What do you do when it is time to make THAT decision – Euthanasia

We believe that a pet is a part of the family. Animals give us so much love and are faithful friends to the end. It is only right that when their time comes to die, we respect all that they have done for us and given to us. – www.legacypet.co.za

What do you do when it is time to make THAT decision – Euthanasia?

Scotty Valadao - Canine Behaviour Consultant - TTouch Practitioner

Due to the short life time of our beloved pets, all of us pet owners are put in the position of having to make the difficult decision to euthanize and very often, more than once in our own lifetimes.

I personally believe that when we are faced with this decision, we can’t think further than what is going to happen, never mind what happens after the event. Due to this, and although it may sound a bit clinical, to find out more about the options beforehand can help us, especially if we are not about to be faced with ‘the decision’ immediately. It is so much easier to investigate a service such as this, when we don’t have the need for it!

At the time we had to let our Meggie go (our wonderful dog responsible for the Wall of Remembrance) I could not think about anything due to the heartache, and as I had used Envirocin in the past and had been very happy with both the manner in which they handled my own trauma and with their service, I just asked my vet to have her cremated by Legacy and for her ashes to be returned to me in the lovely Meranti wooden box, which we then buried in the garden and all said our goodbyes to her.

A few weeks ago, a friend of mine who recently lost her own dog, was telling me about the beautiful LifeGem she ordered from Legacy when her dog went to the Rainbow Bridge. This was made from carbon from her dog’s hair and that she loved wearing it, and additionally, it was a unique piece of jewelry. She said it made her feel even closer to her dog and seemed to aid in her healing process.

The next day I got onto their website and had a look at what was on offer – and I was amazed – I had no idea that there were so many options. In hindsight, I would have liked to have had more done for our Meggie, especially being present at her cremation (may sound silly as she had passed, but I think I would have better if I knew she was not alone at this time) and I really would have loved to have one of the LifeGems to wear myself and keep her close.

Knowing in advance what is offered and also the investment involved, will then allow you to know immediately what you want to have done when your own pet does go to the Rainbow Bridge.

I contacted Legacy, and in addition to allowing me to feature a summary of their services for you, we really are proud to announce that our Wall of Remembrance now has a sponsor – Yep – you guessed it – Legacy – when I looked at their website, I just had to ask!

Please feel free to visit their website and have a look at all the options available in a lot more detail. This will allow you to make decision, in advance, as what you want to do when the time comes and importantly as well, know the financial aspects concerned. We really do hope that this will be of help to you when you are placed in the unenviable position of considering euthanasia.

A Summary of the services on offer:-

Individual Cremation and Return of Ashes (at home or from your vet) and by arrangement, should you want too, you can say your final goodbye’s and view the cremation via a TV screen in a private area on their premises.

Communal Cremation – Pets are cremated together and a portion of the days ashes is scattered in the memorial park (Gauteng only)

Wall of Remembrance – Your pets ashes are placed in the Wall and protected by a perplex plate. Wording is permitted to honour your pet and a favourite toy can be placed there as well.

LifeGem - Originally, the LifeGem creation process by capturing carbon from existing remains of your loved one's standard cremation. While we can, and still do, use this process for those who have previously lost a loved one, capturing carbon from a lock of hair means a LifeGem diamond is now available for anyone choosing cremation or burial... or if you purely want to create a symbol of your precious bond with someone you love.

Ashes in Glass - Keep your memories forever encased in glass. Ashes in Glass is a unique method of memorializing the cremated remains of your family, friends and pets in hand blown glass. We only need two teaspoons of cremated ashes to create your unique Ashes in Glass nuggets or pendants. Every member of the family can now have their own artistic glass keepsake that will last forever.

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