It is an awful and difficult decision to make: whether to bring your pet’s life to an end because they are suffering. Maybe through injury or a terminal illness. Logic and reasoning may scream one thing, but our emotions scream another.
As a pets bereavement counsellor and someone who looks after other people’s dogs on a daily basis, I feel deeply connected to each loss when the decision is taken.
If you are suffering grief because you have had to take this decision comfort can be hard to come by, but I hope this little poem helps you.
The Final Battle
Should I ever turn frail or weak
Should pain keep from me my sleep
Will you then do that which should be done?
Because this – the final battle – cannot be won
You’ll be unhappy, I understand
Though don’t let that halt your hand on that day, excluding all the rest
Our friendship and love must pass the test
We’ve had many very happy years
Don’t let me suffer so
If the right time comes, allow me to go
Let me go to where I’d love to mend
But remain here, until my end
Hold me close and talk to me
Till my eyes cannot see
Author Unknown
