The very definition of euthanasia is the act of painlessly causing death. It is without a doubt one of the hardest things an owner of a pet is faced with. The truth is that our pets do not go quietly into the night. They are not gone in an instant by a stroke or a heart attack. Our pets die primarily of congestive heart failure, organ failure, cancer and a variety of other illnesses that may involve weeks of lingering in pain and agony.  We are very fortunate to be able to cut short this time of pain for our pets.

When the time comes that your pet needs this assistance, we hope to give you some  strength  and comfort.  We will ask you if you would like to be present. Many of our owners do. It is not required if it is too upsetting for you.  Your pet will be given a very strong sedative. His/her breathing will be slowed, the heart will remain beating and the eyes will stay somewhat open. All of our pets keep their eyes open even during general anesthesia. At this time your pet will feel nothing. If you choose to remain, the doctor will administer an IV drug that will stop the heart in a few minutes. The heart will stop beating and after listening with a stethoscope, the doctor will tell you of your pet’s passing.  Of course you may stay with your pet alone at this time.

Some of our clients will take their pet’s body home for burial. This is particularly true for small pocket pets and birds.  We offer cremation with and without the return of your pet’s ashes.  A variety of different colored marble urns are available. Within about a week the urns are returned to our office. You may have your pet’s name engraved on a brass plaque on the urn. You may also compose up to three short lines additionally that can be engraved on the plaque.  For example, when Dr. Murphy’s Doberman Jesse died of cancer her plaque read:
“Jesse.  The best dog on the planet”

We also can have your pet’s paw print made. It will be returned encased in a double frame. One side has the paw print. The other side will be for a favorite photo.

We will be available for this service at anytime that you request during office hours. We realize that this is a very difficult time for the whole family.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

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