easily slip through in search of food or a mate.It should be remembered that hedgehogs often hibernate in compost heaps and piles of logs or twigs, which are intended for bonfires. With this in mind, please be sure to check these for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting or disposing of.You may not know that hedgehogs are actually great for ridding your garden of unwanted pests such as slugs, snails and insects. But be sure not to use any chemical insecticides or pellets which could seriously harm hedgehogs.Like any living creature, hedgehogs need water to survive. With this in mind, you should look to provide a good supply of fresh water and change this as often as you can, ideally daily. Make sure that no pets have access to this, as they could use up the supply of water without you realising.
If you need more advice, there are plenty of Hedgehog Guides available to buy in shops and a range of information available online, just do a search on Google for 'Caring for Hedgehogs'.
The decline of hedgehogs is thought to be because of a number of factors from the increased road traffic, chemicals such as slug pellets and insecticides being used in gardens, and even hibernation if the weather becomes too cold during winter or their nest becomes disturbed.
Our gardens make the perfect habitat, not just for wild birds, but for hedgehogs too. So, if you'd like to encourage hedgehogs into your garden, simply follow the simple advice below:
Hedgehogs are always on the hunt for food. You can encourage hedgehogs into your garden by providing a regular hearty meal that will keep them coming back for more. There is a range of Hedgehog Feed available to purchase from dried biscuits to nutritious blends, stocked by all major retailers of wildlife food.Gardens make great hedgehog habitats. Pile up logs, leaves, straw and twigs in a quiet part of your garden, ensuring this area remains undisturbed. It is recommended that a Hedgehog Box or Hogitat is provided for even greater protection.Ensure your garden is easily accessible to hedgehogs, if you have a walled garden it is suggested that you remove a brick, making a hole in the fence or tunnelling underneath so that hedgehogs can easily slip through in search of food or a mate.It should be remembered that hedgehogs often hibernate in compost heaps and piles of logs or twigs, which are intended for bonfires. With this in mind, please be sure to check these for sleeping hedgehogs before lighting or disposing of.You may not know that hedgehogs are actually great for ridding your garden of unwanted pests such as slugs, snails and insects. But be sure not to use any chemical insecticides or pellets which could seriously harm hedgehogs.Like any living creature, hedgehogs need water to survive. With this in mind, you should look to provide a good supply of fresh water and change this as often as you can, ideally daily. Make sure that no pets have access to this, as they could use up the supply of water without you realising.
If you need more advice, there are plenty of Hedgehog Guides available to buy in shops and a range of information available online, just do a search on Google for 'Caring for Hedgehogs'.
Tuesday, 23 October 2012
Euthanizing Your Pet - Home Vs Veterinarian's Office?
You are at the vet's practically paralyzed with fear as you listen to the words you aren't ready to hear. Nothing more can be done? Pain Management. It's time start thinking about what's best for your pet.
Often, desperation takes over. You aren't ready to give up the fight. Let's try more drugs. Let's hire a massage therapist. How about a physio therapist? You try everything, but you really know you are just stalling.
It is time. Decisions need to be made.
At Home or At the Vet's (Practical decisions)
This is a big decision and one that needs to be thought through. Try and think pragmatically instead of emotionally. Can you deal with having a spot in your house that will remind you of your pet's death. Some find it comforting while others may think they can deal with it, but find out afterwards they can't.
What is the downside of going to the vet's office? In my case I didn't want to have to walk through a waiting room full of happy people and their pets knowing I would walk in with a dog but walkout with my heart ripped apart?
Another option may be available. I arranged that when I felt it was time, the vet would come to our house. I had hoped for a beautiful day so Jake could be outside and peacefully drift off while under his favorite apple tree.
What about other family Pets?
What about the other family pets? Should you let them be there? It might be very comforting for the pet who is being euthanized. However, you really need to think about the surviving pet. We decided the decision is best left up to our other pet. He will let you know what he wants to do. Don't force the issue. It's his decision and he will make the right one for him.
What to do with his remains?
Another decision is what to do with his remains? There are pet cemeteries. Look into this option and decide if it is the right one for you.
Depending on where you live and your living situation, another option is to bury your pet in a special place on your property. Is it winter? If so digging a hole deep enough could be difficult. If you are ordering a casket, order it in advance and make sure the hole you did is the right size to fit the casket you have chosen. I will tell you that digging a hole in advance is extremely emotional.
If you decide to bury your pet in your yard, checked with the town hall to make sure there were no rules against burying an animal on your property.
Once again you need to set your own emotional needs aside and think of this from a practical point of view. Will other family pets realize the pet was buried there? Will they be able to smell they are there? If so, how will they handle it?What happens when it's time to move? Can you move away leaving your pet behind? Do you need to legally disclose to the new potential buyer's that your pet is buried there?
Cremation is another option? We finally decided this was the best option for us. I researched and found that there were two type of cremation. One was a private creation meaning that the ashes returned would be Jake's. The other type was a group cremation meaning some of the ashes would be Jakes? The cost was higher but emotionally I wanted to know the ashes I had belonged to Jake.
When?
How do you pick the day? What do you want the last day to be like? Do you want visitors? Do you want a quiet day with just you and your pet? Telling everyone in advance often leads to a lot of stress. Everyone has their own opinion and it might be easier not to tell family and friends until after your pet has passed away.
Plan B - Murphy's Law has shown you should always have a backup plan
All the planning, researching and organizing, means nothing if your pet tells you he needs to go now; not next week. In my case our dog Jake made the decision for us. He quickly went downhill and was in tremendous pain. He made the decision for us. It had to be now.
Murphy's law kicked in. We weren't ready. We thought we had more time. Our vet was not in and her office tried to reach her to no avail. The only vet on call was booked solid and couldn't come over for many hours. Jake was in severe pain and his comfort trumped my plans. I tossed the plans out the window and moved quickly to plan B. Be prepared to have to quickly jump to Plan B. Even more important, know what your plan B will be.
We still had to decide whether our other pet should come with us. In our case Couper stared at us with fear in his eyes. We tried to see if he would come with us but he ran into the bedroom and refused to move. He too had made the decision for us... he would not be coming with. Please respect your other pet's decisions. Let them make their own decision and honor and respect it.
Ask in advance how your vet handles the emotional and financial side of this. I did not and therefore fully expected to have to walk through a waiting room full of people.
When we arrived two techs immediately came out with a stretcher for Jake. I walked in and realized the place was empty. They had emptied the waiting room in anticipation of our arrival. Bless their thoughtfulness!
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask them to explain what will happen and what to expect. If needed, ask the vet to leave so you can have a few more moments alone with your pet. Say everything you want to say. People sometimes regret afterwards that they forgot to say certain things.
Another decision now needs to be made. Do you stay in the room or leave. I remember reading something years ago that said please don't let your dog die alone. He needs you to be there. I know Jake was comforted by our presence and we knew we needed to be in the room for his sake as well as ours.. If you are unable to handle being in the room, please ask someone else to be there in place of you.
Keep your pet calm, stroke his head or body, tell him he's a good boy and don't stop until the vet tells you your pet has passed.
Afterwards ask if you can spend a few minutes with your pet. You may prefer to just leave and that's fine too. We gave him one last hug and kiss and headed home to deal with our remaining dog.
My vet refused to let us pay that day and instead told us to come back in a few days. Ask what your vet's policy is. Some people find it easier to pay a few days in advance rather than paying that day.
Be prepared for this empty feeling. I remember driving home and all I could think about was yhe puppy who captured my heart 11 years ago was gone.
If you have other pets at home, be prepared for them being depressed and in mourning. Know in advance how to deal with a pet in mourning.
Often, desperation takes over. You aren't ready to give up the fight. Let's try more drugs. Let's hire a massage therapist. How about a physio therapist? You try everything, but you really know you are just stalling.
It is time. Decisions need to be made.
At Home or At the Vet's (Practical decisions)
This is a big decision and one that needs to be thought through. Try and think pragmatically instead of emotionally. Can you deal with having a spot in your house that will remind you of your pet's death. Some find it comforting while others may think they can deal with it, but find out afterwards they can't.
What is the downside of going to the vet's office? In my case I didn't want to have to walk through a waiting room full of happy people and their pets knowing I would walk in with a dog but walkout with my heart ripped apart?
Another option may be available. I arranged that when I felt it was time, the vet would come to our house. I had hoped for a beautiful day so Jake could be outside and peacefully drift off while under his favorite apple tree.
What about other family Pets?
What about the other family pets? Should you let them be there? It might be very comforting for the pet who is being euthanized. However, you really need to think about the surviving pet. We decided the decision is best left up to our other pet. He will let you know what he wants to do. Don't force the issue. It's his decision and he will make the right one for him.
What to do with his remains?
Another decision is what to do with his remains? There are pet cemeteries. Look into this option and decide if it is the right one for you.
Depending on where you live and your living situation, another option is to bury your pet in a special place on your property. Is it winter? If so digging a hole deep enough could be difficult. If you are ordering a casket, order it in advance and make sure the hole you did is the right size to fit the casket you have chosen. I will tell you that digging a hole in advance is extremely emotional.
If you decide to bury your pet in your yard, checked with the town hall to make sure there were no rules against burying an animal on your property.
Once again you need to set your own emotional needs aside and think of this from a practical point of view. Will other family pets realize the pet was buried there? Will they be able to smell they are there? If so, how will they handle it?What happens when it's time to move? Can you move away leaving your pet behind? Do you need to legally disclose to the new potential buyer's that your pet is buried there?
Cremation is another option? We finally decided this was the best option for us. I researched and found that there were two type of cremation. One was a private creation meaning that the ashes returned would be Jake's. The other type was a group cremation meaning some of the ashes would be Jakes? The cost was higher but emotionally I wanted to know the ashes I had belonged to Jake.
When?
How do you pick the day? What do you want the last day to be like? Do you want visitors? Do you want a quiet day with just you and your pet? Telling everyone in advance often leads to a lot of stress. Everyone has their own opinion and it might be easier not to tell family and friends until after your pet has passed away.
Plan B - Murphy's Law has shown you should always have a backup plan
All the planning, researching and organizing, means nothing if your pet tells you he needs to go now; not next week. In my case our dog Jake made the decision for us. He quickly went downhill and was in tremendous pain. He made the decision for us. It had to be now.
Murphy's law kicked in. We weren't ready. We thought we had more time. Our vet was not in and her office tried to reach her to no avail. The only vet on call was booked solid and couldn't come over for many hours. Jake was in severe pain and his comfort trumped my plans. I tossed the plans out the window and moved quickly to plan B. Be prepared to have to quickly jump to Plan B. Even more important, know what your plan B will be.
We still had to decide whether our other pet should come with us. In our case Couper stared at us with fear in his eyes. We tried to see if he would come with us but he ran into the bedroom and refused to move. He too had made the decision for us... he would not be coming with. Please respect your other pet's decisions. Let them make their own decision and honor and respect it.
Ask in advance how your vet handles the emotional and financial side of this. I did not and therefore fully expected to have to walk through a waiting room full of people.
When we arrived two techs immediately came out with a stretcher for Jake. I walked in and realized the place was empty. They had emptied the waiting room in anticipation of our arrival. Bless their thoughtfulness!
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ask them to explain what will happen and what to expect. If needed, ask the vet to leave so you can have a few more moments alone with your pet. Say everything you want to say. People sometimes regret afterwards that they forgot to say certain things.
Another decision now needs to be made. Do you stay in the room or leave. I remember reading something years ago that said please don't let your dog die alone. He needs you to be there. I know Jake was comforted by our presence and we knew we needed to be in the room for his sake as well as ours.. If you are unable to handle being in the room, please ask someone else to be there in place of you.
Keep your pet calm, stroke his head or body, tell him he's a good boy and don't stop until the vet tells you your pet has passed.
Afterwards ask if you can spend a few minutes with your pet. You may prefer to just leave and that's fine too. We gave him one last hug and kiss and headed home to deal with our remaining dog.
My vet refused to let us pay that day and instead told us to come back in a few days. Ask what your vet's policy is. Some people find it easier to pay a few days in advance rather than paying that day.
Be prepared for this empty feeling. I remember driving home and all I could think about was yhe puppy who captured my heart 11 years ago was gone.
If you have other pets at home, be prepared for them being depressed and in mourning. Know in advance how to deal with a pet in mourning.
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