There is no clear cut answer to this, when you have such a deep bond it is never going to be a good time for you but in all honestly there is going to be a time when it is right for them, so it is important to consider your pets well being above all else.
Some signs to look out for;
- Appetite loss - Has your pet all of a sudden lost their appetite?
- Sleeping - Are they sleeping through the day and struggling to get up?
- Mood - Do they seem grouchy and wanting to spend time by themselves
- Accidents - Have they been having some accidents in the house?
Asses their quality of life
Assess their overall quality of life. It’s normal for an old dog to slow down but a day full of pain and discomfort is not the quality of life we want for our loved ones. If they wince in pain when you try to cuddle up? Unable to participate in their favorite activities? Unable to keep food down or frequently experiencing diarrhea or vomiting? These could be signs that the quality of daily life has slipped too far and it's time to let them go.
Trusting your intuition
No one knows your pet like you, so it is important that you tap into your innermost feelings and thoughts as your heart fights for a place to protect itself from heart ache. As overwhelming as it seems, sit in your thoughts and look for signs that he/she is giving you as they try to tell you they are ready to cross the rainbow bridge. The eyes are a gateway to the soul so look in their eyes for answers.
So what’s next?
There are alot of vets these days that have moved into a softer approach when it comes to euthanasia, creating separate areas that allow people to be there when they are saying goodbye. But if you would prefer to do it in the comfort of our own home then there are companies that can send a vet to your home and deal with the aftercare while you can say goodbye in peace.
The crematoriums offer a huge range of urns and memorial gifts but from what I have seen they are not my cup of tea, generally products bought straight from china that they have added these huge margins on, so if you are looking for something a little stylish and higher quality then Pets in Bloom is a great option.
Our Pets in Bloom - Planters are personalised pet urns as the perfect way to say goodbye. Our planter urns are illustrated by one of the highly talented artists in a design style that will suit your style. The healing effect of nature is a great way to help your soul heal while you watch life thrive.
Sending love to you all going through this difficult time
Chantal
Founder Pets in Bloom