Twilight Care
Because we love our animal companions throughout their lives, the final days are important. It can be a particularly difficult time and our pets need our attention and support to make decisions on their behalf, recognizing that sometimes the kindest thing we can offer them is a smooth and gentle parting. It is also important to acknowledge the human emotional impact of these decisions. The goal of The Comfort Vet is to provide advice and professional support during this time, as well as to provide the best care possible to honor the bond between you and your pet to help ease this journey.
To schedule an appointment please fill out the Twilight Care Form, then text (608) 561-1639. Someone will be in touch with you very soon.
Twilight Care is end-of-life care. Twilight Care is performed in the comfort of your pet's own home and delivered with the greatest amount of respect and care.
Initial Steps
As you and your family begin this final phase of your pet's life, please know that we will be available to help you at every step. Initial contact can be made by simply filling out the Twilight Care form, then text/call and leave a message at (608) 561-1639. Someone will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
If your pet’s condition is advanced and clearcut, an appointment will be scheduled. Scheduling a Quality-of-Life Consultation is an excellent option if you are as yet uncertain about the decision and would benefit from additional guidance. In an effort to ensure all options are considered, holistic hospice care may be recommended.
Preparing for the appointment To parepare for the appointment there is nothing specific you need to do, but there are a few things you may like to do. Prepare a favorite area that your pet likes to rest in with comfortable, familiar, blankets and pillows. If you feel it might help, turn on some music that you both enjoy that is peaceful. Call or remote video contact a family member or friend that can’t be present if their presence would be particularly meaningful, or supportive. Prepare a special treat – maybe a special food that you know your pet will enjoy (like a special cookie or a hamburger). Some people like to express their feelings in words when the time comes and feel better for having written a special note to their pet that can be read aloud, or they may prefer to verbally or silently reminiscence about some fond memories together.
During the appointment
When the veterinarian arrives, paperwork and payment can be taken care of if it wasn’t already. Time will also be taken for your pet to feel comfortable with a new person in their home. Your pet will be examined and a decision to proceed with euthanasia will be made. When that determination is made, your pet will be given a sedative by injection. If your pet still has an appetite it is nice to give them a little food to help distract them from this injection. The sedation takes about 15-20 minutes to take effect. This is a good time for you and your pet’s loved ones to be close with your pet. Private time will be respected. When your pet is fully sedated, and you are ready, the final medication will be given. This medication takes your pet into a very deep sleep that helps the body to stop. This phase can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a little longer depending on the way the medication is given and the pet’s disease condition. Care will be given to respect your wishes afterwards.
After your pet’s passing, and when you are ready, there are several options available to you.
Cremation
Many pet caregivers have their pet cremated and there will be two options available to you. Pets can be cremated individually, or communally in a group. Both of these options are safe and very respectful, and great sensitivity surrounds the process for each beloved pet.
You have the option to bring your pet to the crematorium personally, or to have the veterinarian handle the arrangements for you. To make the arrangements yourself there are several local businesses that offer this service:
Memorial Pet Services
2600 Todd Drive
Madison, WI 53713
(608) 836-7297
https://www.memorialpetservices.com
Midwest Cremation Service
W9242 County Road CS
Poynette, WI 53955
(608) 635-7365
https://mcsofwi.com
If you would like the veterinarian to handle the arrangements, your pet will be transported in a blanket and carried in a basket or soft stretcher to the veterinarian’s car for delivery. Assistance by you or another family member or friend may be needed for pets that are over 30 pounds (pets that weigh more than 80 pounds may need two additional helpers). If you would like the ashes returned, a private cremation is required. You can either pick your pet's ashes up personally or have them delivered within 2-3 weeks.
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Burial
Some pet caregivers bury their pets at home. There can be regulations in place in some municipalities that may prohibit this option so it is important that you contact local authorities for guidance before home burial. These restrictions are in place to safeguard other pets and wildlife because the medications used to provide a peaceful parting are very strong anesthetic agents that can persist in the environment for up to a year. If your pet’s body is not buried deep enough, then other animals may dig up your pet’s remains and become seriously ill or die.
Burial of pets in a pet cemetery is a safer option. A local resource can be found at Westport Pet Memorial, Waunakee WI (608) 249-3278.
Experiencing the loss of a beloved pet is heartbreaking. Please know you are not alone. If you feel it would help, consider reaching out to one of the resources below. These sites are designed to connect you with caring support to help you through this difficult time.
Pet loss support links
https://www.petlossresourcecenter.org
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PetHospicecommunity