The soft, wet flat little puppy emerges and with him a story of a life. The final chapter ends much too soon for what is often the most wonderful companionship we will ever have.
WHAT NOW? is a 27-page booklet published by the Argus Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine at the Colorado State University. It is a guide for people on how to deal with a pet's terminal illness. The pamphlet is an itinerary built upon practical experiences from both the hospice and medical fields with valuable suggestions for the mountains and bridges before and after loss. The pages are filled with advice, which might be what our companions would tell us--if they could only talk!
For months, often years, there lingers the question--"How do I stop feeling guilty"? Feeling guilty can occur when you discover your pet has a terminal illness--why didn't you notice the symptoms? Perhaps finances or a life situation entered into a treatment decision? Could that have made the critical difference? There is no one correct answer or solution but WHAT NOW? offers suggestions.
A bonus side trip is "Beezer's Top Ten Reasons Not to Feel Guilty." Beezer, a black Lab, is a wise and understanding friend. My favorite Beezer wisdom is, "Didn't you always forgive me when I made a mistake? I forgive you for any mistake you made during my illness." Further, Beezer says, "guilt is what you humans do to punish yourself for not being perfect."
Perhaps the second most important question is, "How will I know when it is time to say goodbye." Only you, your pet, and the guardian angel which is your bond can make this decision, although your veterinarian will be your guide. There are suggestions on what questions to ask and how to prepare for euthanasia.
Instead of discussing the stages of grief like anger, denial, and sadness, the book lists common signs of grief under the headings, "physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual."
WHAT NOW? offers advice on steps to take to assist your ailing pet, steps to take to survive life after death, as well as facing the grief process.
This booklet is one all pet lovers must have! My advice--buy it, read it, index it with post-its and keep it where it will always be accessible. The pages are filled with help you will need to share with others--friends and family and practical comfort for you when you ask as we all do--WHAT NOW?
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