Our Role as a Good Pet Parent
Coleen Ellis and friends
By Coleen Ellis
If you’re taking the time to read this, then I’m going to assume you are one of the “good pet parents.” You know what you look like…. you do all you can for your precious pet(s). Good food, good health care, supplements, only the best treats, a good comfy bed, play time, toys galore. Yes, you know the look! (Raised hand from myself in saying “yep, that’s me!”)
Throughout the lifetime care of a pet, I’m like you, we take the time to research a variety of elements of care for our pets. How to read a food bag, proper dental care, reviews on boarding facilities, and so much more is now at our fingertips to make sure we are making decisions that are best for our pets and our lifestyle. As a good, loving pet parent, there’s one other area that needs to be researched: Your pet's care & arrangements in their final days.
Don’t throw the book at me, or stop reading this piece. As I have already said, I hate this part of loving a pet, too. But I can hate it all day long, and it’s still going to happen.
I, personally, want to be as prepared for my pet’s final days or months as I have been for every other part of their life. Understanding the options available when that inevitable time comes will certainly help a loving pet parent to make sure the end-of-life walk is as peaceful, honorable and dignified as possible. I want that for every loving pet owner, as it eliminates so much guilt after a pet’s death. Guilt with saying “I wish I would’ve known,” “I wish I would’ve done,” “or why didn’t I do that?” I know that in researching and making decisions helps me and my heart to know I’ve done all I can, and I’ve gathered all of the information needed, to make a well-educated and good decision. I’ve done that for them ALL OF THEIR LIFE, they deserve the same research for their final journey, a time when they need us most!
We’re here for you. Please let us help you with this part of life.
Coleen Ellis, CT, CPLP