I am a believer that experiences come into our lives to offer valuable lessons. We can either embrace the lessons, or run from them. You cannot escape death, so why not embrace it? Not that I am advocating taking your own life! I am talking about when the time comes, accept it gracefully. By all means, do what you can to improve the quality of your life: think good thoughts, eat natural, whole and nutritious foods, exercise, get plenty of sunshine, laugh often, cry when you need to. But when your health deteriorates beyond control, get on the bus and die gracefully!
It just makes sense that since pets have shorter "shelf lives" than humans, we are to begin our lessons about death with them. Most of us, as children, can relate to the passing of one or more beloved pets. It is the same emotions and stages of grief that we will experience when a person dies.
I am considering starting up a service to offer counseling on how to care for a sick or aging pet, either as a replacement to vet care, or as an adjunct. I have attended to a number of my own dying pets with hospice type care, making them as comfortable as possible until which time they decide they are ready to kiss the sky. I do what I can to maintain a high quality of life, and offer comfort and support and security when the time comes for them to leave.
Is there anybody out there who would consider this a valuable service? If you were in the situation where your beloved pet was dying, would you consider hiring someone to help you understand your options? Someone to share in your grief? Someone to go with you, or even take your beloved pet to the vet to be humanely euthanized?
Believe me, it is very perplexing how I am even considering doing this because it is such a painful situation. But I see a real need for people to come to terms with death because it is inevitable. Pets will benefit as people learn to manage their emotions. It doesn't need to be scary. We fear what we don't understand.
Input, anyone?? Thanks!
