I want you to feel reassured and for some caregivers that means being as informed as possible. I can answer your questions by phone, or email if preferred, ahead of our visit. I welcome these discussions – please approach me even if it may be some time off before you need to call me to your home. The more you know the less initimidating it may feel and it is best to consider options in advance rather than when emotions are running even higher. I can give you resources to guide you in knowing when to make that appointment if you feel the decision is all on your shoulders. Your pet is not under my care at this time but, as one of only a small number of veterinarians in the UK trained in hospice and palliative care, I can direct you to speak to your primary care vet about options for comfort care for your friend if all are agreed that now is not the right time to say goodbye. I understand how difficult having these talks is. I have these discussions with families every day and I know. If it all proves too much, put the telephone down – we can pick up the conversation another day. Please note that I do have to limit any discussions that may help you ahead of booking to one 30 minute duration telephone call per family, at a time convenient to us both, to allow me to offer this discussion free of charge alongside my clinical work.
Ahead of my visit I will register yourself and your pet. I will ask your consent to obtain your pet’s medical history from your current vet. At the point where the appointment has been made I will send you an electronic consent form to sign and a payment link to complete. These are not then distractions on the day. The consent form will ask you to consider body aftercare. You may choose home burial for your companion but, if preferred, I can talk you through options for cremation, including individual. More details can be found on the Aftercare page on this website. If you need time to consider your options that is absolutely fine. I just ask that all paperwork is completed ahead of our visit. I can always accommodate decision changes if they arise. I will also ask you if you would like me to arrange a keepsake of your companion for you.
I know how hard and final it feels at this stage but I will walk the journey with you. Think of creating a bucket list for you and your pet, to make the time you have left memorable and special. Put pen to paper- it can be incredibly comforting to put your words, sentiments, thank yous in writing.
Before I arrive at your home consider putting a sign on your front door so that this time together will not be interrupted.
And gather any special items you’d like to have around your pet. Having toys, blankets and anything they love from pizza to traybakes , ice cream to squirty cream, Dreamies to Lick-e-Lix makes this time all about them. If still enjoying their food, your companion can eat whatever they like. Even in all the sadness, it’s so lovely to see those illicit treats disappear.