Euthanasia and Grief

When is it time?

Quality of life vs. quantity of life. More bad days than good

Lack of appetiteLack of recognition of family membersUnable to do things once enjoyed

The process

Owners in room vs. not Children present? Decision for after care Last moments

Special treats, making comfortable, other pets in room?

Sedation.IV catheter or not

Solution Euthasol most common:

Sodium Pentobarbitol1 ml per 10 lbs of body weightCauses cerebral death prior to circulatory

collapse and cardiac arrestNo pain due to fact that cerebral cortex is

paralyzed first.Cessation of brain activity within 30 seconds

of injection.IV solution

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LY_aeYbL9g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqyF4E019uI&feature=related

Grief

Several support groups and websites available.

http://www.pet-loss.net/ http://www.petloss.com/ http://www.petloss.com/

Role of Technician Educate client on euthanasia procedure Never tell client what to do Be supportive prior, during and after

procedure. May provide some sort of memento of

petClay paw printUrns with engraved plaquePoems, etc.

Rainbow Bridge Poem

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies

that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run

and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed

are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times

gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very

special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one

suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers.

Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster

and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be

parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the

beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your

heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge

together....  Author unknown...

Some people are ready for another dog right after a loss, but many need some time to grieve

Stages of Grief Denial and Isolation Anger Bargaining Depression Acceptance

Denial and Isolation At first, we tend to

deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer.

Anger The grieving person may

then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.

Bargaining Now the grieving

person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?"

Depression The person feels

numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath.

Acceptance This is when the

anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss.

In Loving Memory

“Skye” 1998-2010