Be informed before you bid farewell to your pet. One of the most difficult aspects of being a pet owner is making end-of-life decisions for beloved dogs and cats. While many owners ultimately decide to have their pet put to sleep, the euthanasia procedure remains a mystery for most people, adding to the stress and fear an owner experiences at this critical time. Author Julie Reck is a veterinarian who has devoted her professional career to helping owners make more informed decisions about euthanasia. In Facing Farewell, you'll find a complete description of the euthanasia procedure, so you know what to expect and can feel confident you've made the right choice for both you and your pet. You will learn about: The symptoms of pain and discomfort pets may display as they approach the end of life Information to gather and share with your vet, and questions to ask about how they conduct a euthanasia procedure The options available in terms of medications and techniques used during euthanasia, so you can be a more informed advocate for your pet What happens, in detail, during euthanasia, so you know what to expect What experts are saying: "Facing Farewell walks families through the pending loss of a pet with gentleness, while offering a feeling of empowerment at the same time. Pet loss support begins well before the death itself. Dr. Reck has provided the tools for a safe and healthy end-of-life experience for both the pet and family."— Dr. Kathleen Cooney, author of In-Home Pet Euthanasia: The Veterinarian's Guide to Helping Pets and Their Families Say Goodbye in the Comfort of Home "Facing Farewell is an invaluable guide for the family facing the ultimate, important decision in their pet's life. Dr. Reck gently takes the reader by the hand and provides compassionate guidance through the decision-making process. Quality of life and pain assessment are two very important considerations regarding end-of-life decisions, and they're thoroughly covered. Families will find the assessment forms included in this book indispensable for helping determine when the time is right."— Wayne Hunthausen, DVM, behaviour consultant, international lecturer and co-author of Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat Dr. Julie Reck owns and operates a full-service animal hospital in Fort Mill, South Carolina, where she lives with her husband, two dogs and horses.
