Who should be present for you beloved pet’s passing? This is such a personal decision. One person might picture the perfect passing as an intimate transition with just them and their pet. The next person might imagine perfection including their pet’s closest 12 neighbors, pizza (which MIGHT be shared with the humans), and stories being shared. While all of our “perfects” might be different, we have found that many people have the similar questions.
Kids
“Should my kids be there?” is a question we get asked often. The first thing we ask is: “Do they have an opinion?” Many children will have preference on if they want to be there in your pet’s final moments. We should first respect that. Then we need to think about you – your children will look to you for how to react and respond to this passing. This creates an extra responsibility placed on you in that moment for guiding your kid through the passing and navigating their emotions. Some parents need to allow themselves to “let go” and emote in the moment, and would rather be alone with this until they’re ready to help their children. No one knows your needs and your children’s needs better. Trust yourself (and them) with what to do.
If your children are going to be present, prep them for what to expect beforehand, and remind them that they can stay for as much or as little as they want – there’s no right or wrong, and their pet knows how much they’re loved.
Other pets
Other pets are welcome to be there, and the only time they can be a hindrance is if they are bumping Dr. Melissa during the IV catheter placement (though Jamie is pretty good at distraction there), or if they are stepping on the pet that is passing and is causing pain. They do often cause a distraction, and that can be either a welcome diversion or a hindrance, depending on what helps you cope. If you want to be able to focus on your passing pet, but would like for the other pets to see them once they’re passed, we can always help you with that, or step out according to your preference.