A personal message from Dr. Cliff Redford to pet owners:
One of the hardest decisions you will ever make is when to say goodbye to and euthanize your beloved pet. If this is weighing on your mind, then realize it is an enormous burden indeed for anyone to bear alone. Please reach out to me.
I will listen to you without judgment, and answer your questions and concerns truthfully and with compassion. Often the situation is not so black and white. We will talk it through together and at the end of our talk, we will ensure you make the right decision.
Your pet may be terminally ill yet have time. In that case, I will develop a palliative care plan that will allow you to care for him/her at home. Much of this will require us to control and reduce his /her pain, improve mobility and avoid pressure sores. I will also provide you with information to keep up their food intake so they do not lose weight.
Being the primary caregiver to a terminally ill pet will require your patience. Over time, it will take you longer to help them eat and get exercise. You may even need to clean up inevitable accidents. Watching the sparkle slowly dimming in your pet’s eyes will be challenging, and I encourage you to keep in touch with me. Through all of it, I will remind you to also look after yourself.
When the time comes to say goodbye, I will be there every step of the way with you. We will make your pet comfortable in a quiet examination room, and you can spend as much time as you need to bid farewell. I assure you that your pet’s passing will be painless and dignified.
Euthanasia means “good death.” It is the best ultimate gift you can give to your furry loved one – a peaceful passing, surrounded by family, filled with empathy, respect and infinite gratitude for the memories you created together.
Cliff Redford