When facing the difficult decision to end a dog’s suffering, compassion guides our choices. Dogs battling ongoing health complications, serious illnesses, or debilitating injuries often reach a point where their quality of life becomes severely compromised.
No living being should endure constant pain, and sometimes, humane euthanasia becomes the most merciful option.
However, a concerning pattern occurs when pet parents bring their beloved companions for euthanasia—they express their grief, offer final farewells, but depart before the actual procedure, essentially leaving their faithful friend to face their final moments without familiar comfort.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A veterinary staff member, Reddit user u/rescuemum, shared a heartfelt plea urging pet owners to remain with their animals during euthanasia after witnessing firsthand the emotional distress animals experience when abandoned in their final moments.
In her post, she stated, “I’m tired of people dropping their dogs off to be euthanized. It might be difficult to say goodbye but it’s absolute torment for them. They already feel uncomfortable at the veterinary clinic, they’re disoriented, they’re frightened, they’re despondent and they’re searching for YOU as they take their final breath.”
Photo: Pixabay/Myléne
She explained that while she strives “to offer them as much affection and solace as I possibly can,” ultimately, no stranger’s care can substitute the presence of their devoted owner.
The Reddit user then recounted a particularly moving experience involving a woman who abandoned her dog during euthanasia. She wrote: “Today a lady dropped off her 13 year old dog to be put to sleep after I informed her we didn’t have a veterinarian in clinic as she was attending farm calls all day, she insisted on leaving her there at 9am, knowing that our vet wouldn’t return until well after 6pm. She was too occupied to bring her back later, so she left her beloved companion to be isolated all day before passing.”
Photo: Pixabay/Myléne
Participate in our contest and we’ll provide meals for shelter animals! The Animal Rescue Site has collaborated with 5 exceptional brands to provide one MASSIVE prize!
The veterinary professional kept the dog by her side throughout the day, even taking her for a brief walk and purchasing her a cheeseburger and a donut as her final meal. She described in her post how she eventually lay down beside the dog and embraced her, but the dog couldn’t find comfort with her, an unfamiliar person. She noted, “I kissed her and told her she was a good girl while she crossed the rainbow bridge, but her eyes never ceased looking for her family. Dogs understand what’s happening, don’t subject them to this. Be present when they make that transition. It won’t destroy you, I promise.”
While heartbreaking, this account serves as a powerful reminder to always support your pet whenever possible, especially in their final moments.
Facebook Comments