The final days of your pet

You now are confronted with a difficult decision, not quite unlike that which you have to face when a close relative is terminally ill, but not with the same legal limitations. Yet, this decision is no less painful. This pet has been with you from the inception. It was a playful puppy/kitten that seemed to have boundless energy which was directed at your ankles with the objective of tripping you. And it had an infinite ability to get itself into trouble. That pet’s antics not only made the family laugh, but it brought you all together.

The kids have grown up into teenagers and adults along with your pet. For all practical purposes, this animal has become an integral member of your family.

This winsome female cat (she has been spayed) is waiting at the GSPCA for someone to adopt her and give her a good home.

You have cried and blamed yourself when she fell off the verandah, or when you carelessly allowed the back of your rear wheel to clip her leg. And you were ecstatic when your vet told you that no internal organs were damaged and no limbs were broken and dislocated. You have watched her give birth to her puppies. Will you ever forget that face, that look of relief, which told you that everything was all right as she nursed her first litter – you, like her, not really knowing what’s the right thing to do.

You remember the days when ‘Rover’ went ‘roaming,’ while you were frantic at not knowing where he was. You scolded him, yet you hugged him on his return – looking bedraggled and perhaps even with a few wounds. You couldn’t help but feel proud, not only because he returned to you, to his home, but because there was a twinkle in his eye that told you he was top dog in the neighbourhood, and that his lineage was secure. You cannot forget how you stayed up with him through the night and gave him his medication, and cradled his head while he accepted the glucose-saline drip at the vet’s clinic; and you remember how you comforted him when thoughtless people threw squibs which sent him into paroxysms of panic.

Yes, you and he formed a bond. You knew he would never desert you and that your home was his territory which he would defend – yes, even with his life.

You know that irrespective of what the scientists say, your dog cries, laughs, exhibits jealousy, anger, fear, guilt, but never ingratitude and treachery.

And now, in front of your eyes, this true friend is physically collapsing, his life is no longer a joy and a pleasure. His condition is growing progressively worse and there is no hope for improvement. What to do? This is one time when your vet cannot make the decision for you. For your vet, the situation is also painful; after all, he too has known your pet from puppyhood. Ultimately, though, common sense and logic and even love forces you to admit that you owe him that final kindness to die quickly and painlessly. The family makes the decision.

Euthanasia
The trauma associated with the putting to sleep of an ailing old dog is psychological. For the dog, there is no physical discomfort. An anaesthetic is infused into his vein. The concentration of the anaesthetic is enough to induce an immediate and irreversible loss of consciousness. Before you can count to five, the whole procedure is over. There must be no regrets, no blame and no self-flagellation. Perhaps later on, when the family has recovered from the loss, you may wish to visit the Animal Clinic and Shelter of the Guyana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) and adopt a new puppy or kitten. And the cycle of happiness begins again.

Please implement disease preventative measures (vaccinations, routine dewormings, monthly anti-heartworm medication, etc) and adopt-a-pet from the GSPCA’s Animal Clinic and Shelter at Robb Street and Orange Walk, if you have the wherewithal to care well for the animals.  Do not stray your unwanted pets, take them to the GSPCA’s Clinic and Shelter instead. If you do not wish your pet to have puppies or kittens, you may exploit the GSPCA’s free spay and neutering programme. If you see anyone being cruel to an animal, or if you need any technical information, please get in touch with the Clinic and Shelter by calling 226-4237.