As our pets age, they face many of the same problems as people including pain, loss of appetitie and general loss of interest in life. This is where hospice can help. Hospice and pallative care is meant to provide the very best quality of life for pets facing the pain, stress and symptoms of a serious illness. Pallative care can be provided to your pet at any stage during a long illness and does not have to be during the last few days. Hospice and pallative care can also provide support to you, as you care for your pet and the range of emtions you will go through.
Dr Kempf does in home pallative care and, when the time is right, euthanasia at home, where your pet is the most comfortable. We also work directly with Jacksonville Pet crematory for your aftercare and funeral needs.
Hospitce care can be provided for conditions such as cancer, renal disease, liver disease, and severe arthitis. Dr Kempf will come to your home, examine your pet and watch them in their normal surroundings. With that and your input, she can provide a plan of care. There are appetite stimulants, advanced pain management, massage skills you c0an learn, possible feeding tube placement, suggestions for dealing with bathroom difficulties, and ideas for tracking quality of life. The goal is to make your pet comfortable and give them the best quality of life.
A few points to consider for when it may be time:
- A pet is in incurable pain which cannot be alleviated by medications
- A dog/at has severe injuries from which it will never recover or which severely compromise its quality of life in a way you cannot care for them
- A puppy or kitten is born with serious defects which cannot be correctedy
- A pet has unresolvable behavior problems which mean that it is not re-homeable; the problem behaviors MUST have been treated withbehavior modification therapy and/or drugs plus consultation with a veterinarian and possibly a veterinary behaviorist. Some behaviors are due to neurological conditions/brain damage and are incurable.
- A pet has an age-related condition which cannot be alleviated such as advanced senility, incontinence.
- A pet is terminally ill and will deteriorate. Euthanasia may not be an immediate concern, but will be later on. Euthanasia may be chosen immediately to prevent suffering later on.
When it comes time to make the final decision, only you can know the right time pet know the right time. We can councel you and offer our adivce from our own pets, but the bond you have built is very strong and it is your decision on when it is best. It is one final gift that we can give them.
We also work closely with Jacksonville Pet Crematory, so that arrangements can be made in advance. We will come to your house, so your pet is is the most comfortable in their own enviroment. Dr Kempf will start with an injection of a sedative that will allow your pet to slow drift into a deep sleep in their favorite spot. (This injection does sting a bit). At that point, your pet will be ready for the final injection. We may place an IV catheter, but we will always numb the skin with lidocain prior to the injection. Afterwards, you can choose to bury your pet at home, or Jacksonville Pet Crematory can help you with arrangements.
Grief from loss of your pet is very real. There are groups and websites that can help. Please check out a few of these webs sites: http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Grief_Support_Center/Grief_Support_Home.htm
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
