How Will I Know it's Time?
Our pets provide us unconditional devotion, companionship and joy.
They enrich our lives. As pet owners, we accept the responsibility of making important decisions for them throughout their lives. Our responsibility continues as we make decisions regarding end-of-life care. It is Dr. Morgan Dixon’s passion to use her personal and veterinary experience to support and guide you whether you are considering treatment options or navigating the path toward euthanasia.
The word euthanasia literally means “dying well”. There may be many reasons why making end-of-life decisions feels overwhelming. Keep in mind that it is your pet’s illness or condition doing harm or causing the approach of their death. You are not ending their life prematurely. Your pet’s condition may be causing discomfort and suffering that you can relieve in a loving and dignified way. It is important to note that much of the personal and medical care we provide our pets is, by definition, interfering with the “natural” process of life and death.
“Euthanasia is often not so much a question of ‘artificially ending’ a life, but of when to cease artificially extending that life” ~ Moira Anderson Allen
Bear in mind that second guessing yourself and feeling uncertainty are normal as you proceed toward a decision. Throughout the years, I have heard many clients say that deciding to help their pet pass was the most difficult decision of their life. As it is such a difficult decision, many families wait too long and their beloved pet struggles unnecessarily. Euthanasia is a deeply personal decision, and you don’t have to make it alone. Only a small percentage of our pets experience a peaceful death without our help. The dying process commonly includes distressing vocalizations, difficulty breathing, confusion, anxiety, dehydration and seizures. Euthanasia is a deeply personal decision, and you don’t have to make it alone.
Quality of Life Consultation
If you’re seeking insight into your pet companion’s current quality of life and appropriate next steps, schedule a video appointment with Dr. Morgan Dixon. She will approach your conversation with sensitivity, empathy, and respect for your family. A virtual consultation provides a convenient way to get personalized advice and recommendations from the comfort of your home. Dr. Dixon will discuss ways to improve the well-being of your pet and your family situation or, if indicated, discuss a path to ease discomfort and maintain dignity for your pet companion.
Key areas that will be discussed include
1. Pain and discomfort
2. Anxiety and emotional well-being
3. Appetite and hydration
4. Mobility
5. Social interaction and enjoyment of life
6. Hygiene and grooming
7. Effect of a pet’s condition on their family
How does a Quality of Life Consultation by video work?
1. Start by filling out our Contact Form. Include in the message section that you are seeking a Quality of Life Consultation
2. Upon confirmation of your appointment, a set of carefully crafted questions will be emailed to you. These questions cover a variety of topics related to your pet’s daily life, health, environment, relationships and more.
3. Receive Personalized Feedback
You and Dr. Dixon will have a conversation by video. She will review your answers, ask further questions and provide personalized guidance to determine the best next steps for your pet and family.
***NOTE: This appointment provides an informative conversation. If medications or other therapies are recommended you will need to contact your primary care veterinarian. Tele-medicine cannot diagnose, treat or prevent illness.
How Will I Know?
Is My Dog in Pain?
Is My Cat in Pain?
Euthanasia at Home
Having made the loving and often difficult decision that euthanasia is the kindest choice for your beloved companion, Dr. Morgan Dixon will be honored to provide a compassionate and dignified euthanasia at your residence. You and your pet remain in the comfort and familiarity of your home. As an alternative, you may arrange for Dr. Dixon to meet you at one of the comfort rooms at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory and Memorials in Mooresville to provide euthanasia.
The at home euthanasia appointment includes medications to ease pain, reduce anxiety and bring about deep sedation. At the appointment, she will compassionately explain every step of the process while answering your questions and addressing any concerns. After deep sedation is achieved, a medication made specifically for peaceful euthanasia will be given. A remembrance paw print in ceramic clay is provided as a keepsake, if desired.
Aftercare
The passing of a beloved pet is a deeply emotional experience. We understand how important it is to honor them with dignified aftercare. You may elect to bury your pet at home, if local regulations allow. If you choose home burial, Dr. Dixon will provide a Euthabag, at no additional charge. Euthabag provides a respectful and environmentally safer home burial experience. We also facilitate transport to cremation services. Dr. Dixon works closely with Pet Pilgrimage Crematory and Memorials, a family-owned local business, dedicated to providing you and your beloved companion the personal care you deserve. Respectful transport, depending on the size of your pet, will be provided by either Dr. Dixon or her partners at Pet Pilgrimage. Transport and cremation services are an additional cost.
Green Paws Options
We believe in respecting both your pet’s memory and the environment. You can choose a dignified farewell while reducing the overall carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet.
- If home burial is elected, Dr. Dixon will provide a Euthabag for a dignified and environmentally safer home burial.
- Pet Pilgrimage Crematory and Memorials offers Aquamation and biodegradable urns and caskets.
How To Prepare For The Appointment
- Would you like anyone to visit your pet prior to your appointment? Who would you like to be present during the appointment?
- Is there a special place you want to visit or activity you wish to do beforehand? e.g. visiting a park, car ride, snuggling
- What setting would you like to create? e.g. quiet place, low lighting, relaxing music, photos, flowers
- What items you want to include? e.g. favorite bed, blanket, toys
- Are enjoyable activities an option given your pet’s condition? e.g. yummy food, drive to their favorite park, session with their favorite brush
- Would you like to write a note or read a poem to your pet companion?
- Will housemate animals be given the opportunity to be present during the process or say goodbye at the end of the appointment?
- How will you care for yourself afterwards? Who will help support you at this time? e.g. family, friends, support group, private counselor
