Text Box: JONES ANIMAL HOSPITAL Inc., P.S. Serving the Greater Puget Sound since 1947 “Your Home for Complete Companion Animal Care” 3322 So. Union Ave. Tacoma, WA 98409 253 383 2616

Jones Animal Hospital

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Text Box: When it is time to say Goodbye... The relationship we have with a pet is often unlike that of any other relationship in our lives. They give us unconditional love and loyalty. For many people, sharing a life with a pet may be their first and only experience with unconditional love. Pets possess a unique quality in their ability to help us survive the ups and downs of our lives with their consistency of love, devotion and support that is unfailing at even the darkest times. They help keep us grounded and in touch with a simpler, uncomplicated way of being that is soothing and reassuring in our busy lives. Unfortunately, as we know, pets don't live as long as people and most pet owners are faced with the difficult decision of losing their beloved pet through old age or illness. Since they are a part of nature, they live and experience birth and death as a transition, and we should be comforted in knowing that their spirit never dies. What we will miss is their physical presence and interaction. It is comforting to know that although their physical form is gone, the spirit and love of your pet is eternal and is with you always. For our clients and staff, euthanizing a pet is one of the most difficult things we will ever do. Euthanasia continues to be an option for many pet owners who do not want their terminally-ill pet to suffer, or who may find the veterinary costs for continued treatment of their pet to be prohibitive. As an owner, the emotions you feel at this time often may make it hard to think, communicate, and make decisions. Therefore, it is often helpful to discuss the process of euthanasia with our staff well in advance of its occurrence. Are there family members that will want to be present during the procedure, when and where it will take place, options for handling your pet's remains, how the family members may want to say good-bye or provide a memorial for their pet, and how and with whom they will spend time immediately after the euthanasia are all important issues which should be discussed. How will I know when it is time? Knowing when euthanasia should be considered depends on your pet's health as well as your own. It is often helpful to look at the quality of life your pet is experiencing. Does your pet still enjoy eating and other simple pleasures? Is your pet able to respond to you in a normal way? Is your pet experiencing more pain than pleasure? If your pet is sick, ask about the treatment options, possible outcomes, and chances of recovery. Are you physically able to manage your pet's care? Discuss the decision with all of the other family members, including any children. As hard as it is, you need to consider the financial cost as well as the emotional cost of continuing to care for your pet. Do not feel guilty if you cannot afford expensive treatment; there are many people who cannot. It does not make you a 'bad' owner or one who loves their pet any less. You need to consider what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. What exactly happens during the euthanasia procedure? While a staff member and doctor talk soothingly to the pet, an injection is given directly into a vein, usually in one of the front legs. Sometimes with ill, dehydrated or geriatric pets, an IV catheter is placed before euthanasia to keep the vein open so the euthanasia solution (a highly concentrated dose of an anesthetic) enters the circulation quickly. As soon as the solution reaches the heart, it causes the heart to stop beating. This usually takes less than ten seconds and is completely painless. The pet immediately loses consciousness. Will Jones Animal Hospital come to my home? We are not able to provide euthanasia services out of our facility. However, we can refer you to a house call service that specializes in home care. Will I be able to stay with my pet during the euthanasia procedure? Yes, some owners want to stay with their pet to provide comfort during the euthanasia procedure. Other owners feel they would be overcome with grief and prefer that their last memories be of a living pet. You may say your goodbyes at home and have a friend bring your pet to the hospital or make an appointment to come in and stay with your pet. What happens to my pet's body? There are several choices for you and your family. Please discuss these choices with all family members. You may elect to take your pet home for burial (please check with local authorities). You may choose a general burial. There are a number of private pet cemeteries that can arrange this for you. If you would like us to care for your pet after their passing, we have several options for you. Jones Animal Hospital feels that your pet deserves the same care and respect as would all your family members. That is why we have chosen Tacoma Mausoleum & Mortuary to provide cremation services. Bronze package: This option is chosen for those that prefer not to receive the ashes of their pet back. Group cremations are performed as soon as possible. For the peace of mind of the client, the ashes are scattered at sea on the waters of the Puget Sound. A certificate of cremation is available for the client upon request. Silver Package: This option is for clients that wish to have their pet returned to be honored at home. Your pet is privately cremated and the ashes returned in a decorative urn. A certificate of private cremation is prepared for each pet. Gold Package: This option is similar to the Silver Package. Your pet is privately cremated and the ashes returned in a wooden locking urn. A certificate of private cremation is prepared for each pet. There are many options in honoring are lost companions. Consider a donation in your pet’s name to an animal related charity. You may also wish to consider honoring your pet with a tribute of some kind.