Hospice For Pets! A New Option Emerges

Funerals For DogsHospice has been helping people pass more gracefully, in a calming environment, that they feel comfortable in. The term hospice care is defined as focusing on the quality of life for terminal patients. Patients that are close to the end of their lives are cared for in a nurturing environment, that focuses on their emotional, spiritual, and mental health, along with pain management. Much of the Hospice practices are based on a Budest Philosophy.

Now, a new trend has emerged, offering hospice services for pets. When you search “pet hospice” more than 20 million search results appear. The trend in this industry is not surprising. In 2018, Americans spent a record high on their pets. Americans spent $72.56 billion on their pets in 2018, which was a 4% increase from the spend of $69.51 in 2017. And, a portion of those costs is now being spent on pet hospice care.

It’s estimated that 68% of American households, or approximately 85 million families, own a pet. And, when your pet gets sick, it can be very painful to watch them suffer. Many Americans are choosing pet hospice and palliative care for their furry family members. Pet hospice offers owners a solution to ease their pet’s suffering in a gentle and comfortable way. Is pet hospice really worth it though? Or is it just a scam for pet owners to shell out more money in a time in their lives when they’re particularly vulnerable? Keep reading for a complete overview of what pet hospice offers, its benefits and downfalls, and if it’s the right decision for your pet.

What is Pet Hospice?

Saying Goodbye To a PetPet hospice services is a term used by more professionals these days and their idea of what “Pet Hospice” is can vary from provider to provider. However, many pet hospice providers will offer to come to your home, monitor your pet during their last few weeks or days, and prescribe medication to manage pain. Some Veterinarians offer hospice like services as an extension of their business. Your pet hospice provider will advise you when they feel is the right time to let your pet go, and will be there to euthanize the pet in the comfort of their own home. Not all pets will require euthanization, and sometimes the veterinarian is there to supervise as the pet naturally passes on.

complete pet hospice service can include on-call services from the veterinarian to provide urgent care as needed, extended appointments for counseling, support for decision making, and even pet loss grief counseling and support. As well as providing nutritional support, assistance with urination and defecation, ensuring adequate hydration, helping pets move safely within their environment, keeping pets well groomed and clean, symptom management, and providing mental stimulation and loving contact with family members. Funerals for pets

The Benefits of Pet Hospice

One veterinarian estimates that 95% of his regular furry patients are still euthanized at the vet’s office. This means that most pets don’t die a natural death and come to a point in their lives when the owner has to make the tough decision for them. In many of these cases, it’s likely that these owners are unaware the pet hospice is an option.

There are many aspects of choosing pet hospice that is comforting. Your pet is able to pass in the comfort of their home, in an environment they feel comfortable and safe in, versus a cold table in the veterinarian’s office.

A veterinary practice is typically very loud and chaotic. There are veterinary employees running around and pets in the office making noises. This can add to a pet’s anxiety and make them stressed in their final moments before passing.

Instead, choosing a pet hospice treatment at home can make the entire process more calming. Animals and their owners feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. One company describes that some pets “can fall asleep with treats still in their mouth.” 

Perhaps most important of all, pet hospice comforts the owners too. The owners can spend the entire day playing with their pet, give them their favorite treats, and dictate when it’s time to say goodbye. It removes the clinical and cold approach of going to a vet’s office and feeling as though you have to rush your goodbye because you can’t keep the vet occupied for too long.

The Downsides to Pet Hospice 

The most apparent downside to pet hospice is the cost. Being able to choose pet hospice for your furry companion is a privilege that not over pet owner can afford. The cost of care can vary, typically ranging from $180 to $200, plus the cost of medications. Additionally, in-home euthanasia costs anywhere between $200 to $250. Assuming the pet medication is an average of $200, the cost of choosing pet hospice for your furry friend can range anywhere in total from $580 to $650 or more. For people choosing to participate in the additional pet hospice services, such as pet loss grief counseling, costs will be much higher. For the average American household, spending a $1,000 or more is not an easy decision especially, if it’s an unexpected expense.

A secondary possible downside to pet hospice is dealing with the decision of putting down your pet. Similar to euthanizing your pet in a veterinarian’s office, you need to decide when you are ready to let your pet go. Your pet hospice provider, or your veterinarian, can offer their expert opinions, but only you make the final decision. There may always be a question in your mind if you chose the right time to say goodbye. However, you should take comfort that if you received a medical professional’s opinion and approval, you made the right decision to end your pet’s suffering.

When It’s Time to Let Your Pet Go 

Pets love us unconditionally, and it can be challenging to decide it’s time to let them go. However, if your pet is suffering, it’s time to help them. Pets don’t understand why they’re in pain, and you can’t explain it to them.

There are signs you can watch out for to understand when to let your pet go. Pets that are terminally ill can go from having a really bad day to rallying, and then sinking back to another back day. When you notice this cycle, keep a daily log and rate your pet’s comfort level to help make your decision making easier.

It’s recommended you rate your pet’s quality of life based on the following markers, known as the ‘HHHHHMM Quality of Life Scale:’

  • Hurt
  • Hunger
  • Hydration
  • Hygiene
  • Happiness
  • Mobility
  • More good days than bad

Animals can’t always vocalize their pain and suffering, but there are signs you can watch out for. Pets that are showcasing anxious behavior such as restlessness, pacing, panting, a change in appetite or sleep, or when a friendly pet stops being social, are all signs of something being wrong.

For more information about deciding when it’s the right time to put down your pet, check out this blog post. 

Honoring Your Pet: Cremation Solutions

Pet MarkersAs your pet passes and it’s time to say goodbye, it’s so important to honor their memory. You can commemorate their memory with items such as cremation or scattering urn, a garden monument, fingerprint jewelry, or with other cremation jewelry. These items will help you feel like you have a part of your furry family member, even after they’ve left.

Cremation Solutions is a family-owned business located in Vermont but services the entire United States. Owner Jeff Staab was a Funeral Director and for over 20 years before opening up Cremation Solutions, and he has a deep understanding of what it means to lose a pet. He created Cremation Solutions so grieving families would be assisted in celebrating the lives of their loved ones and pets in special ways.

Jewelry for dog ashes
Pet Memorial Jewelry That Holds Fur or Ashes

Cremation Solutions is proud to design and manufacture its own products, as well as offer products from many other artists and craftsmen from across the country. You’ll find an extensive line of products with artistic details, high craftsmanship, and fair prices. Cremation Solutions has a goal of offering 100% satisfaction for customers as they navigate through the difficult process of memorializing a pet. To view the full list of options available for honoring and remembering your pet, go to https://www.cremationsolutions.com/ or call (877) 365 – 9474 for more information.

Losing A Pet and The Steps to Recovery

Dog FuneralsPet ownership is among the deepest pleasures in life. Whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, or a little bit of both, every household feels fuller with the love and affection of a four-legged family member. Having a loving and caring animal to come home to and play with, cuddle with, and bond with is an amazing thing. It provides an insight into the selfless adoration that many people might not otherwise experience.

Funerals for pets

For all of the good things that pets bring into our lives, their deaths can be a brutal loss. While it’s understood that domestic animals don’t live as long as we humans do, often no more than ten to twenty years, Yet dealing with this fact is far easier said than done. Watching the aging process, accepting the decline, and scheduling the euthanasia if necessary can be more painful than you ever imagined. No matter how prepared you are for your pet to leave this earth, saying goodbye creates a profound sense of loss.

Confronting the Idea of Loss

FAMILY
FAMILY

To most pet owners, pets are family. A dog isn’t “just a dog,” and a cat isn’t “just a cat.” As members of your household you see, touch, and interact with them on a daily basis. It doesn’t take long for a deep and enduring bond to develop. Love for a pet is simple and pure, and losing this can sometimes be harder to handle than the loss of the complex relationships that we develop with other people.

Grief manifests itself in many ways, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel once your pet has passed on. The sadness may strike immediately and or it may come in waves of intense pain or when the world around you triggers a memory. You might cry for a while immediately following death, or cry on and off for days or even weeks. This is all completely okay. There is no wrong way to process the loss of a beloved member of your family. However, in order to move forward in a healthy and happy way it is very important to properly process your grief.

Coping With Death

Coping with a permanent loss is rarely an easy battle. The sadness that comes with death often perpetuates for extended periods of time, long after the initial pain has subsided. This can be especially true for those with deep relationships with their pets, or children who may be experiencing death for the very first time.

How you choose to cope with death and your loss can have a distinct impact on your long term well-being. With the right approach, you can work through your emotions and eventually feel at peace with the cherished memories of your beloved pet.

Take Time to Grieve

Urns For Pet Ashes
My Angel

The moments right after the loss of your pet can be the most difficult. The initial emotions will be intense and can include sorrow, regret, and pain. Some pet owners will feel guilt as well, especially for those who made the decision to put down a sick pet.

All of these feelings are natural and completely appropriate. The loss of a pet is very hard, and it’s okay to let your sadness out. If you need time to cry, be angry, or wallow for a while, that is perfectly fine. Don’t let anyone tell you how to mourn and feel free to grieve in your own way on your own schedule without the worry of embarrassment or judgment.

Share Stories and Thoughts

When your pet dies, their memory continues to live on. If you have a spouse, children, friends, or family who knew your pet, don’t be afraid to take some time to share favorite memories or funny stories with them. Grief doesn’t have to be a solitary event, and letting your feelings out can help you appreciate the joy that your pet added to your life.

Saying Goodbye To a PetThis can be especially helpful for families with children. A pet’s death is often the first experience many children have with the concept of permanent loss, and the experience can be very troubling. Tell your child what happened with plain and clear language, avoiding euphemisms and encourage them to ask as many questions as necessary. If they seem particularly sad, comfort them and urge them to share stories and thoughts to help manage the grieving process. By sharing and remembering the good times, you and your child can bond together over love instead of sadness.

Reach Out

Pet Paw Pictures
Custom Paw Portraits

If you feel as though your grief is overwhelming, outside assistance may be beneficial. Many people feel intense sadness when a pet passes away, so your loss will be easy to understand for countless others. Group therapy can be a benefit, giving you a chance to talk about your pet while listening to stories from others dealing with the same struggles.

For those who choose to grieve privately, an appointment with a therapist or a call to a help line may provide guidance as you work through your feelings. Many clinical psychologists and therapists who specialize in grief are happy to work with individuals that have lost pets. Additionally, the ASPCA maintains a Pet Loss Hotline that can be reached at (877) GRIEF-10.

Honor Your Pet’s Memory

Pet Cremation Jewelry
Jewelry With Ashes Inside

Your pet contributed many years of happy memories and good times, so a proper funeral and memorial can be an excellent way to honor and respect their mark on your life. How you choose to do this is up to you, but some pet owners prefer to maintain an urn, plant a tree over a burial spot, or create a photo album of the many happy moments.

Urn For Pet Ashes
Urns For Pets

If you are seeking a truly special way to keep a part of your pet near your heart, cremation jewelry from Cremation Solutions can give you a beautiful, wearable memorial to remember your departed friend. Available as gemstone jewelry, diamonds, keepsakes, lockets, and more. You can find the perfect solution to honor your pet’s memory. Cremation Solutions also offers cremation urns and monuments, providing the flexibility to create a statement in a way that’s best for you and your family.

Puppy Dog HouseOpening Up Your Heart by getting a new pet can be a point of contention after the loss. Some feel as though immediately bringing home a new kitten or puppy is disrespecting the honor of the fallen family member. While others see it as a way to help the heart to heal. Whether you plan to get a new animal right away or choose to take some time to process the loss, opening your heart to the possibility of a new pet can be a great way to add a bright spot to your life. While nothing can ever replace your beloved family member, providing a loving and wonderful life for a new animal in need can help you find comfort and heal your heart.

Despite the pain of loss, pet ownership is both gratifying and fulfilling. When you want to create an enduring memorial to your cat, dog, or other pet, Cremation Solutions can provide you with the resources that you need to keep a much-loved memory alive forever.

When is it The Right Time To Put Down Your Pet

Funeral Planning For PetsEvery pet owner dreads it. It’s one of the most heartbreaking events one can go through. Most would rather not think about it. But regardless of how they may feel, they will have confront the reality that their pet will not be with them anymore.

It’s a hard pill to swallow. As funny as it sounds, losing a pet is very similar to losing a relative. Your pet was an integral part of your family. Most of your family memories involve your beloved pet. It’s nearly impossible to not get attached.

Dealing with the loss of a family pet can be incredibly difficult. This is why it’s important to be prepared. This post will discuss 4 things:

  • How to know when it’s time to put down your pet.
  • How to deal with the emotions invovled.
  • The best way to go about doing it.
  • Saying goodbye to your pet.

This post is designed to make this heartbreaking event easier on you. If you follow the advice given in this post, you will have an easier time dealing with the pain this will c

ause.

Knowing when it’s Time

Knowing when it’s time to put your pet down is one of the most difficult part of the process. You know that it may be time to make the decision, but you don’t want to part with your dog or cat.

Pets Love Us

There are several factors to consider if you think it may be time to euthanize your pet. Considering these factors will help you make the right decision for your pet and your family.

Your Pet’s Condition

If you have determined that your pet has become terminally ill, it’s likely that it’s time to put them down. Especially if it’s a condition that is incurable and painful.

Your Pet’s Functionality

In some cases, your pet may not be terminally ill, but they are unable to do the things they were able to do before. If your pet has just grown too old to live happily, it might be time.

Cost

If caring for your pet has become a serious financial burden, then they may be too ill or injured to remain. In this case, it’s best to consider euthanasia.

Your Veterinarian’s Opinion

Pets to SleepIf you are unsure of the decision you should make, you should definitely consult with your pet’s veterinarian. They can advise you on the course of action you should take.

The veterinarian can go over any potential treatment options that may be available to your pet. In some cases, your pet can still live longer as long as they have the right treatment. Also, if it is time to euthanize your pet, your veterinarian can help you do this humanely and peacefully.

As you make your decision, you may wish to discuss the care of the remains of your pet’s body with your family and veterinarian. You have several options, and your veterinarian can provide information about burial, cremation, or other alternatives.

In the end, your pet’s care is your decision. Make sure you get as much guidance as possible. You don’t need to make the decision right away. Take the time to truly assess if it is the right time.

Coming to Terms with It

If you have made the decision to euthanize your pet, your family is likely going through a very emotional time. Especially if your pet has been in your family for many years. This can be very painful, but there are things you and your family can do to help you cope with the pain.

Guilt

In some cases, a pet owner may feel guilty about deciding to euthanize their pet. This can be particularly difficult because the pet isn’t dying of natural circumstances.

You may feel like you should have known that your pet was getting sick. You should have seen this coming. Maybe you could have done something about it.

However, this isn’t true. In most cases, it isn’t easy to see that your pet is becoming seriously ill. Veterinarians may even have trouble foreseeing this sometimes. Don’t make things worse by blaming yourself. Just know that you cared for your pet the best way you knew how.

Grief

Losing a pet will cause grief for the entire family. Dealing with this grief can be very hard. If you are going to euthanize your pet, you need to make sure that you and your family are as prepared as possible.

It’s important to have a support network. Family and friends can help you get through this. Let the people close to you know about the decision you have made. They will know that they need to be there to support you and your family as you go through this time.

If you know people who have already been through this, they can be an excellent resource for you. They know what it’s like and can empathize with what you’re feeling. Others may not be as understanding if they have not owned pets.

Children

Putting Pets To Sleep

If you have children, this can be especially devastating for them. As the parent, it will be your job to help them get through this in a way that is healthy.

Make sure that you are up front and honest with your children about the decision you have made. Let them know that it’s okay for them to grieve and to talk about it.

Make yourself available if they want to talk about it. A pet’s death can be very confusing and upsetting for a child. If you are there to comfort them, it will make it easier on them.

Try to talk about the positive and fun memories you have of your pet. The more funny stories you talk about, the better. It will help your child keep the pet’s memory alive in their hearts.

How to Do it

The best way to euthanize your dog or cat is to consult with your veterinarian. They know how to conduct the procedure in a way that is humane.

You will need to make an appointment with the veterinarian to have this done. Make sure you are able to take a few days off of work in order to give yourself time to grieve and comfort your family afterward.

Find out what your vet’s procedures are for the procedure. In many cases, the pet owners prefer to be in the room and hold their pets when it’s time. Most vets are open to allowing you to say goodbye and be with your pet during their final moments.

Finding Closure

So what do you do afterward? Many pet owners feel like they need to find some type of closure after having their pet euthanized.

It’s not unusual for pet owners to hold a funeral for their pet as a way of saying a final farewell. It’s something that you and your family can work on and plan together.

You can figure out things to do to memorialize your pet. There are many ways to do this.

Pet Funerals Here are some good suggestions:

  • Create a photo collage
  • Create a photo album
  • Write a poem
  • Write down stories about your pet
  • Create a plaque

You can do one or all of these things to keep your pet alive in the memories of your family.

Pet Ashes Urns
Urns For Pet Ashes

After the ceremony, you will have needed to decide whether you want to bury your pet or cremate it. In some cases, families prefer to cremate their pets. That way they can keep the ashes as a memorial for their pet. In other cases, they prefer to have their pet buried in a pet cemetery. That way, they can come and visit whenever they want.

Regardless of the choices you make, make sure your family makes them together. It’s important that the whole family participates in this process. It makes it a lot easier on everyone involved.

Jewelry for dog ashes
Pet Jewelry That Holds Fur or Ashes

It’s not easy dealing with the death of a pet. It can be one of the most heartbreaking traumas a person can endure. It can be especially difficult if you have children. Make sure you get as much input as possible before making the decision. If you need to, don’t be afraid to seek out counseling or other types of professional help. Losing a pet is a serious matter, and you don’t want to deal with this event in a way that isn’t healthy for you or your family. There are many counselors who specialize in this type of grief. Your vet may even be able to make some recommendations.

Have a good support system for your family. Make sure you have the right vet who can make this process easy on you. Finally, make sure you and your family find some way to find closure after your pet’s passing. Doing this will help you cope with the grief in a way that is healthy and comforting.

On The Ninth Day God Made Dogs

That enthusiastic welcome every time you return home, the soft snugly body to curl up next to, the unconditional love whether you’ve had a good day or a bad one: these are just a few of the joys of having a dog. Few, if any, animals embrace life so wholeheartedly and eagerly, whether it’s a ride in the car, an impromptu game of “fetch” or an evening stretched out on the coach.

Why we need dogs

Pet MemorialsFrom pugs to pit bulls, chihuahuas to cocker spaniels, from terriers to little teapot dogs, a dog is more than just a companion; he’s a part of the family and adds immeasurable joy to our lives. God made dogs for:

Companionship — No one likes to come home to an empty home or apartment. A dog’s unconditional love and loyalty brightens the day when you walk through that door. Plus, a dog is that perfect companion for a long walk on the beach, a car ride to no where or a weekend camping trip.
For our emotional health — Caring for a dog has been shown to ease depression and anxiety. It’s easy to understand. Who can be depressed with a furry friend wagging his tail at your feet?
For our physical health — Other studies have indicated that owning a dog can help to lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels and even promote good heart health. Plus, dog owners get more exercise than their neighbors who don’t have a dog to accompany them on walks.
Fun — Health benefits aside, having a dog in the house is just plain old fun. Whether you’re watching his attics or getting sloppy kisses, it’s all but impossible to be upset with a dog eagerly panting at your feet.

Remembering our dogs

One of the few unfortunate things about caring for a dog is that they have much shorter lifespans than we do. Having to say goodbye to our beloved pet is one of the most difficult things any pet owner will ever have to do. If you’ve ever lost a dog, you know the deep sadness and emptiness that such a loss brings. Most of us want to be able to keep our beloved pet near us, even when they are gone. At Cremation Solutions, we offer a variety of ways to do just that. From decorative cremation urns for pet ashes to pet cremation jewelry, we understand how important keeping a part of your pet near you after he is gone can be.

Pet Cremation Jewelry

Jewelry for dog ashes
Has an Inner Chamber to Hold Ashes

Far from being creepy, pet cremation jewelry can be a subtle and private reminder of your beloved pet. Cremation Solutions offers a variety of beautiful pet cremation jewelry. Cremation crystals are composed of 20 percent pet ashes. These brilliant, colored gem stones have the look of an expensive piece of jewelry. Only you have to know that the necklace or ring is really a tribute to your dog who has passed. Before you bury or scatter your dog’s ashes, just keep a little bit to be made into a piece of lovely crystal jewelry that you can keep near your heart for years to come.

Urns for pet ashes

Pet Ashes UrnsIf pet cremation jewelry isn’t right for you, we also offer a full line of pet cremation urns. Like the jewelry, these don’t have to be obviously a pet memorial. With many of our urns, only you will know that the piece is a container and memorial for your pet. Our birdhouse urns make a stylish addition to any yard and they truly continue the cycle of life. These urns are used to scatter the ashes of you dog and then convert to become a memorial birdhouse. And so the cycle of life continues. We also have pet urns with paw prints, shaped as picture frames that hold a picture of your dog, dog-house shaped urns and urn candles with a paw print motif.

To learn more about finding the right pet memorial or pet cremation urn for your four-legged, furry friend, visit petcremationsolutions.com or call us at 877 365-9474. We understand the pain of losing a dog; we’re pet owners too.

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