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Real members of myHIVteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Euthanizing Your Pet

A myHIVteam Member asked a question šŸ’­
Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii

This is a sad and emotional time when it is suggested by your veterinarian to put your pet to sleep by euthanizing. My question is:
"Would you remain in the room with your pet while the procedure is in process?" or "Would you leave the room because of emotional trauma."
My answer is "I will remain with my pet until she has crossed the rainbow bridge despite the overwhelming emotion to follow"
What would you do?

September 1, 2023
 ā€¢ 
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Answer Summary

Members overwhelmingly agreed that staying with a pet during euthanasia is the right choice, with nearly every person sharing they remained... Read more

Members overwhelmingly agreed that staying with a pet during euthanasia is the right choice, with nearly every person sharing they remained present despite the profound emotional pain because their pets deserved comfort, love, and the reassurance of not being alone in their final moments. Several members described the heartbreaking experience of holding their pets as they passed, with one recalling their Doberman's death and another their German Shepherd Sadie's, noting that while the grief was crushing, being there helped both the pet and themselves find peace. A recurring theme was viewing pets as family members who stood by their humans throughout life, making it only fitting to honor that bond by staying present through the hardest goodbye, even when the emotional toll felt unbearable.

A myHIVteam Member

I would remain with my little one to the end of his time holding his paw. 🐶

September 2, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

I stayed. That was one of the worst experiences of my life but I would’ve never left my baby.

September 2, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

Oh my I just went through this a week ago.I did not want to put him down but then I realized I was just being selfish as he was suffering,so I brought him in and he passed in my arms I know now that he suffers no more and I just hold on to the loving times we had together it is a hard thin but he will be always in my heart

September 2, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

As hard as it is to do, I have always stayed. They are by your side all of their life and I think it is only fitting that you stay with them in their time of need.

September 2, 2023
A myHIVteam Member

After all these years, I still brings tears to my eyes thinking about it. I had to put my dog down due to severe age problems. I was a gas, and the vet gave me a shot to my dog, and its head just dropped and she was gone. I left teary-eyed, calling my dog to bring her home to bury. It’s a Service in a guilty never get over.

September 2, 2023

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