Pet Loss

It's Okay to Truly Love a Pet

When you must face the loss of an extraordinary animal companion, you may be shocked to find yourself experiencing intense grief. It might be worrisome to have an overwhelming response to "just an animal."

We know that your pet was not "just an animal". Your pet, for reasons perhaps known only to you, found a very special, unique place in your life and your heart.

Part of losing a companion animal is a knowing that no other pet or person will ever fill that special place.

What to Expect with Euthanasia

When a pet is presented at our clinic for Euthanasia, we make every effort to make both the owner and their pet as comfortable as possible. We will always give the option to the owner to be present during the procedure.

If the owner is not comfortable with that, it is ok. We will give them the option of having time with their pet after the procedure.

The Euthanasia procedure consists of an injection of an overdose of a barbiturates directly into the vein. This travels to the heart, which then stops the heart in a matter of seconds. This injection is painless and quick, therefore no suffering.

Our cremation service are provided by Faithful Companion Memorials located in Royal Oak, Michigan. There are a few option to choose from:

• Private Cremation - Faithful Companion will pick up your pet and return the cremains to either the clinic or your home
• Group Cremation - Faithful Companion will pick up your pet, cremate and bury the cremains in a pet cemetary plot that has been purchased by Faithful Companion.

Questions and Emotions to Explore

• Determining the time to say good-bye
• Making specific arrangements for euthanasia
• Considering why we feel guilt over the loss of a pet
• Deciding how to talk to children about losing a pet
• Deciding and planning how to take care of your pet's remains
• Thinking of ways to memorialize your pet
• Deciding whether or when to bring another pet into your life
• Understanding that it is normal to grieve for your pet for months or years
• What is my pets quality of life?
• Is my pet in pain?
• Are there other treatment options available?
• How will this affect my quality of life?

Reaction to Loss

Grief can occur before, during or after the loss of a beloved pet, and can trigger a variety of reactions that are considered normal, and last for weeks or without proper attention, for many years.

Below are normal reactions and some listings for grief information and contacts.

• Crying spells
• Guilt
• Anger
• Irritability
• Feeling hopeless
• Hallucinations

Pet Loss Hotlines

• Michigan State University 517-432-2696
• Humane Society of Genesee County 810-744-0511
• Heartland Home Healthcare 888-427-6818

Web Resources for Pet Loss and Bereavement

Adapted from the Michigan State University Pet Loss Support Hotline

• Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
• AVMA Brochures
• Cherished Keepsakes
• Colorado State University

We also have more information in our clinic that we can provide to you by regular mail or email. Please call our office at 810-629-9882 and one of our staff members will be happy to answer your questions or forward more information to you.