Preparing for the Goodbye – Creating a Gentle Transition
Understanding “How to Know When It’s Time to Say Goodbye to a Pet” is difficult, but do we omit the animal’s perspective when working through the decisions? While you may want what is best for your animal, many people are guilty of projecting their own wants onto the other-than-human world in the absence of clear communication across species.
Part 6: Preparing for the Goodbye – Creating a Gentle Transition
Saying “goodbye” to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments a family can face. But with thoughtful preparation, you can create a gentle, meaningful transition that honors your pet’s life and legacy.
Whether you choose in-home euthanasia, visit a veterinary office, or elect to explore the Eternal Tides Comfort Room, it’s important to understand what to expect. Most providers use a two-step process: first a sedative to ease pain and anxiety, followed by the final medication that allows your pet to pass peacefully (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2020). At-home and third-party options often offer more privacy and allow your pet to remain in a familiar environment.
Creating a calm, comforting space can make a meaningful difference. Consider playing soothing music, lighting a candle, or wrapping your pet in a favorite blanket. Invite close family or friends to say goodbye, if it feels right. Even young children can participate in age-appropriate ways, like drawing a picture or writing a note (McClain, 2021).
As part of this process, you will likely be asked to decide on aftercare. Eternal Tides offers aquamation, a gentle and eco-friendly alternative to “traditional” flame-based cremation. Using water and potassium hydroxide (KOH) instead of flame, aquamation reduces emissions and preserves more of your pet’s remains, offering a gentle and respectful way to commemorate their life (Pet Loss Professionals Alliance, 2022). Many families find comfort in keeping ashes, creating paw print keepsakes, or planting a memorial garden.
This final chapter of care is an act of love. Preparing for it can transform loss into a moment of peace, gratitude, and connection.
References
American Veterinary Medical Association. (2020). Euthanasia guidelines. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/euthanasia-guidelines
McClain, B. (2021). Helping children grieve the loss of a pet. American Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org
Pet Loss Professionals Alliance. (2022). Aquamation and pet aftercare trends. https://iccfa.com/resources/pet-loss-professionals-alliance
