by Kelsey Warren-Bryant
No matter how old our pets are, whether just born or well into their senior years, we all must live with the bitter knowledge that they can’t be with us forever. Before our first dog crossed the Rainbow Bridge back in 2020 — a beloved boxer-Lab named Houdini — I proactively put the thought of his eventual passing out of my mind. It felt too melancholy at the time, as if making plans for that dreaded day would somehow hasten its arrival.
Sadly, though, nothing could prevent the cycle of life. Houdini passed away at the age of 10 — quickly and rather unexpectedly — from a medical condition. We adopted two sweet seniors shortly after that, but by January 2023, both dogs had also moved on. Although I made the best decisions I could for my seniors as they entered the next phase of life, I honestly felt ill-prepared to make those decisions.
If you have a senior pet or one with a serious medical condition, here are three things you can do that I wish I had thought of back then.
Consider End-of-life Decisions
Euthanasia is an incredibly difficult topic to think about, particularly when it involves your own pet. However, putting off the decision until later leaves you at risk of making a rash choice based on emotion. Consider now what circumstances you think might necessitate euthanasia, if any. If you have a partner, discuss it together to ensure that you are on the same page.
If you decide euthanasia could be an option under some circumstances, it is also important to consider whether you are comfortable taking your pet to the veterinary office for the procedure or would rather have it performed at home. Keep in mind that home visits might cost slightly more because of travel expenses.
The more you have researched and discussed potential options, the easier it will be to make an informed decision when the time comes.
Research Local Burial Options
When we made the difficult decision to euthanize our senior dog Baby Girl, who sadly had an incurable and fast-growing tumor, I was so wrecked by the decision itself that I had not thought about what to do for her burial. The veterinary assistant presented me with a pamphlet of options and prices, and I had to make a quick decision while distraught and in tears. Although I don’t regret the decision I made, I do sometimes wish I had had more time to think about the best way to honor her memory.
Veterinary offices often contract with outside companies who provide cremation or cemetery burial options, which means the cost of burial is usually separate from euthanasia. Your most affordable options would be taking your pet home for a private burial or choosing communal cremation. In communal cremation, your pet would be cremated along with other people’s pets, and their ashes would be scattered along private property. You would not receive your pet’s ashes.
You could also have your pet’s cremated remains returned to you in a basic urn. Specialty urns will cost extra.
Cemetery burial is often the most expensive option, but the cost includes a headstone, burial site, area maintenance, and the ability to visit the grave at your convenience.
Thinking about your options in advance could prevent unnecessary stress in the future.
Make the Most of the Time Left
A senior pet or one diagnosed with terminal illness is living on limited time. You are the caretaker for your animals, so how they spend their last days is up to you.
Does your pet enjoy doing something that you don’t often do, such as going on walks or car rides? Set aside time to do that on a regular basis. Spend a few extra dollars each paycheck to get treats that you wouldn’t normally buy or book the trip you’ve always wanted to take with your pet.
We all are limited in our time and budget, and it’s OK to work within those limitations. A small effort and simple changes can go a long way toward ensuring that you don’t experience any regret later.
It’s difficult to think about a time when your closest animal companion will no longer be with you. Nevertheless, it’s something all of us as pet owners must go through. End-of-life decisions will need to be made, and sometimes, they must be made rather quickly. Take the time now to consider your values, your budget, and how you can make the most of the time you have left with your pets. You will be glad you did.
