« Dog and Cat CPR – Do this if your Pet STOPS breathing! | Home | Do you remember your first pet that died? »
Animal Euthanasia at home by owner?
By Dr Andrew | June 4, 2008
From: Dr Andrew Jones
Author: Veterinary Secrets Revealed
Website: http://www.theonlinevet.com
Re: What the ??
//////////////////////////////////////////////
It is Wednesday again…
In the world of animal healing, you see some great, caring
people, and some well..not so caring ones.
Case in point.
1. Those who volunteer their time, Thanklessly – and without
a whole lot of recognition for Animal Shelters.
As part of The Second Chance Animal Shelter ( the Shelter I founded,
next to my clinic), there are some very dedicated volunteers, and an
overworked, under appreciated Shelter Director..
They do it all for the animals who DON’T have a voice.
If you can– donate your time or $ to your local Shelter.
2. Now the OTHER extreme.
I had a disturbing conversation with someone on emergency who
wanted to know one thing– How to ‘kill’ his cat at home-
It was ’sick’ and he wasn’t gonna spend any mon**ey on god-damn
Vets (his words)..
I advised him that I would see him, and if I determined that his
cat needed to be euthanized, I would do so- and even defer the charge-
But he then went off about not having a car..
Our conversation ended with him saying ‘Thanks for nothing’ and
me being a little worried about his pets welfare.
I phoned the number he left, and it turned out to be a pay phone
in Nelson..
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
So what happened?
I don’t know- I never heard from him again.
Fortunately the Great Pet Guardians- like you guys, way outnumber
the jerks of the world….like Mr Euthanizer.
Thank You for being a loyal subscriber and a BIG Thank You
to all of you involved in the Shelter and Rescue world.
P.S. Feel free to comment on my Blog. Do you think that
we should have criminal laws for those who show NO respect
to animals?
Post your comments here!
P.P.S. Do SOMETHING to help those animals who can’t speak
for themselves.
It’s Your Pet…Heal Them At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones, DVM
PRIVACY POLICY: We will never rent, sell, loan, provide, barter,
exchange or in any way make available your personal information
to others. You can unsubscribe or change your email address at
anytime using the links at the bottom of this email.
Copyright 2008 Four Paws Online Ltd.
Tel: 1-800-396-1534
Fax: 1-888-398-1378
support@veterinarysecretsrevealed.com
http://www.theonlinevet.com
http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/ebook
http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/manual
http://www.veterinarysecretsrevealed.com/dvd
http://www.theveterinarycode.com
http://www.thepetfoodrecallreport.com
Topics: Blogroll, Cat Health, Dog Health, Pet health | 17 Comments »
June 4th, 2008 at 11:28 am
So, you are from BC, Canada. And you are saying that BC does not have laws on the books about animal cruelty? If BC does not have those laws on the books then there is really, really something wrong with BC & Canada. Down here in the lower 48 we have laws on the books about animal cruelty.
To know how screwed up Canada & BC have become, please research the Human Rights Commission cases against Ezra Levant and Mark Steyn. That should be a real eye opener. BC & Canada think more about Muslims apparently than they do animals.
There that should get me a case in front of one of the kangaroo courts (HRC’s) in BC!
June 4th, 2008 at 11:31 am
Hello, Dr. Jones on you question on shoullld we have criminal laws on no respect for animals. I say Yes thoes people that can harm and abuse animals just make me sick.I think they should be proscuted to the highest extent the courts can put on them. But thats my appoinion.I’m glad theres people out there doing the right thing.Thanks for letting me speak my mind Krystal
June 4th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
As a person myself who never ever thought that I would have done the right thing in euthanizing my cat last year, it was the hardest thing I had to do.(I had always said prior to this that I would NEVER euthanize.) I cared enough to be there to the very last part, and stayed for a while longer just to let my cat know that I still love her, even in death.(I believe in the afterlife and reincarnation.)
Anywhere USA are places to euthanize whether you have money or not, a car or not.
This poor soul sounded lost about doing the right thing. You gave him an out, financially speaking, and he didn’t bite at the chance. I might have asked him for a few moments of his time, and see about alternatives. Perhaps offer to go to his home, euthanize the cat there and allow the dignity of the cat to die at home, if in fact that was the only course available for the cat.
Or, perhaps the poor soul didn’t want the cat, and maybe I would have offered to take the cat and put an ad out for another home for it, if that was feasible.
Without the proper equipment I don’t condone anyone euthanizing an animal, but for this person who knows what the story was for this cat.
June 4th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
I did a search and found this site on animal cruelty law. http://cfhs.ca/news/new_animal_cruelty_law/
Yes, emphatically, people should be held accountable and penalized for abusing animals in their care. We are stewards and care givers to our loving animal companions. We are responsible for their welfare, period. If you cannot properly care for your animal, find someone who can help you or surrender your pet to a local shelter or rescue.
p.s. My father lives in Trail, but I’m way out in Toronto. I miss the weather (yes!), the scenery (of course) and the easy going laid back way of life.
June 4th, 2008 at 6:07 pm
wow are animal cruelty laws in canada outdated!
Here’s a link to Animal Cruelty laws in BC.
http://www.qp.gov.bc.ca/statreg/stat/P/96372_01.htm
June 4th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
About 10 years ago I had a cat who was dying.
I phoned my vet, telling him that I feared the trip to him would be too stressful (45 minutes) and didn’t want that to be his last experience.
I asked if he would come to our home OR if I could get in immediately while there would be little traffic on the road and I could make the trip in about 25 minutes (it was late at night – about 10pm and he didn’t open again until morning). He lived above his clinic, so I was hoping it would be possible. (I’d called nearby vets who all refused to see me on emergency because I wasn’t a client.) I really did NOT want to wait until morning while the cat
suffered. He told me he could not but would get me in 1st thing in the morning (before appts started) with one of his associate vets as I expressed I didn’t want the cat further stressed out by barking dogs in the waiting room. I didn’t really want that because HE was the ONLY dr I’d taken my cats to and I trusted him, but I made the appt none the less. He then told me that if it got really really bad during the night that I should put the cat in a box (my cat was too sick to even get up at this point) and tape it securely, then cut a hole in the side just large enough to fit a hose through and attach the other end to the exhaust pipe of my car…then turn the car on. He said it would kill my cat painlessly in a few minutes. Thankfully, the cat lasted until morning with no additional (obvious) pain so I was able to take him in to see the associate vet. While this was not the optimal choice, I do think it was a very responsible for him to tell me a way to end the cats suffering should it have escalated before morning when I would be able to get it help. I do think that there are people who don’t have the resources at all (or just aren’t very bright regarding animal care) that might be in this dilemma and if the caller didn’t care at ALL he would NOT have called for advice to begin with. IF that had been someone I know, I’d have suggested whatever was possible to put the animal down (after trying to get them to come in offering various options as you did). God knows what someone (providing he was not just desperately poor, but also not very bright) might try otherwise.
Just my opinion, but I believe in ending suffering and it would have been better for
the guy to shoot the cat than let it suffer so desperately or the (horrific)possibilities
he may have come up with.
June 4th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Yes,any person that abuses an animal or neglects one
should be held accountable, no excuses. Animals are
one of the greatest gifts that God has given us. Animals have unconditional love for humans, we should feel honored to be a part of their lives.
June 5th, 2008 at 12:13 am
I do believe that people who do not consider our animal friends to be worthy of our love and care are not truly completely human. They miss out on what it is to truly live and enjoy life to the maximum experience possible. Gil
June 5th, 2008 at 12:16 am
Hello Dr. Jones,
There are alot of Neanderathals out there…heartless souls. We live in Toronto on a buzy street and we get to see many dead animals on the street in a year. seems that many have no value for the life of a cat dog squirrel raccoon fox or rabbit and i am sure the list goes on.
Funny though i have driven for over 30 Years and always avoided the Road kill of anything of any kind. Many people do not seem to have those values. Here in Toronto we do have a mobile Vet that will come to your home to euthanize ur pet need be …not sure of the cost though.we also have a wildlife center that is always more than will to go the extra mile for those that are in need of assisstance.we have taken many squirrels there, when the mother was killed on the road.
sorryful for the sadness of this story of the cat.maybe this is why some people are always living in misery..the cat will come back to haunt him …
Hopefully Tommorrow will be a Better Day
June 5th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
I had to euthanize my cat Annie, 2 years ago, she was 22 the vet figured~and it was so difficult. Now I am faced with the same decision again, My little old dog, Toto, is 18 and has had about 6 seizures in the past month, have figured out its when I have left her for over an hour, so needless to say~Im staying home~she does have a history of panick attacks~especially going to the vet~she can no longer go on her long walks~~cant seem to take the car ride~~and is having trouble with the heat~~she has been the most wonderful loving pet, and I have to decide what is best for her~~not me~~is life the quantity, or the quality?? I just wish I could have a vet come to my home, as she cannot handle the office visit~~dont think she could tolerate it at all~`not now~and I sure dont want that to be her last memory~~I just feel so blessed to have had her, so blessed
June 6th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Oh my this is such a sensitive topic. First off, I was disgusted by the apparent complete lack of compassion by the man you spoke of! Our pets love us unconditionally, and when the end comes for them, they diserve some dignity, and compassion! After all, would we want to die a horrible death, or would we rather peacfully drift off to sleep? We all know that answer to that! I have had to euthanize two of my cats in a very short period of time. I litteraly felt as if my heart had been torn out of my chest! I held them, because I truely believed that it provided them some sense of peace, and comfort in those last minutes. Though it was very hard on me, my kitties needed to have me there with them. I also held them for a long time afterward, because I believe that their souls don’t immediately leave.
It’s has been almost two years since I had to put my last one down, and I am still crying even as I write this message. But that is OK, because any little furry friend that touches my life in this manner is truely and ANGEL, and is still a part of my life.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Dear Dr. Jones,
My dear cat and best friend “Sammy,” who was a female Himilayan (sp?)only 11 years old, was one of the 1st victims of the over the counter food poisioning. I had a brand new clinic close to where I lived in San Clemente Ca. When Sammy stopped eating and I noticed her lethargy – I took her to the vet near my house. 2000.00 dollars later they still had no answers for me and she was getting really sick. Each trip to the vet was an hour wait, and much stress for her. When she lay dieing at my house – I did not want to take her back to the vet, and just wrapped her up and held and rocked her, until she started spasming in pain – I then called the vet and asked if I could come in but please no waiting for she was suffering. When I got there they took her from me into the back room (I could still see her from the examination room). She sat there for 35 minutes alone on a steel table- until I demanded they bring her back to me. They then euthinized her, I think she was already gone myself. But they charged me $240.00 for the euthinization. I was so upset – I never paid. It was one of the most painful experiences I have ever been through. What is your feeling about this? I love your e-mails and feel you are a great gift to the animal world. Thank you, Laura
August 30th, 2009 at 4:03 am
Im not saying that animal cruelty is right…. and that this guy had the best intentions in mind. But I do believe that pet owners have the right to choose how to end the Suffering of a severely ill pet. And also that, it is the owners right to be able to put down the animal at home, surrounded by all the animal knows and loves. Think about it this way. If you were a severely sick animal, and there was nothing but long endured suffering in your future. Wouldnt you want to pass on in a place that is comfortable and that you know. Then a cold OR table, possibly without even one thing that you loved as your last thought. Some people sicken Me thinking oh its best for the animal if the vet does it. Bull**** I think an animal parent has the right to make that choice, to whats going to be more easy for the animal. Putting a Dog down is Exspensive, and im sorry but some Vets will drain every last cent from your wallet. Remember this, for those that have actually had to choose this heartbreaking and life changing experience. Its not whats best for you or what is best for them in your mind. Its whats the best and soul relaxing for the animal. As I know from experience. Letting a Animal die Naturally i think at times is more barbaric then putting an animal down, but if you must put an animal down do it in a place were you know the animal will be happy. It wont be angry at you it will thank you for ending its suffering.
August 31st, 2009 at 2:53 pm
I have been following this conversation and have so much mixed feelings concerning bringing my ailing cat back to the vetenary clinic to be euthanized.
He is ailing and loosing weight daily, a magnificent outdoor independant cat.
I brought him to my vet as we had no idea what was wrong. The cat shows no signs of distress but is slowly loosing weight. Obviously I have no disire to see him suffer but on the other hand I wish him to pass peacefully and at home.
My dilemma is asking my vet to come to my house as I found thier attitude on the last visit to be very unprofessional. We asked not to spent the $1,075 diagnostic fees as we could not afford them and even if the cat had cancer we were not in a position to treat it.
The long and short of it was to make us feel incredibly guilty about not doing the whole barrage of tests and we ended up with an even higher bill, no definative diagnoses except severe hip displaysia, not a reason, I believe for his rapid weight loss.
My cat’s back home declining, won’t eat but not suffering and I sure do not want to take it back to that clinic.
It leaves a really bad impression of vetinery care
December 28th, 2009 at 7:21 am
I have a wonderful cat who has been with me since he weighed one pound. In hi prime he weighed 22lbs. He is now less than 10lbs. took him to the vet who is wonderful but expensive. they want to do tests and don’t think euthanasia is necessary – I remember a cat who loved to eat fruit and plaed with everything – now he can’t eat anything but prescribed food designed to maintain his weight but not help him gain. he throws up all the time and gives heart wrenching yowls right before he does it. there is often blood in the vomit. I am devastated by his decline – I would like to help him pass at home with me. Is it possible to dose him with something like benadryl or clonazepam? where hopefully he would simply fall asleep and die peacefully?
February 17th, 2010 at 4:46 am
Wow, I agree that no one should treat animals badly, but I keep in mind that they are still animals. I have a dog who sleeps next to me on the pillow and I take him with me everywhere- but he knows how to act around kids or other animals, I’ve tough him how to do everything he knows. This is due, largely to the fact that I’m not afraid to smack him if need be.(Just like a child who does something wrong) I’ve gotten so much shit from my in laws, who’s dogs are spoiled and overweight, bark continuously and growl at their kids. Apparently, they’re dogs have a much better quality of life being given 25 treats a day for nothing and running the household. They tell me I’m a monster and my dog doesn’t love me because I don’t allow him to beg or hump the pillows. Yet my dog heals at all times and does tricks on command, I’m constantly under scrutiny for my disciplining ways. I think some folks take things way to seriously with animal cruelty, its your job to raise your pet, love it and teach him things and make the decision when its time to let go. If my pup was deathly ill, I sure wouldn’t want him to suffer months of pain because I don’t know how to let go. Sometimes doing something that seems cruel to the soft hearted push overs is the most thoughtful to the one in turmoil. But what do I know? I’m a monster.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:08 pm
Please help me! I am going to be evicted from my senior apt in Arcadia, Missouri if I don”t get rid of two of my cats. No. 3 is a visitor. Pure bred black unneutered, 18 mos.male. Sweet as can be. I found the owner, she took him “home” and he came back the next day;that was 2 months ago. Today I was served with an eviction notice. I only get $743. a month from SS , total income. I can’t stand the idea that they might be harmed…..I want to put 2 of them to sleep. Ellie