Last week we dealt with the activity associated with actually putting the pet to sleep permanently, usually using the method of lethal injection (overdose of an anaesthetic, which works quickly and smoothly).
I should now mention a few ‘asides.’ For example, it is less stressful for all concerned, if the family were to enter the vet’s clinic last, when all the other patients have left. Make the appointment with the vet’s receptionist accordingly. You don’t want to be taking the dead animal (with your tears flowing and while you are in a state of visible agitation) out of the clinic in front of other pet owners. All the paperwork, including the filing out of the Euthanasia Consent Form, should be completed before the actual euthanasia exercise. Caregivers might wish to have a few last moments alone with the dead animal; that’s if they have arranged with the vet to dispose of the body. In this case, the vet and his/her staff will step outside for a few moments. I usually stay with the client, as unobtrusively as possible. But I am there as an immediate support, if the emotional situation becomes too overwhelming.
If you wish the vet to dispose of the dead body, please do not feel inhibited to ask what will be done with your dead pet after it has
