Compassionate and Dignified End of Life Care

In Temple, TX

It is never easy to say goodbye to your best friend. We have been there and understand how heartbreaking it can be, but this decision is a final act of love for your pet that may be suffering or have a poor quality of life. Our purpose is to support you and make the experience as peaceful and comfortable for you and your pet as possible. For established patients under our care, please contact us.

When It’s Time To Say Goodbye

People often struggle with knowing when is the right time to say goodbye. Determining a pet’s quality of life assists in making end-of-life decisions. It’s important to remember that each pet is an individual, and what constitutes a poor quality of life for one pet (such as lying around all day) may be normal for another. Although a pet’s enjoyment of life depends on a variety of factors, physical symptoms — such as unrelenting pain or extreme difficulty breathing — should weigh heavily in the euthanasia decision. These factors constitute very poor quality of life, regardless of other factors. As hard as it may be to consider end-of-life decisions, it is recommended that you start thinking about these issues early in the process, when your mind may be clearer. Decisions may seem forced or pressured if you wait until there is a crisis.

Several tools or techniques may provide more concrete answers to this subjective question.

  • When your pet’s health, mobility or comfort have been declining slowly, it may be helpful to view photos or videos of your pet from before the illness. Remember how your pet looked, behaved and interacted with you.
  • Make a list of three to five things your pet likes to do, such as going for walks, playing with other pets, belly scratches, or enjoying their meals. When your pet is consistently unable to enjoy these things, it may be time to discuss euthanasia.
  • Mark good and bad days on a calendar. This could be as simple as a happy or sad face for good or bad. As the bad days start to outnumber the good, it may be time to consider euthanasia.

If you have decided that euthanasia is the most appropriate choice, you may choose a variety of ways to spend the last days of your pet’s life. You may want to spend additional time with your pet, doing special things together. When you have decided on the time for the euthanasia, you may choose to be present or not. There is no right or wrong answer, only a loving choice.

If you are able to plan for your pet’s final appointment, your veterinarian will explain what to expect and will be able to answer any questions you may have. You have the option to be present for the appointment or not – rest assured that your pet will receive compassionate care either way. When you arrive, you will enter through a separate entrance for your privacy. We will have our comfort room ready for you and your pet. You will be asked to read and sign a euthanasia consent form, and we will explain aftercare options including a private or communal cremation. During the euthanasia process, we’ll be by your side the entire time.

Cremation

Most people choose to have a pet cremated, unless they have an option for burial at home, or at a cemetery specifically for pets. Be sure to check any local regulations and by-laws about the burial of animals on residential property. When a pet is cremated, you can choose to have the cremated remains (ashes) returned to you or not.

Getting ashes back is a personal decision, and for some, the memories are enough and the ashes aren’t necessary. A paw print is available. These pets will be cremated with other dogs and cats and their ashes spread at a garden facility in the Austin area.

I want to have their ashes so that I can scatter them somewhere that is meaningful to me. I want to have their physical remains in an urn where I can see it in my home. I want the option of creating a keepsake which incorporates the ashes – a piece of jewelry, glass keepsake or other memorial item.

Our standard ash return options include a bag within a cedar box, photo memorial box, rosewood box, metal urn, or ceramic cat urn, and includes a paw print. There are several specialty urn and memorial options available through Fond Memories.

Losing a pet is one of the most difficult things a person can experience. Whether the loss of a pet is sudden, or something you’ve anticipated for weeks or months, it’s a highly emotional time. Fond Memories has an outstanding grief support counseling service available to you 24/7.