Wondering if your animal companion is ready to transition? People ask me that question frequently!
A tough dilemma
It’s a tough dilemma because it’s more than just your animal being ready to go. It’s also about you and your family being ready to let your animal go.
Start with a clear intention
I think we, the guardians of our animals, should start with an intention to make decisions for the animal’s highest good — within the limits of what we are capable of logistically (money and time) and what our hearts can bear.
You know your animal
Ask yourself, what makes his or her life worth living? If there is little or no pleasure in or ability to do what used to be fun, it might be time.
But don’t be hasty
There are a lot of options a thoughtful, regular OR holistic veterinarian can recommend to manage the issue. Get good information. Then let your heart and clear intention guide you.
My dogs have always loved walks, cuddling and good treats. So here are examples from their lives:
Couldn’t move easily – This could be caused by pain. My regular vet was able to provide some medications to manage the pain and my dog Missy perked back up. We gained a few more wonderful years.
Not eating – Again, this could be caused by pain or something else that can be managed or even fixed. Check with your vet and see what the options are.
If it’s still not clear whether they’re ready to transition
Sometimes it’s useful to get an animal communicator involved when it’s still not clear about whether they’re ready to transition.
A client had brought home a puppy in addition to already having an older dog in the house. The older dog had cancer and was having some symptoms and behavioral issues. The person wondered if the older dog was ready to transition.
The information I received was no! Actually, the older dog thought his family was going to get rid of him.
The older dog knew there had always only been one dog in the house. But now there were two. Somebody had to go – and it looked like he was the most likely candidate!
He definitely wasn’t ready to transition. I assured him that they were not going to get rid of him. I told him that he had a role in teaching the puppy the rules of the house.
There was a marked improvement in his behavior, allowing his family to focus on his physical symptoms.
When he was ready to go, his symptoms very clearly indicated to his family that it was time.
Animals survive their transition
I believe that animals survive the death of their bodies just as I believe that people survive the death of their bodies.
I had the best personal experience ever when I saw my dog, Timmie, in my dining room looking happy and healthy. This was years after he passed on. So take comfort in the possibility that you’ll be contacted by your animals again.
Mitsubishi’s Last Day
In 1999, we brought home a feisty Siberian Husky less than a year after my first husband died. The kids named him Mitsubishi.
He was playful, gentle and LOVED getting away when being walked.
A young girl in our neighborhood once told me that she saw a wolf running by her house. I had to laugh as I told her, no, it was just Mitsubishi, my Husky!
When Mitsu (his nickname) was 13, he started having multiple seizures. We took him to the emergency hospital, hoping it was something fixable. But it wasn’t. We decided that additional medical procedures would not be fair to Mitsu. He could no longer walk or run (his passion!) and was incontinent. We made the decision to let him go.
I found a vet who was willing to come to our house to help Mitsu transition.
The word went out that it was Mitsu’s last day. Daughter Andrea came up from college and son Pat took the day off. Our other dog Stella, who thought Mitsu was the best big brother ever, sat and waited.
My friend Snow brought her dog, Libby, one of Mitsu’s longtime friends, to say farewell.
Neighborhood kids and their parents stopped by to feed Mitsu treats, pet Stella and tell stories about Mitsu. Our friends from The Mount Vernon House came over, crying and laughing with us. Mitsu loved it!
It was finally time. We held Mitsu as he transitioned. Mitsu felt everyone’s love as he transitioned in his home. Not a bad way to go for any of us!
The veterinarian took his body and left us with that emptiness that all guardians know.
Some time after he passed, I contacted Mitsu to ask why he left before I was ready He sternly told me that it was absolutely his time to go — Another dog needed a home. We found Tibor a while after Mitsu passed and I finally understood.
Need help assessing their readiness for transition? Download this document from Ohio State University Veterinary School.
Need help with your decision? I can help!
Check out Perfect Endings & Transitions (PET)!