end of life core points

[hdsheena]

So I don't think they always 'tell you with their eyes' or that they will suffer if they have some specific condition (incontinence, paralysis, ..). I truly think we need to focus on a pet and person centered approach for each individual pet and family.

1. Your well-being matters too. And that of your family and other pets too!
2. More good times than bad is a useful heuristic but not enough.
3. Freedom from pain or suffering isn't enough. Joy and happiness is important!
4. Prognosis matters. If your dog is young and has years to adapt and for you to try different modalities to see what helps, that's a different situation than if your dog is 15 and has multiple other conditions/issues.
5. It's okay to call it. It's okay to keep trying. It's okay to ask your vet for strong, injectable pain medicine to keep your pet comfortable for a few days while you say goodbye.
6. It's not okay for other people to judge you and your situation without listening, a lot, first, and offering their input only when it's asked for.
   Reach out if you want, happy to chat and help. I found the quality of life assessment in the HosPet app really helpful ❤️