In loving memory of Bonanza 1996-1997 "You will never be forgotten". Bonanza was loved and owned by Marie Tabsch.

It wasn't all that long ago that cats and dogs were kept in the household to keep mice and intruders away. Things are much different these days as pets are playing a much more prominent role in our daily lives. One survey stated that over ninety percent of the household pets today are either spouse or child substitutes. Diagnostic procedures like MRI's would once be thought of as unjustifiable for animal use, but as we become more emotionally bonded with our pets, the cost of quality health care for them becomes less of a concern. The nature of veterinary medicine has changed drastically in the last thirty years. People demand for their pets the same quality of health care that they as humans receive, and they want it administered with compassion.

As a result of this human/animal emotional bonding, the death of a special pet may be very upsetting, even devastating. If you can communicate effectively with your veterinarian, it can sometimes lessen the shock of the loss, especially for children. When you first get the pet, find out how old it is and what is the average life span. This may lessen the "surprises" later for you and the kids.

Grief often begins as soon as bad news arrives. When serious illness is diagnosed, make sure to ask your veterinarian what to expect about the cause of the disease, the course of the disease, as well as treatment options and especially prognosis. Make sure that the veterinarian is well aware of any financial limits in advance so that a treatment plan can be tailored to your pet well in advance. Keep the lines of communication open with your veterinarian and with other family members. Ask for clarification on matters that you do not understand immediately to avoid any confusion later.

There are several things you can do once your pet has been diagnosed with a serious illness that can help ease the loss later if the worst does come. Review the course of the disease with your veterinarian and together come up with the different options. Helping make the decisions can help strengthen people emotionally. Several options usually exist: treat aggressively, moderately, or not at all. If euthanasia is a consideration, you may want to make some big decisions in advance like:

1. Who will make the decision? (Will the whole family be involved?)
2. What are the deciding factors?
3. Who will be present when the procedure is performed?
4. How will the remains be cared for?

Your veterinarian can help you make some of these decisions. Preparing in advance can be a tremendous emotional help for the whole family when the unfortunate day does come. One of the things that veterinarians get asked frequently is, "How will I know when it is time to put my pet to sleep?" Nobody knows your pet like you do and no one can make this difficult decision for you. But here are some factors to consider with your veterinarian to help you make this decision:
1. Is your pet able to ambulate? That is, can it get up and walk around freely with only a mild or moderate amount of pain?
2. Is your pet incontinent? Are they in control of their bowels?
3. Is your pet in pain? There are many new pain relievers out that your vet can prescribe if the decision is made to do so.

Your veterinarian can provide compassion and information that will help you understand what is going on, but ultimately you will have to make this very personal decision yourself with loving input from friends and family.

Dr. Anderson is a graduate of Auburn University. He owns and practices at Sabal Chase Animal Clinic near the Kendall campus of Miami Dade Community College, in the Shoppes of Sabal Chase at 10710 SW 113th Place, Miami, FL 33176. He does volunteer work with Animal Care and education, and Adopt-A-Pet, and is a member of the South Florida American Veterinary Medical Association. He can be reached at (305) 595-1450.