Saying farewell to a beloved pet

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This article was published 03/06/2019 (2618 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

My husband and I recently lost our beloved soft-coated wheaten terrier. 

Paris, named for the city of lights, was our comfort and joy and this has been a difficult time, as it is for many pet owners who truly love and treasure their pets and make them a significant member of their families.

Paris was almost 14 years old and was showing her age. She was diagnosed with end-stage renal disease back in December but, with treatment and care, she had been managing well. Unfortunately, another ailment that seemed to be neurological in nature is what caused her acute and rapid decline. 

For me, it was one of the hardest things to see and making that ultimate decision was like torture. Her veterinarian had told me in January that I would know when it is time, that Paris would let me know and she sure did. 

We had the veterinarian come to our house and it worked out very well (at least, as well as could be expected for such a miserable process). It actually was very peaceful and almost natural in its occurrence. I think Paris made it as easy for me as she could. It was comforting to know that the veterinarian was able to do this and being at home was the right choice for us. 

It is important to research options and ask questions. Many pet owners choose the ease of cremation but that was not an option for us (particularly me). 

In Winnipeg, you are allowed to bury a pet in the backyard but you should always check with the city and also ensure that it is done properly. Unfortunately, to my knowledge, there are no human cemeteries in and around Winnipeg that allow you to bury your pet with you or purchase a plot for you and your pet. So, if you choose burial versus cremation, your options are limited to just a few rural cemeteries. 

Amazon.ca has some final arrangement products (such as caskets and urns) that you can purchase for your pet and I was very pleased with the product quality. 

While this is a process no one wants to contemplate, it is a fact of life and it helps to have a supportive veterinarian’s office along with family and friends. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Julie Whelen and all the staff at Charleswood Veterinary Clinic who helped us on this arduous journey. 

Lisa Lagasse is a registered dietitian and community correspondent for Charleswood. Email her at Charleswoodres@gmail.com

Lisa Lagasse
Charleswood community correspondent

Lisa Lagasse is a registered dietitian and community correspondent for Charleswood. Email her at Charleswoodres@gmail.com or find her on X: @LisaRD42324393

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