Some pets die of old age. Others, however, have to be euthanized because they are seriously ill or have a terminal illness. Others may be so badly injured that they cannot be saved, or their health may have deteriorated so much in old age that they no longer have a significant quality of life. In the most critical cases – e.g. when an animal has an incurable disease such as cancer or is seriously injured – the decision to euthanize can be taken away from the owner. However, there are other instances where an owner feels that their animal still has some chance of getting through, e.g. B. if his quality of life is severely restricted. However, relieving animal suffering is one of the golden rules of animal welfare. Feelings that focus on our own needs – e.g. For example, saying, «I’m not ready to let my pet go,» or «I can’t bring myself to do it,» or «I’m afraid of losing it» – are inappropriate and may not be in the animal’s best interests.
Deciding to let your pet go can be one of the most difficult decisions you have to make in your life. Although it is your personal decision, you do not have to make it alone. Your vet, family and friends can help and support you.
would like to help you deal with this decision, prepare for the moment of farewell and deal with your grief. We have created some guides for you on these and similar topics. The authors of the guides have themselves had to make the painful decision to put down a pet. They have experienced what they write about themselves and know how it feels. We hope that reading this will give you hope and strength.