The Rainbow Bridge

Reggie was a happy-go-lucky golden doodle that brought smiles to everyone and everywhere he went. He was always a calming presence, and well known by the entire community. He had been a fantastic older dog-brother to “Henry", and they loved to go running on a trail with their family, not far from home.

The story about Henry joining Reggie’s family is a story in and of itself: Reggie’s family had a friend, a young girl, who had especially loved Reggie and his happy aura. She loved him so much so, that when she was tragically diagnosed with cancer, she asked Reggie's family if she could adopt a doodle just like him, and if they could care for him after she’s gone. They agreed and she went on to adopt Henry. Some time later this sweet girl sadly passed, and Henry moved in and Reggie became the best older brother to Henry. They played so well together and Reggie showed him all the ropes of being a good dog!

Months later, Reggie became ill and after a workup with his veterinarian, they discovered that he had cancer. Reggie was becoming progressively weak and painful, and the family knew it was time to help him. They gave us a call and I came out to their house to help Reggie cross The Rainbow Bridge...However, we did not stay at their house. His family had decided that it would be best if we went to Reggie’s favorite place, the trail that he had run on with his mom, dad, and Henry numerous times. We packed his favorite toys and blankets, and his family and I drove just a few minutes to the running trail.

This trail was a beautiful place - pink crushed gravel crunched underfoot, surrounded by green grasses and trees, and just a ways up the trail there was a wooden bridge with a stream underneath. This was the place. We laid out his blanket and toys as he sniffed around, gave him his favorite snack (chicken nuggets), and as Reggie became sleepy, one of his family read him a poem as the stream trickled in the background.

Reggie got to go to heaven in his favorite place, with his favorite people, and his favorite things. In the end, they commented on how the special girl with cancer that forever touched them, now lucked out as Reggie was with her. They were glad to know he already had a friend in heaven waiting for him.

Being a mobile vet and providing in-home care has allowed me to experience some very special moments. There are so many benefits of home euthanasia:

1. Pets are naturally most comfortable at home and their favorite places- with familiar sights, sounds, smells…There is nothing like home!

2. Bonded pets are able to be there for the pet that is crossing over. Time and time again we see firsthand how important it is for bonded pets to be there to say goodbye and get some closure when a family pet passes. Pets grieve and feel just like we do.

3. Being at home allows you to create meaningful surroundings for your pet and family, such as how Reggie’s family said goodbye on his favorite running path, with family by his side.

4. You and your family will be most comfortable at home too! Being at home, also allows you and your family have more privacy and time to say goodbye in the most meaningful way

5. In home euthanasia is painless. You won’t have to move or stress your aged, painful pet. We will come to you, give your beloved pet pain & sedative medications first, to ensure a comfortable, pain free passage.

I was inspired by this family and the thought they put into Reggie’s send-off. They thought of so many details of his favorite things and brought them all together for his Day. Reggie was undoubtedly a loved dog and I’m humbled to have been a part of his story.

Is it beneficial to have other pets present during euthanasia?

"Louie" the puggle and "Jake" were the best of friends and often slept together.  Here "Louie" lays next to "Jake", right after he passed on.

Many families ask me if their other pets should be present for the process of euthanasia.  As a housecall veterinarian, I have experienced first hand how compassionate euthanasia can be (euthanasia means “good death”) for the pet that is ailing, but also how intimate time is for the family and companion pets. 

In most situations, companion pets should be allowed to be present during the process of euthanasia.  Furthermore, companion pets should ALWAYS be allowed to be present AFTER the ailing pet has passed on. 

I often tell families that companion pets’ grieve uniquely, like people do.  Some companion pets want to be present, some don’t.  Some companion pets want to come and go throughout the process- this is ok too.  Some companion pets will need more TLC after the other pet has passed.  What is important is that you give them the freedom to be there (if appropriate) and that you understand that they will grieve too.  It really does help give them closure, just like it does for us!

I have heard countless stories from families on having the companion pets present has been a positive experience and how conversely, not allowing them to be present can result in unsettling behavioral changes.   One family described how their bonded pet looked for the deceased pet for literally 5 years.  “Dill” and “Pickles” were a sibling pair of cats, adopted as kittens from the shelter.  When “Pickles” became too ill to bear, the family took him to the vet clinic, without his brother “Dill”, the family witnessed “Dill” calling for “Pickles” every day “on a daily basis he would walk the home, meowing at the top of his lungs, it was awful”.   Not only were they grieving, but so was the companion pet, “Dill”, and unfortunately he did not have the closure of knowing what happened to “Pickles”.  This situation is not uncommon when other pets are not able to be present during the process.

What are some reasons not to have companion pets present?  Foremost, if they don’t want to be present, don’t force them.   Another reason is if he companion pet is disruptive—often times, I see this with a younger pet, that really just wants to play or have all your attention, or mine as the new person in the home.  In these instances, the other pet should be left in another room until the euthanasia process is over, then let them have some time to smell and be with the deceased pet. 

The other element to remember is that the companion pets likely new their friend was ill, perhaps even before you or your family may have know.  I’m always amazed at how keenly aware pets are- in tune with our emotions and needs.  Pets often hide signs of pain or illness and display subtle behavior changes (which may go unnoticed by us humans for a period of time).  Make no doubt that your companion pets probably knew about these changes long before we did.  Many times too, they may act differently towards a pet ailing and towards the end of their life, and may even give the ailing pet more space.  Do not ignore these signs.

What are your experiences?  We would love hear about them.   I find it so helpful to share experiences with others and encourage you to do so.   Most experiences are unique and are always beneficial to others going thru the same process.  You will probably be helping others who may be going through a difficult time.