Paw Print and Memorial Ideas

Posted on March 27, 2020 by Kristi Lehman, MSW, LISW

MN Pets makes a clay paw print at each visit, and some families have questions about additional paw print options they can create before the visit or as a family. Here are some additional creative options:

  • Create your own clay paw print – MN Pets uses Crayola Model Magic, which can be found at most retailers and online. It can come in white, like we use, or multiple colors. It is easy to manipulate, air dries, and is safe for children to use, too.
  • Create homemade clay-dough – mix a cup of flour with a cup of salt and add water until you can knead the dough into a ball. Using wax paper, press the flattened dough onto your pet’s paw. Then bake at about 200 degrees for 2-3 hours, checking regularly. You can read more here. Because of the high salt content of homemade clay-dough, it can be toxic to pets who eat it, so be sure to keep it away from your other pets. 
  • Create an ink print – you can use a regular ink pad for stamps, or you can purchase a special ink pad kit made for paw prints. Both types of ink pads are available at most craft stores and on Amazon.
  • Create a paw print painting – you can paint the pad of your pet’s paw with non-toxic paint and press it onto paper. You can use a blend of different colors, and the result looks like a painting.
  • Keep a fur clipping – you can take a small cutting of your pet’s fur and place this in a shadow box, inside a locket or jewelry, or in a scrapbook.
  • Put their favorite items in a shadow box – save your pet’s favorite toy, food dish, a corner of their favorite blanket, their collar and leash – anything that is unique to them and preserve it in a shadow box. Many families include their favorite photos, a quote, or a handwritten note.
  • Take photos of your pet – most of us have many photos of our pets on our phones or on social media. Consider printing your favorite photos and creating a photo album, scrapbook, customized photo book, or frame them or have them printed on canvas.
  • Don’t forget the close-ups – Most of our photos are action and candid shots of our pet, but try to take close-up photos of your pet, too. You can capture the golden glints in their eyes, their rough paw-pads, the speckles on their belly. These are characteristics that make our pets who they are, and it can be helpful to capture that to help keep those memories alive long into the future. 

The possibilities for creating sacred memorial items in honor of your pet are endless. Searching online or on Pinterest brings thousands of results and we encourage you to do what speaks to your bond in the most meaningful way. It is also important to remember that material items are just one important part of honoring your pet’s memory. Writing down your favorite stories, holding your own memorial service, posting a tribute online, donating in honor of your pet – these are all meaningful ways to honor your pet’s memory and acknowledge your profound loss.

On our website, we have several articles about memorializing a pet. You can read about incorporating cremated remains in your garden, 9 ways to memorialize your pet, taking a memorial walk, among other ideas.

Posted in Memorializing a pet | 1 Comment

We’re still here

Posted on March 26, 2020 by Chelsea Zellner

Our world feels so scary right now. There are so many uncertainties, so many worries, and a constant deluge of terrifying information. We can hardly manage to find a routine amidst the fear and the fog of the unknown.

Even if everything in our personal lives remains steady, what is going on outside and in our communities has thrown our world completely off kilter, has upended anything that once seemed normal, and has left us feeling anxious, confused, and helpless.

So what happens when we throw a sick pet in the mix? What happens when, at this tumultuous time, our sweet family pet suddenly becomes ill, or passes away? How can we possibly manage our fear, our worry, our financial concerns, AND our grief?

It can all feel so overwhelming. In some moments, it may feel like more than we can bear.

Before all of this happened, we might have felt like we had some semblance of control over our lives. But now, control is a comical word. Impossible. A myth. There is no controlling anything right now. And that makes us feel so very helpless.

We promised our pet we would always be there for them, always do what was best. Always love and care for them no matter what. But now we’re afraid we might not be able to keep that promise. Our sweet pets have no idea what is going on in the world, and unfortunately, they, too, have no control over what is going on in their bodies. They are doing their best, just like we are. But if things go wrong now, we don’t know what we will do.

The veterinarians, vet techs, and animal medical professionals here in Minnesota are doing their best, too. As much as they are able, clinics are still providing their essential services to families in need. Though the appointments might look a little bit different, veterinary professionals are doing everything they can to still provide your family and your beloved pet the help you need in the safest way possible.

In home end-of-life services for pets are still in operation, too. In the state of MN, veterinary care is still deemed an essential service, and we at MN Pets are still seeing as many visits as we can, and as safely as is within our control. We are doing all we can to still be able to provide a loving, gentle goodbye for your precious pet. Though we, too, have had to alter our protocol to do what we can to keep our doctors and the families we see safe, we are still committed to serving families and pets as long as is allowed.

We’re all facing this uncertainty together. We don’t know what the future holds. And having to navigate this scary time with the added worry of a sick pet makes it even more overwhelming. But we want you to know that you are not alone. We see and hear your worry. We see and hear your concerns. We see and hear your tremendous love for your pet, and we know how much you are striving to do just what is best. We are here to help you through this. As long as we can, we will commit to walking through this uncertain time with you. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any and all questions and concerns.

We are with you through this. We’ll all get through this together.

You can find more information on the precautions MN Pets is taking during the COVID-19 outbreak here: https://www.mnpets.com/blog/mn-pets-covid-19-plans-precautions

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Pets teaching us about love

Posted on February 13, 2020 by Chelsea Zellner

 

What does love look like?

A dozen roses? A box of chocolates? Diamonds?

Maybe.

But I think it can also look a bit….furrier. Maybe slobbery. And it barks, or purrs. Or both. And maybe it covers your clothing in a never ending supply of hair.

 

What does love feel like?

Romance? Butterflies? Or is it maybe a little deeper than that?

Commitment. Devotion. Loyalty. Unbridled joy. Unwavering support, even in the darkest of times.

These deeper aspects of love don’t just come from human partners or family. Sometimes this love comes in the form of a wagging tail and incessant, sloppy wet kisses. Sometimes it comes in the form of tiny, pokey little paws “making biscuits” on your belly at 2am. Sometimes it comes in the form of a quiet, gentle, velvety head, patiently resting on your lap, catching your tears in its fur, sitting with you through the pain of life.

Sometimes this love is an explosion of deafening barks out of a tiny wiggly body- obnoxious, yes, but the proof of enormous, uncontainable, loud love, spilling out.

Sometimes this love shows itself even more subtly. It never says a word, but never leaves your side. Through all the laughter, sorrow, anger, and boredom, this quiet love stands loyally at your right hand until it can stand no more.

 

Valentine’s Day is devoted to human love. But we with furry family members know that in our pet’s world, every day is “love day.” Every single day of a pet’s life is devoted to loving its human (yes, even for cats!)  We humans can barely manage to remember to celebrate human love one day out of the year. For our pets, it is Valentine’s Day all year round.

 

Humans, evolved though we may be, struggle with mastering true, pure, unconditional love. For the experts on this, we must look to our pets. From the day they enter our home until the day we must say goodbye, they are the most perfect example of unwavering, immeasurable love.

Sometimes it takes losing them for us to truly understand.

 

On Valentines Day, we’re surrounded by pink and red and roses and chocolate and mushy human love. But each and every day, though we notice it or not, we’re surrounded by the deep, true, perfect love of our most loyal family members.

So, the next time you brush the pet hair from your clothing, or wipe the sloppy kiss off your face, or hear the thump of a happy tail, or are awakened at midnight by a loud purr in your face, take a moment to feel, to cherish, and to give thanks for that profound, powerful, perfect unconditional love.

 

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We Had So Many Plans

Posted on January 27, 2020 by Admin

“I should have had 10 more years with him.”

“She should have had a long life.”

“We had so many plans.”

Pet owners are all aware that they face having to say “goodbye” at some point. If they are lucky, their pets enjoy long, healthy lives with them. They spend many joyful years together, and eventually watch their beloved furry family member become slower, and grayer.

But not all of us are lucky.

For some, it is a cancer diagnosis when our cat is 5.

Or our 3-year-old, too-joyful, too-energetic dog getting hit by a car.

Or our pet dies unexpectedly, for seemingly no reason at all. And we don’t even get the comfort of having answers.

How is this fair? Why is it that some families get to watch their pet grow old, when others never get to behold the bittersweet sight of a well-loved, graying face it its golden years? Why is it that some people’s pets seemingly live forever, when others are robbed of a full life?

We know ourselves- we are the best owners a pet could ever have! We would have given them the best, most spoiled, beautiful long life. But we never got the chance.

We had so many plans.

We should have gotten to celebrate a 10th birthday.

We should have gotten to buy the “senior-grade” pet food.

We should have gotten to sit on the front porch together, watching many more summers pass by.

We should have gotten to complain about more vet bills.

Or cleaned up accidents when they started “getting up there.”

We knew just what was going to be on their “Bucket List,” and boy was it going to be great.

We should have had 5 more years. Or 10 more years. We would give anything for one more day.

Why is the future stolen from some of us?

So many take their aging pet for granted, blissfully unaware of the hole that would be in their heart were that pet to leave this earth. But we know the hole. Sometimes it feels like that’s all that is there- a hole, where there once was a heart.

But boy are we grateful for the time we had.

Our face was licked so many times.

We were greeted by an ecstatic blur of fur every time we got home.

We even miss the “bad” things. Like being woken up countless times in the middle of the night. Or the incessant barking. Or the brand new couch that we soon learned was a $500 scratching post.

What we wouldn’t give to get mad one more time, and realize, one more time, that we couldn’t stay mad at all. What we wouldn’t give for one more chance to forgive them, scratch their sweet little head, and let them know how much we love them.

We may not have realized it then, but the time we had was immeasurably precious. Perhaps that’s what makes the pain of unexpected loss so much worse. We didn’t know how precious few the days and years with our pet were, until we had no more days and years with them.

We had so many plans.

But the moments we did have…

…We will cherish those forever.

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The Guilt of an Unready Heart

Posted on January 9, 2020 by Chelsea Zellner

I was talking to my dad recently. He is one of the biggest animal lovers I know. He has had animals his entire life. But he and my mom don’t currently have any pets at all. Our family dog Maddy passed away in 2011, leaving our kitty Mabel. Then Mabel unexpectedly died in 2018. They haven’t had another pet since.

In the years after Maddy died, I had asked him about perhaps getting another dog. Mabel seemed lonely, and I thought another dog may bring joy to my parents. But there was always the same answer “Oh, ya know. It might be too much for Mabel to handle. And I don’t know if I am ready.” I never pushed. I understand the deep and lasting grief from losing a pet. After all, Maddy was my girl, too.

But since our precious Mabel passed, their home has been empty. As long as I have been on this earth, my parents have never had a petless home. Recently, I gently asked him again, “Do you think you guys will get another kitty? Or maybe even a dog again?” This time my dad got quiet. He said “I…I don’t know. You know, when Maddy died, I didn’t think I would ever be able to have another dog. She was our family. She can never be replaced. And then when Mabel died….I just really don’t know. It is like my heart can’t take it. I feel like Maddy and Mabel were my heart. It belongs to them. I also feel like if I were to let myself move on, it would be like I were forgetting them.”

*

I have a friend who says that the day her dog dies, she will go out and get another one. She said this would never ever be a replacement for her dog. Her dog is her entire world- she loves her with all her heart. But she knows that for her specific grieving process, it will help aid her healing to immediately have another sweet doggy to love and care for. She views it as a tribute to her passed pet, as a way to beautifully serve her memory.

*

Everyone copes with grief differently. Some, like my friend, are ready to open their hearts immediately. But others, like my dad, are left with a hole in their heart that they don’t want to try to fill. It might feel like they don’t begin to heal for a long, long time. They might wonder if they ever can.

It is easy for us (especially those of us who fancy ourselves “animal advocates”) to quickly say, “but there are so many pets who need a home!” I am guilty of saying this to my own dad. And it is true- there are so many amazing, beautiful souls waiting for their forever home. But we must remember that the pets we have lost are family members, and we do not simply “move on” from that. If someone were to lose a child, we would never say “well, just get another one!” We must remember that the loss of a loved one involves a significant and complex grieving process that is different for everyone. It may not make sense to us, but we must respect everyone’s individual healing process, no matter what it may look like.

Sometimes those who could never imagine getting another pet find themselves in a shelter weeks later, walking out with a new joyful little bundle of fur- sometimes we don’t understand even our own grief, and we surprise ourselves!

But it is important to have grace, patience, and compassion for each other as we face the difficult journey after saying goodbye to a beloved pet.

I do hope that one day my parents choose to let another precious animal into their lives. It would be one lucky pet! But it is not up to me to decide if or when that happens.

If you find yourself feeling like you just can’t fathom ever having another pet, please do not feel guilty. Be kind to yourself, be forgiving. Grief looks different for every heart, and no one can tell your heart what to feel.

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Merry Nothing

Posted on December 18, 2019 by Chelsea Zellner

We’ve officially entered “the most wonderful time of the year.” So they say.

For many, this season is euphoric. The bright, sparkly lights, the incessant din of cheerful music, the buzz of excitement in the air- it’s magical. Intoxicating.

 

But for others, it’s just downright depressing. For some of us, this year brought an empty place at our table. Or on our hearth. Or at the foot of our bed. During the holidays, that empty place might be the only thing we can see.

 

The holidays are a time to gather with family, reminisce about the year past, and look forward to the year to come. But when the past year stole our loved one, and the gathered family is a little bit smaller, it can feel like there’s not much to celebrate, and we’d really rather not remember.

 

And for those of us who have lost a pet, it can be especially painful when we have people in our lives making comments like “Well it was just a dog.” This season that brings us all together also brings more opportunities for people to make ignorant and obnoxious comments.

 

Maybe the holidays remind you of all the beautiful holidays from years past, and the special memories, and the love…and it just throws your pain into sharper relief, casts your loneliness in a brighter light.

 

Maybe the holidays bring up painful memories from holidays past, and the yearly reminders are just too much to bear.

 

Maybe the holidays feel like something you just have to make it through every year. If you can get to the other side, then you can breathe.

 

Or maybe for you, your emotions during the holidays are just complicated. You feel the magic and warmth and find yourself enjoying things, but you also feel guilty, because you are allowing yourself to enjoy life without your loved one.

 

This season, you may feel invisible. The holidays have a nice way of making all those who are not cheery feel very isolated and unseen, and that can just make everything worse. But if you are one of these “invisible” people, whatever you may be feeling- loneliness, pain, complicated cheer, fresh grief, or “stale” grief- please know, you are not alone (no matter how lonely things might feel).

 

If you can, try to surround yourself with supportive, loving friends and family. Let those in your circle know how they can help, and allow yourself to reach out for extra support if you need it. There are many resources for people needing help, not only during the holidays, but all year round. There are support groups, therapists, grief counselors, and more- for people missing humans, AND animals. Countless individuals have used these resources and benefited greatly from them. There are so many people who experience grief and hopelessness, especially at this time of year, and being able to know that there is someone who will walk through it with you, and that there are so many people who have already walked this difficult path, can be a beacon of light during a very dark time.

 

Above all, this holiday season, be kind to yourself. Let yourself feel what you feel. Don’t allow others to belittle your emotions, or incorrectly summarize your experience for you. Don’t allow the insensitive comments to have any bearing on your real, true, valid feelings. If someone says “It was only a cat,” say, “Well, it wasn’t YOUR cat, and you weren’t a part of that relationship.” Don’t allow them to belittle your relationship, and don’t let them tell you the “right way to feel.”

 

This season, remind yourself that it is okay to be sad. It is ok to be joyful. It is ok to have fun. It is also ok to not have fun. It is ok to miss your loved one, whether human or animal. You miss them because they mattered, deeply.

 

And your experience matters deeply.

 

So, if you’re not feeling so merry and bright, remember that you are not alone, and you are not wrong to be feeling what you feel.

 

We at MN Pets are always here for you, to listen, to validate, and to help you remember that you are not alone.

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You Did A Good Job

Posted on October 10, 2019 by Chelsea Zellner

 

You did a good job, human.

 

You did a good job at feeding me.

Sometimes it was boring food, and sometimes it was my favorite. But you fed me every day, and that was my favorite time of day.

Sometimes I begged for more and you said no. But sometimes your eye twinkled and you said yes.

Sometimes you sneaked extra special yummy bits to me under the table when no one else was looking (And sometimes they sneaked me extra special yummy bits when YOU weren’t looking).

You always fed me, every day.

 

You did a good job at playing with me.

You’d throw the ball so many times! Even though it was probably never enough for me, I know that your human arm would get tired, and that’s ok. Playing ball with you was the best.

Or you’d dangle that string in my face and I would do everything I could to pin it to the ground. Or steal it from you. Sometimes I would win. And if I wouldn’t, it was because I pretended I didn’t care anymore (though secretly I did). You knew this, and you’d always pick that string up again, and I’d always be ready to pounce once more! I loved chasing that string with you.

 

You did a good job at cuddling me.

You’d pull my face close to yours, and kiss the top of my head. That was my favorite.

Or you’d wrap your arms around my body and hug me tight and whisper all those nice words in my ear, about how good I was, and about how pretty I was, and about how much you loved me.

Or I’d climb on top of you in the middle of the night and purr in your face, and you would scratch my head no matter how sleepy you were.

Or sometimes for nap time you would let me climb up on the couch with you, and we barely fit on there together, but that made it even better. The closer I could cuddle with you, the more I loved it.

I sure loved being close to you.

 

You did a good job at taking me to the vet.

I really hated it there. But somehow I always ended up feeling better once I got home.

You forced weird tasting things into my food or into my mouth, and that was so gross. But somehow I always ended up feeling better after that, too.

You did a good job at caring for me.

 

You did a good job at saying “no.”

Even though I didn’t like it at the time, I know you only wanted what was best for me.

You said “no” if I got too close to the street. Thank you. I was dumb, sometimes, and you just wanted to keep me safe.

You said “no” if I was getting too fat. That’s fair.

You said “no” when I barked too loud. Sorry. I sure could be noisy, couldn’t I?

You said “no” when I hissed at my brother. I still think you didn’t understand what I was saying, but it’s ok. I know you loved him, too.

You said “no” when I played too hard with your nice things and they accidentally became shredded. I am sorry. Also…..my brother did it.

You said “no” when I dug holes in your pretty garden.

You said “no” when I jumped on the counter.

You said “no” sometimes, and sometimes, you said “no” lots of times! But that was a good thing. You said “no” because you wanted to set important boundaries, and I needed them. You did a good job with “no.”

 

You did a good job at loving me.

You squealed my name when you got home every day, and I could tell you were so happy to see me. I was so happy to see you, too.

You praised me when I did things right, and that made me so proud.

You laughed when I did silly things, and I could see so much joy on your face. I so loved making you laugh. Your laugh was my favorite.

You rubbed my belly when I asked you to (and you stopped when I asked you to stop).

You always kissed the top of my head, and I always loved that. Come to think of it, the top of my head got a lot of love. I must have had a really nice top-of-my-head.

 

You knew when I started getting tired, and you made sure to slow things down a little. That made me feel important. It made me feel loved.

You knew when my body started hurting and I needed more medicine.

You knew when my body started hurting and I needed more rest.

You knew when I couldn’t go on walks anymore, and even though I missed them so much, I am glad that you knew what was best for me.

 

You loved me even though my face got all grey. You still called me handsome.

You loved me even though my legs started giving out and we couldn’t play much anymore.

You loved me even though I started having accidents. I felt so bad, but you called me your best sweetie anyway.

 

And when I finally got too tired, and my eyes started letting you know, you loved me so much that you knew it was time to say goodbye.

I didn’t want to say goodbye, because I didn’t want to leave you. I loved you so much, too!

I loved your nice voice.

I loved the way you petted me and rubbed me and kissed the top of my head.

I loved all my silly nicknames.

I loved my house.

I loved my family.

I loved my life with you.

But I needed help, and you loved me so very much that you were willing to break your heart to ease my pain.

 

You did a good job when we said “goodbye.”

You told me a billion times that you loved me, and that I was the best sweetie ever.

My nice top-of-my-head got so many pets and kisses.

You gave me my favorite treats, and this time, there were no “no’s.” It was wonderful.

You looked into my eyes, and though I could tell you were sad, I could also see all the love in your soul, looking into mine.

 

We said “goodbye.” But  I know I’ll see you again. Heaven is a really beautiful place. I couldn’t have picked a prettier spot to wait for you. I can’t wait to show you around.

 

You did a good job, human. I loved my life with you.

 

 

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Cremated ashes in the garden

Posted on August 10, 2019 by Lindsay Niemi

During the warmer months, many people ask if they can bury all or some of their beloved pet’s cremated ashes into their garden soil.  Memorializing their pet by nourishing their plants, or perhaps planting a specific tree or bush in their pet’s memory can be a healing activity for many.  Cremated ashes do not pose a health risk to humans or animals. And they are safe to incorporate into the ground*, however, there are a few things to consider when planning to mix a dear pet’s ashes in with plants.

Where will I spread them?– Incorporating ashes into the soil of a garden can be safe, but we encourage you to not spread them in the soil of edibles.  Mixing ashes with the soil of a flower bed can be a way to both nourish the soil and to encourage the growth of beautiful flowers that remind you of your pet.  Because the pH of soil can be affected by the addition of cremains, we recommend spreading the ashes throughout the soil instead of concentrating them under only one plant.  Special growing compounds such as those created by Let Your Love Grow can be mixed with soil to help balance ph.

Should I plant a tree? – Planting a tree to honor your pet’s memory is a lasting, significant way of paying tribute.  There are options for biodegradable pet urns that grow into trees, which you can learn more about here.  You may also choose to pick a tree that has meaning, or one that you find beautiful, and place your pet’s ashes into the hole that is dug for the planting of the tree.  We encourage you to choose a tree that will thrive in your growing zone, and you can learn more about the proper care and planting of Minnesota trees by visiting this website.

What about burying an urn? – Choosing to keep your pet’s ashes contained in an urn and burying the vessel is also a popular choice.  Biodegradable urns can be purchased and buried, providing a “green” choice for the environment.  Alternately, a sturdy urn can be buried in the ground, and a memorial garden or stone could be placed over the site as a permanent tribute.

There are many options for ways to memorialize your beloved pet, and these are only a few suggestions.  We recommend contacting a trusted local garden center for more information on how cremains may affect a specific plant if you have questions or concerns.

A special thanks to Molly Nemec, a University of Minnesota Master Gardener, and animal lover and mama to lab mixes Tucker and Windsor, for her contributions to this article.

 

*In Minnesota, there are no state laws controlling where you may keep or scatter ashes. (source)

Posted in Memorializing a pet | 3 Comments

What pets teach us about…Commitment.

Posted on July 31, 2019 by Chelsea Zellner

In 2007, James Bowen was a drug addict, attempting to recover, living in halfway housing, and trying desperately to make ends meet by busking on the London Streets. He had struggled with homelessness and heroin addiction for many years, and was trying, yet again, to get back on his feet.

James was part of a rehabilitation program in which patients take the drug methadone as an alternative to illicit drugs. James had successfully transitioned from heroin to methadone, but he was still addicted and fully dependent on methadone. To help cover the cost of this program, and of his housing, he brought in what spare change he could by playing guitar and singing on the busy London streets.

One night, as James returned home to his building, he found an orange cat in the hallway. At first James ignored it, believing it must belong to someone else. But the next day, James found that the kitty was still in the spot where he first saw him. James discovered that he had no identification, and was also badly injured. He tried to find the cat’s owner amongst the other residents of his building, but when no one claimed the kitty as their own, James decided it was his responsibility to help him

He brought him into a nearby clinic, and with the very little money he had, he pursued treatment of the kitty’s wound. For the duration of the two-week treatment, James continued to look for the owner of the cat, while keeping the kitty in his care. Once the treatment was complete, and no owner had turned up, James let the cat back out on the streets. Since James was caught in his own volatile situation, was having a difficult enough time caring for himself, and was desperately struggling to remain on the methadone program to heal his addiction, he didn’t feel he could add the responsibility of caring for another life.

But this little orange kitty had other plans.

He began following James around. He even followed him onto the bus! This kitty wouldn’t let James go, so James decided he wouldn’t need to. He adopted this bold little cat, and named him Bob.

Bob became an integral part of James’s life and routine. James took Bob everywhere. He bought him a harness and a leash to keep him safe, though Bob’s preferred method of transport was atop James’s shoulders. They became an inseparable duo. James would busk the streets of London, and Bob would reside beside him.

But this life they led was still volatile. Though Bob’s presence helped with his busking earnings, James still made little money. He quickly learned that caring for an animal was not free, and he wanted to give his new partner the best life he possibly could. The duo still depended on the special housing program, and though it was more stable than James’s previous homelessness, James wanted to move beyond assisted housing.

And most critical of all, James was still addicted to methadone.

James decided he needed to change. He needed to create a better, more stable life-  for his sake, and for Bob’s.

James made the decision to end his methadone dependency, and to become completely drug free. He knew that this would be unimaginably challenging. What he didn’t know was that he wouldn’t be alone.

James ceased taking methadone, and soon his body began to react. He endured days of violent withdrawal symptoms. But through every moment, Bob stayed by his side. Bob’s constant presence, his sweet little purr, was the support James needed to make it through. Bob’s soft body by his side was the reminder of the purpose for all the pain and strife. James knew he needed to do this for Bob and for himself, and Bob never abandoned him. Though James’s body reacted violently, Bob wouldn’t leave him.

Bob had made a commitment to James. From James’s first act of kindness toward Bob, Bob decided that James was his person. And though it took some convincing, James finally agreed.

Bob had chosen his duty. He made a commitment to be James’s companion. And that commitment, from animal to human, from one sweet soul to another, is one that does not falter. Through the happy moments, and even through the scary ones, Bob was steadfast in his commitment to James.

We humans sometimes struggle with this. Everyone’s heard the tiresome trope of a parent requiring a child to first prove their responsibility before being allowed to get a puppy. And we’ve all experienced the trials (read: messy failures) of house training a pet, and the dedication and determination that requires. Sadly, we’ve also heard stories of animals being surrendered, or worse yet, abandoned by their owners. The fact of the matter is, owning an animal takes commitment. Many humans do not understand this at the start, but quickly learn.

Whether it is potty training, walking, grooming, boundaries and discipline, or routine veterinary care, there are a myriad of tasks and responsibilities that are necessary for owning and effectively caring for a pet. Too often humans adopt a pet, but refuse to undertake these necessary tasks. They want the animal, but not the responsibility. And inevitably, the pet suffers.

And yet there are many humans who discover the great and daunting responsibility of caring for an animal, and though they are met with many challenges, they choose to commit to their pet, despite the difficulties. They accept the potty training, the many walks, the grooming, the frustrations of setting and reinforcing boundaries, and the sometimes overwhelming costs at the veterinarian’s office. They understand that when we choose to care for another life, there are many obligations that come with it, but that each of those challenging moments is worth it. That we have made a promise, and that that promise takes commitment.

What our pets give us in return far exceeds those challenges. The joy, the laughter, the comfort, the unconditional love- these things cannot be measured, and they cannot ever be matched.

When Bob chose James, he began to teach James what true commitment looks like. Bob’s determination to stay by James’s side no matter what showed James the depth of his attachment, and James knew his life would never be the same. James, in turn, fully committed himself to Bob, and together, they made a new life for themselves. Though James had greatly struggled with addiction, finances, job responsibilities, and homelessness, having Bob in his life and committing to loving and caring for him gave James the determination he needed to change his life. James sought new job opportunities and worked hard to be successful in them. Gradually, James became more and more financially stable, and successfully remained drug free.

James and Bob became a well-known pair. People began to upload videos of them to YouTube, and local papers wrote pieces on them. Eventually, James wrote a book about Bob, entitled “A Street Cat Named Bob: And How He Saved My Life.” It became a worldwide bestseller. Not long after, it was made into a film.

James is eternally grateful for what Bob taught him. He feels he owes everything to Bob, saying “I believe it came down to this little man. He came and asked me for help, and he needed me more than I needed to abuse my own body. He is what I wake up for every day now… he’s definitely given me the right direction to live my life.”

Bob taught James so much when he chose him and stayed by his side. James in turn committed fully to providing Bob with a beautiful life. Though it took all the strength, determination, and fortitude he had, he worked hard, he changed his life, and he created a wonderful future for his new companion and for himself.

James and Bob are still an inseparable duo. Together they have written many books (including children’s books starring Bob!) and they continue to share their beautiful story with the world.

Our pets teach us so many invaluable lessons during their time with us. And one of the greatest of these lessons is commitment.

Posted in Reflections | Leave a comment

What to Expect During the Euthanasia Appointment

Posted on July 1, 2019 by Admin

We often hear questions about what to expect during a home euthanasia appointment. It can be helpful to know how this appointment may be different than visits you’ve made at a veterinary office for end-of-life. After working with pets and families since 2010, we understand what works best to bring comfort to pets and people who are present at home. Here is a general description of what you can expect during your appointment with MN Pets.

BEFORE THE VISIT

Pre-Visit Phone Call

When on the way to your visit, your veterinarian will call you to give you an arrival time, confirm cremation options and answer any questions you may have before the visit. The doctor may ask if you were able to locate the links for the prepayment and electronic consent form. These phone calls typically last 1-3 minutes.

Payment & Paperwork

We will send you a confirmation email with an electronic consent form attached. You will be able to keep a copy of this form electronically. If a paper copy of the consent form is needed for any reason, these are available upon request.

If you would like to prepay, you may do so while you are scheduling your visit, either over the phone with our support specialists or by using the link provided in your confirmation email. If you prefer to pay the doctor during the visit, you can pay with a credit card, a check made out to MN Pets, or with cash (please plan to have the exact amount as our doctors do not carry change). We also accept Care Credit, which can be processed over the phone with a support specialist before your visit.

Visit Setting

Our doctors are comfortable working in any room or space where you and your pet feel comfortable. Our doctors bring everything needed to keep the area clean and dry; there is no need to prepare anything special in your home. A favorite bed or blanket can be a nice option to provide a cozy environment. It is wonderful to be outside when the weather cooperates. If the doctor will be transporting your pet for cremation, consider having the visit in a location that will allow for an easier and unobstructed exit to ensure that your pet can be carried out of your home safely and peacefully. If there are questions about location, you and the doctor can assess the space together.

Eating and Medication

Your pet can follow a regular routine for eating and drinking on the day of the appointment, as well as any medications. Most typically prescribed medications will not interfere with the medication used during the visit.

On occasion and depending on the disease process present, a pet may experience nausea after the sedative, and this can look different between pets. Your doctor will discuss this with you if needed. Some families choose to decrease food intake prior to the appointment to decrease nausea and increase the excitement about treats (a great distraction) when the doctor arrives. It is not necessary to withhold food prior to the visit, as we want the pet to feel comfortable, happy, and connected to their family. Your doctor is happy to answer any questions about nausea before or during the visit.

Weather & Travel

In the case of inclement weather (such as a severe winter storm), our support team will be in contact with you as soon as possible to update you on the doctor’s arrival window and any necessary schedule adjustments. Based on the weather situation, we will ask for your flexibility and understanding in scheduling to keep our doctor safe. This may mean having your appointment earlier or later than expected. We routinely track recommendations from MNDOT, the National Weather Service, and employees on the road in real-time to guide our decisions on safe travel. We know how hard it was to make the decision to schedule a visit and our goal is to be as respectful of this as we can while keeping our staff safe.

DURING THE VISIT

Appointment Process

After arriving at your home, our veterinarian will meet your pet and spend a few minutes getting to know them. We will administer a sedative injection to make them comfortable and ease them into a deep sleep. Depending on the known or unknown medical conditions of your pet, the sedative typically takes somewhere around 5-15 minutes to take effect. All pets are different; some pets go to sleep quickly, some pets take longer, and some may require some additional sedative. Throughout the process, your veterinarian will assess how your pet is responding to the sedative and guide everyone through the process.

The sedation is administered via an injection either under the skin or into the muscle based on the doctor’s discretion. In general, most pets tolerate this poke well. Some pets may feel startled by the unexpected poke, or they may be sensitive due to ongoing health conditions. Our doctors do their best to make this process as stress-free as possible. Once the sedative starts to take effect your pet will experience comfort, pain relief, and relaxation.

Once your pet is resting comfortably and all those present are ready to proceed, the doctor will administer the second injection to help your pet pass peacefully. Often this medication is administered into a vein, however, there are many reasons that an alternative route may be used (like dehydration). The veterinarian will discuss this as needed and will always choose the method that is most compatible with your pet’s condition. The medication first deepens unconsciousness, then the heart will slow and stop. This usually occurs within a few minutes. Your pet is comfortable throughout this process; this medication does not cause any discomfort or distress. Following this medication, our doctor will very carefully listen for heart sounds with a stethoscope to confirm that your pet has passed away.

During the appointment, the doctor would be honored to make a paw print impression in clay if wish to have one. Altogether, we plan 30-60 minutes for the appointment. The doctor will work at whatever pace is feeling right for you and those present.

Variations from the usual process aren’t uncommon. Most often, this is due to the pet’s disease or body condition, or the way the pet’s body responds to the medications given. Just like with any medical intervention, the doctors may occasionally need to vary their plan slightly, both to ensure the best experience for you and the most peaceful and comfortable experience for your pet. Our training and years of experience with helping pets at the end of life help us to know what’s best to do in any situation to help the process proceed smoothly. If you have questions about something that is happening at any moment, don’t hesitate to ask the doctor additional questions. Our goal is to keep everyone informed as much as they would like to be throughout the visit.

Ceremonial Items

We welcome special arrangements such as prayer, silence, music, poetry or anything that brings you comfort. Being at home allows your family to celebrate your pet’s life in the way that is most meaningful to you

Audio/Video

MN Pets does not allow video or audio recordings of home euthanasia visits, and we request that photos are not taken of our doctors. We value the privacy of our veterinarians and the assurance that photo and video content from pet euthanasia will not appear online due to its sensitive nature. Video-calling with friends or family members is permitted and welcomed. Photographs of your pet and your family are welcomed, with the request to avoid including the veterinarian in any images. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

AFTER THE VISIT

Transportation

We take great care in making sure your pet is handled gently and with dignity after death. If our doctor is arranging cremation services, your pet will be comfortably transported and safely arranged in the vehicle. Small pets are typically carried out in a wicker basket or a blanket-lined carrier. Larger pets are carried out on a soft or hard stretcher. All pets are placed on a soft fleece blanket and covered with the blanket with their head exposed (if you wish) as if they are tucked in and sleeping. You are welcome to come out to the vehicle and say any last goodbyes. For pets over 30 pounds, our doctor will need assistance from one other person to help carry your pet to their vehicle. Please consider the path the doctor will use to take your pet to their vehicle. We ask that the path is clear of obstructions, as well as snow and ice in the winter.

Aftercare: Cremation & Home Burial

If you choose for your pet to be cremated, after the appointment the doctor will place your pet in secure cool storage until the crematory is able to receive them. Even before the crematory receives your pet, they know who they are and will assign an identifier that stays with them with every step of the process. If requested, your pet’s ashes can be returned in a wooden urn with a certificate verifying that the ashes returned are your pet’s.

If you chose home burial, please visit this resource for more information: Considering Burial

Pet Loss Support

Losing a pet is a heartbreaking experience, and it is natural to grieve deeply. Grief looks different for each person, and there are many resources available for a variety of bereavement needs. We will follow up with you via email after your visit and will include a printable resource list including support groups, websites, books, and local resources. You can also visit the resource page on our website.

QUESTIONS/REQUESTS

If you have any questions about this information or something we haven’t addressed, feel free to contact our support team at (612) 354-8500 or speak with the doctor during the appointment.

Posted in End-of-life decisions, Preparing for your pet's appointment | 6 Comments