A Vow of Loyalty

Brenda Scamordella
Apr 8
6 min read

With a heavy heart and deep sadness, I write this article, aiming to offer guidance on supporting your pet during their final stages of life. As a co-founder of Paws For Seniors, an animal rescue that rescues older pets with a focus on senior dogs and cats, we often have to make difficult quality-of-life decisions to give that pet a peaceful passing and relief from their broken body and failing mind.

There is no doubt that our pets are more than just animals; they are beloved members of our families who bring us joy, companionship, and unconditional love. Making end-of-life decisions is one of the most difficult challenges we face as their guardians.

At Paws for Seniors, we recently received a distress call about a fragile elderly chihuahua who could hardly walk. Sadly, the dog was surrendered to the shelter by individuals who had lost their home and could no longer care for him. We are full of emotions as we think of the individuals who dedicated their lives to care for Smokey, but in the last stages of his life couldn’t be there for him.

Jim, my husband, partner, and co-founder of Paws For Seniors, with his big, soft heart, couldn't bear the thought of leaving him in the shelter. Driven by compassion, Jim went to get the dog so we could provide him with love and any medical care he might need. Over the weekend; we closely observed the dog's condition and were saddened to see that his quality of life was quite poor. His body showed signs of muscle wasting, and he had limited control over his back end, leading to incontinence. Additionally, his mind was affected by dementia, causing him to get lost in corners and whine incessantly until he was gently placed back in his bed.

This situation reminds us of the complexities and unpredictability of life. It is a poignant reminder that love and care are not confined to mere presence. The bonds formed and the memories created endure beyond the constraints of time and space.

To those who loved and cared for Smokey, know that your efforts were deeply valued and that your spirit was with him, offering solace and peace. Smokey's legacy is a testament to the warmth and kindness you bestowed upon him, and his memory will forever carry the echo of your affection.

Being a rescuer and a committed guardian for your pet demands immense compassion, dedication, and patience. It’s not just about providing food and shelter; it's about providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment that meets both the physical and emotional needs of the animal.

I hope this heartfelt story inspires and guides pet owners to provide their beloved pets with the dignity they deserve at the end of their lives. I hope to encourage a peaceful and loving passing for these loyal companions, ensuring they are comforted in their owners' arms as they cross the rainbow bridge to heaven. I aim to offer support and understanding to those facing the difficult decisions and emotional challenges that come with saying goodbye to a cherished pet.

There is never a doubt that pets have a special place in our hearts, offering unconditional love and companionship throughout their lives. When they reach the end of their journey, it is natural for us to wish them peace and freedom from their suffering. Imagining them becoming young again, playing without pain, frolicking in meadows, and knowing they were deeply loved brings a sense of comfort. The thought of them waiting at the Rainbow Bridge, a place where they can eagerly await the day they are reunited with their guardians, offers solace. This vision allows us to cope with the grief of their loss while cherishing the memories of the joy they brought into our lives.

Is assessing the quality of life of your beloved pet easy? It is the most difficult decision you will ever make in your life and it never gets easier. You will doubt the decision, you will second guess yourself, you will see hope when hope really isn’t there, you will cry tears of sadness and be a well of emotions as you deal with the grieving process. There are several steps to grieve the loss of a loved one, and they will come in different stages, including denial, anger and deep sadness. These are all perfectly normal.

Furthermore, your loved ones deserve your presence, your strength, and your compassion, especially in their final moments. It's understandable to want to protect your heart from the inevitable pain of loss, but they need you now more than ever. They have been a part of your life, sharing memories, love, and support. In their time of need, being there for them is an act of love and honor.

The fear of loss is powerful, but the regret of not being there can be even more profound. They deserve to have someone familiar and dear by their side, someone who truly knows them and cherishes the moments shared. This is your chance to provide comfort and peace, to show them that they are not alone, and that their life has meaning and impact. Please, we implore you to seek out guidance during this difficult time, please don’t put this burden onto the animal rescue/shelter community that is overburdened with the endless supply of homeless pets and have so many difficult decisions to make every day.

Embrace your role in their final chapter. It's a difficult and emotional journey, but it's also an opportunity to demonstrate the depth of your love and to create a lasting memory of compassion and connection. Be present, be strong, and let your love shine through, for both their sake and yours.

Tips and Resources

Making a lifetime commitment to your pet is one of the most rewarding and responsible decisions you can make. Pets bring immense joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives, and they deserve the same dedication in return. Here are a few key points to keep in mind as you embark on this journey with your furry friend:

Be There Through Thick and Thin: Pets, much like humans, experience both good times and challenges. Whether it's a playful day in the park or a tough visit to the vet, your presence and support mean the world to them. Your consistent care and affection help them feel secure and loved.
Prioritize Medical Care: Just as humans need regular health check-ups, your pet requires routine veterinary visits to ensure they are in good health. Vaccinations, dental care, and preventive treatments for parasites are essential. Prompt medical attention for any illnesses or injuries is crucial to maintaining their well-being.
Seek Help When Needed: Sometimes, the cost of medical care for pets can be overwhelming, especially as they age and may require more frequent veterinary visits. Don't hesitate to reach out to organizations that offer financial assistance or low-cost veterinary services. Many communities have resources available to help pet owners provide the necessary care without undue financial strain.
Plan for Their Golden Years: As your pet ages, their needs will change. They may require a special diet, more frequent vet visits, or adjustments to their living environment to accommodate mobility issues. Being proactive and prepared for these changes ensures that their later years are comfortable and happy.
Cherish Every Moment: Time with our pets is precious. Make the most of every moment, whether it's a simple walk, a cozy nap together, or a playful game. These memories will stay with you forever, and your pet will feel the love and joy you share.

In conclusion, a lifetime commitment to your pet is a beautiful journey filled with love, responsibility, and mutual care. By being there for them in good times and bad, prioritizing their health, seeking help when needed, and cherishing every moment, you can ensure that your pet lives a happy and healthy life.

References

Are you having trouble affording your pet?If you or someone you know is struggling to afford pet care basics, help is out there. https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/are-you-having-trouble-affording-your-pet

How Will I Know It’s Time to Say Goodbye?Assessing your pet's quality of lifehttps://www.lapoflove.com/how-will-i-know-it-is-time

Living with Pet BereavementIt is widely accepted that there are 5 main stages of grieving, Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance...https://livingwithpetbereavement.com/early-days-of-bereavement

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