At Professional Pets Florida, we understand the unique challenges and deep emotional bonds that come with caring for senior, special needs, and medically needy pets. Our dedication to providing compassionate and tailored care extends to all stages of a pet’s life, including the most difficult decisions. That’s why we’ve partnered with Dr. Abby Regner of Parting Paws, a respected in-home euthanasia service serving the Tampa Bay Area, to offer our clients valuable insights and support during this challenging time. In this interview, we delve into the compassionate approach Dr. Regner takes in providing a peaceful and dignified end-of-life experience for beloved pets. We hope this conversation will offer comfort and guidance to pet owners facing these difficult decisions.
1. What are the signs that indicate it might be time to consider euthanasia for a pet?
Making this truly selfless decision is one that is heartbreaking and difficult as there is not a “right or wrong” or “A+B =C methodology. This consideration is filled with not only the medical status of the pet but also the emotions and spirituality of the family involved.
I think it is important to consider euthanasia when a definitive diagnosis is given which may not have treatment options for a variety of reasons or when the aging process has advanced to the pet no longer being comfortable or able to do the activities they enjoy.
For me personally, I place great importance on respecting the pet’s life and focusing on what brings them joy. When that begins to shift we need to take a step and ask ourselves what may be going on and then what can we (or can’t we) do about it. Sometimes, humane euthanasia is the kindest treatment we can provide.
2. How can pet owners assess their pet’s quality of life?
I have a quality of life scale that I give to my families that are struggling with the difficult decision. This is by no means to provide a clear “yes” or “no” for families but to encourage them to monitor changes overtime that may seem small or unnoticeable if not measured. I often hear people discuss only eating and drinking as a way to measure quality of life. I teach that there is much more to a pet having a happy life for example: mobility, interaction with family members and elimination habits to name a few.
Having a physical exam as well as diagnostic tests performed by your local veterinarian can also be very helpful to gain a greater understanding of what may be going on internally as well as have a quantified measurement of how a disease process is (or is not) progressing to better help prepare in considering euthanasia.
3. What are the benefits of choosing in-home euthanasia compared to a veterinary clinic setting?
In-home euthanasia provides numerous benefits as opposed to in the veterinary clinic and they are not solely reserved for the patient in need.
For the human family members:
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No dreaded drive to the clinic or tear filled one home.
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No waiting for a room or the Doctor to be ready
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Privacy; other than myself, the people present are all those you know and love
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Comfort; be in your favorite sweats and snuggle on the couch
For the pet family members
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Pets bond and they grieve after a loss. Allowing them the ability to be present in whatever capacity they choose provides a chance for them to realize what has happened and begin their healing journey. They do not have to search and question where their friend went. It has been such an incredible privilege to witness the bonds between household pets and their greater understanding of death.
For the pet in need of help
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There is no uncomfortable or scary car ride.
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There is no exposure to fear pheromones or loud noises at the veterinary clinic
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They have all their favorite things; food, toys, people, beds etc.
4. Can you describe the euthanasia process and what pet owners can expect?
The process leading up to the decision looks different for everyone but after the decision has been made it starts with reaching out to me or another provider. I try my best to keep the conversation as straight forward and simplistic as possible. I know anyone reaching out to me doesn’t want to be and is likely experiencing anticipatory grief. We will go over basic information and a brief description of the pet and what is going on, more is always welcome but I am your ally in this journey and am there to support.
When I arrive at the home I like to be sure to introduce myself and allow the pet(s) in the home to get used to my smell and presence. I will then walk the family through what the experience will look like so everyone is as comfortable as possible and pick out a special place for the appointment to occur. The procedure itself begins with pain and sedation medication to allow the pet to relax. I truly enjoy learning about the pet I am helping and it is during this time I welcome families if they would like to share memories about the pet. Grief is painful and speaking of the beautiful life they experienced is a powerful way to celebrate their life and allow the pain to lessen just a bit and also bring connection to the life we are all honoring with this last gift on Earth. When the pet is fully relaxed and cozy I will administer the final medication to allow a transition peacefully and surrounded by love. There are no rules when I am there; the pet can have anything they want and be wherever they are most comfortable.
5. How do you help families prepare for the emotional aspects of euthanasia?
Grief and loss comes with a great range of experiences. Over my years as a veterinarian and as well as having experienced my own pet loss I have found keeping their memory alive through stories helps the healing process. I advise to keep the pictures hung, use their name, share memories you have that brought great joy at one time. I also have resources for professional help if needed.
6. What options are available for aftercare following euthanasia?
Aftercare can include many things but most commonly burial, communal cremation or private cremation are most common. The difference between communal and private cremation is that with communal you will not receive any remains home to you and with private your pet is cremated alone and their remains prepared for return home. The memorial options are truly endless and can be as simple as a paw print, fur clipping and collar shadow box to as creative as tattoos, donations in honor of a pet and even having fur/ashes made into a diamond! As with making the decision to elect euthanasia how you choose to memorialize them is equally personal.
7. How do you ensure the euthanasia process is painless and peaceful for the pet?
It is very important to me that this experience be as peaceful as a transition as possible. It is important to remember that every pet has their own disease process which can alter each appointment slightly. All of my patients receive pain/sedation medication based on their individual circumstance which is given (most often) under the skin with a very small needle. After this I encourage whispers and gentle massage and petting to help the body and mind fully relax. The final medication is given with a needle when they are free of pain. There can be movements during the final transition including, deep or shallow breaths, stretch of the limbs or small twitches but these are rare and are not due to distress.
8. What advice do you have for families struggling with guilt or doubt about the decision to euthanize?
It is important to understand this is not a decision that indicates failure or lack of love and care. This is a final treatment when medicine can no longer assist a pet. I encourage families to shift the mentality of it being the most selfless act of love we can show to the pets that love us every single day. Humane Euthanasia is a procedure I am deeping grateful for as it allows us to ensure as many good days and as few bad days as possible for our pets. There is nothing I can say to make the pain go away or make the grief journey absent but I do share my views and experiences with the goal of letting all my families feel they are not alone and I am proud of them. I also have professional resources available if necessary.
9. How do you support pets with anxiety or fear during the euthanasia process?
I take great pride in trying to help as many patients as possible even if it may take extra care and time. When families share they have a pet they are concerned may require “special handling” we discuss options we can implement prior to my arrival as well as during my arrival. Some examples include; having their local veterinarian prescribed some pre-sedation they can give orally, having the room dark/quiet/low music and having extra delicious treats available. I am open to having these discussions on a case by case basis and doing my very best to come up with options as every pet and family deserves this as an option.
10. What should pet owners do to create a peaceful environment at home for the euthanasia procedure with Parting Paws?
Please know I will show up with a heart full of love. I find some people are nervous to meet me and fear judgment or are shy and hold back their hurt. I do this work because I truly care and have been in your shoes and know having this at home made all the difference for my pets and me. I want to help provide that same safe space as I had. There are no rules so have anyone you want join us, we can be wherever the pet is most comfortable and if they are still eating go ahead and get all the special snacks ready. In some cases it is good to have a towel or two ready as sometimes a bit of urine or stool may be eliminated and it is always good to have tissues nearby. Other pets in the house are welcome as long as they are not going to disrupt the pet in need or the family from being emotionally present, in that case I recommend a different space and allowing them time after. This is a personal appointment; try to envision what a peaceful setting looks like to you and create that.
We hope this interview with Dr. Abby Regner offers clarity, comfort, and understanding to pet parents facing the difficult decision of end-of-life care for their furry friends. Her expertise and compassion provide a guiding light during these challenging times. At Professional Pets Florida, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and happiness of your furry companions during our in home pet sitting and dog walking visits. Should you have any further questions or require personalized advice for your pet’s unique needs, we encourage you to consult with your veterinarian. Remember,
If you’re looking for a compassionate veterinarian in the Tampa Bay area and need assistance over the Rainbow Bridge, contact Dr. Abby Regner at www.partingpaws.com
