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Coping with the terminal illness of a cherished animal companion presents the same challenges to an animal lover as would anticipating of the death any other family member. Today hospice and palliative care for human beings provides a much needed service to the dying and to those who care for them, but finding such support for a beloved animal close to the end of life can be more difficult.
Reflecting a growing trend toward allowing companion animals a natural death at home, the concept of providing hospice and palliative care for our four-legged friends is similar to that offered for people. The focus is the same: on providing safety and comfort care in loving, familiar surroundings, rather than on aggressive treatment and cure in a hospital setting. Animal hospice is based on a belief that, with proper preparation and guidance for everyone involved, symptoms can be managed, pain can be controlled, and death can be experienced with dignity and compassion. In this way, pet hospice can be an effective alternative to euthanasia. Read on here > > >
Reflecting a growing trend toward allowing companion animals a natural death at home, the concept of providing hospice and palliative care for our four-legged friends is similar to that offered for people. The focus is the same: on providing safety and comfort care in loving, familiar surroundings, rather than on aggressive treatment and cure in a hospital setting. Animal hospice is based on a belief that, with proper preparation and guidance for everyone involved, symptoms can be managed, pain can be controlled, and death can be experienced with dignity and compassion. In this way, pet hospice can be an effective alternative to euthanasia. Read on here > > >
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Thank you, Marty, for this wonderful article. Dr. Bittel has served as a mentor, supporter and dear friend to New England Pet Hospice since its inception. She has inspired us in countless ways and taught us so very much not only about animal hospice care, but also about living and dying.
ReplyDeleteWe are especially delighted to announce that New England Pet Hospice has coaxed Dr. Bittel east of the Rockies for her first New England seminar! She will be teach the Spirits in Transition seminar here in Massachusetts May 18-20. Please contact me for more information.
Best wishes,
Heather Merrill
Founder and Director
New England Pet Hospice, Inc.
www.NewEnglandPetHospice.com
Wonderful, Heather! Thank you so much for letting us know!
ReplyDelete