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Such was the case during a recent Teleadvice conversation. The owner’s cat, Theodore, was 15 years old, had renal failure and chronic pancreatitis and was receiving daily SQ fluids and oral medication several times a day. He had recently developed diarrhea, had stopped eating, and was having trouble getting comfortable. The plan was to hospitalize him the following day.
Theodore’s owner, Linda, appeared on camera and I started the conversation the same way I always do: “Please tell me what your goals are with this Teleadvice appointment. What are you hoping to come away with today?”
With that, Linda burst into tears. “I just wish someone would give it to me straight.” she said. “I feel like Theodore is ready, I feel like I’m ready, but everyone I’ve talked to is just dancing around the fact that he’s not going to get better. I wish someone would just tell me it’s okay to let him go!”
“Oh Linda,” I said-deciding that the cautious approach would not be welcomed, “given everything you and Theodore have been through, it’s very okay to let him go.”
Linda cried big tears of relief. "Thank you for saying that. You have no idea what a relief that is to hear.”
For our referring veterinarians, it probably comes as no surprise that emotional responses to end-of-life discussions are numerous and complex. Intense sadness, anxiety and confusion are obviously common. But as someone who works exclusively in end-of-life care, I’ve noticed there is also often a deep sense of relief. By the time a pet family contacts Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice for guidance or service, clients are often weary of the emotional, physical and psychological demands of caring for their sick pet. Their beloved pets have likewise been through a difficult journey with diminishing quality of life. When clients express relief amidst what is otherwise a deeply sad part of their journey, it serves as a powerful reminder and affirmation to me about what euthanasia is for pets and their caregivers: the gift of a good death.
Hampton Roads Veterinary Hospice is honored to help support referring veterinarians and their clients with end-of-life decision making through many in-home service offerings such as:
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