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What Body Care options do I have?
Most families elect to have their pet memorialized either through cremation or burial. We would be honored to make arrangements for dignified and reverent cremation. Our crematory partners offer Private Cremation or communal. We have used their services for our own pets so you can rest assured your Beloved is in respectful hands.
Burial is another beautiful way to memorialize our pets. It can be done at a pet cemetery or on your own property. Check with your local county about laws governing private burial. To prevent the attraction of wild animals, placement should be at least 3-4 feet below the ground’s surface, wrapped in plastic and placed in a pet casket/wood or metal box. Placing large stones or a heavy object over top the grave is another deterrent for curious wild animals.
If we are handling your pets final arrangements and your pet is large we made need assistance carrying your pet to our vehicle. If you are unable to assist in this or are unable to enlist the help of a friend or neighbor, please let us know so that we can make arrangements for assistance.

What will happen during your visit to my home?
After our arrival to your home, there will be authorization forms to complete. We will go through the process and answer any questions you might have. Frequently, families feel this is the easiest time to provide payment, as well. We move at your pace. Only when you are ready, will we proceed.
What will the euthanasia procedure entail?
First, your companion animal will be administered a sedative to provide a stress and pain free experience. After the sedation has taken full effect, for most patients, a catheter will be inserted into a vein of the front or back leg. This catheter assures secure venous access for the procedure. Finally, whenever you are ready, and additional anesthetic will be administered to ensure your pet is fully asleep and not in any discomfort or stress and then the euthanasia solution is administered through the IV catheter. The breath and heart rate gradually slow to a stop, usually within seconds. We will listen with a stethoscope several times to make sure the heart has indeed stopped.

What should I tell my children?
This can be especially difficult for children, particularly if their friend has been with them the entirety of their lives. Learning about the cycle of life and death is a very valuable lesson that everyone has to experience at some point. Only you know when it is the best time to teach that lesson to your children. Allowing them to grieve and providing them lots of support is key. Euthanasia provides a wonderful opportunity for us to teach our children lessons of compassion, love and strength.
Encouraging them to celebrate the lovely life that their animal friend experienced can be a helpful way to deal with the sadness. Planting a garden or tree dedicated to their pet, drawing pictures or collecting photos of their pet to create a special album or writing a letter to their companion animal are beautiful activities that children may enjoy.
Snort’s Special Gift by Suzann Yue, Jasper’s Day by Marjorie Blaine Parker,Goodbye Mousie by Robie Harris, Love That Dog by Sharon Creech and Saying Goodbye to Lulu by Corinne Demas are a few books helpful for children that may be coping with the loss of a companion animal.
What do I need to do to prepare for your arrival?
Decide where and how you want the procedure to take place. Outside in a favorite garden or sleeping area are popular locations. Do you want your animal companion to lay on a special blanket or bed? Who wants to be present for the euthanasia? Decide on a body care option: private cremation, memorial cremation, cemetery burial or home burial.
A word about safety.
Most pets are loving and would never bite or snap, but sometimes when they are in pain or stressed they might. Please alert us to any concerns you may have that your pet might injure you or us during the procedure. Special arrangements must be made for pets that bite or scratch anyone within 10 days of their death. Please tell us if this has occurred so we can address those issues.

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