Pet Loss

Common Questions about Euthanasia

The decision to euthanize a pet due to a painful disability or terminal illness is among the most heart-wrenching decisions most people will ever have to face. One of our most important responsibilities as pet owners and veterinarians is to ensure that this step in a pet’s life is handled as gently and comfortably as possible.

How do I make an appointment with Bubbling Well?

When you feel the time is right to put a pet to sleep, you may call our office or contact us directly at 925-866-8387 to make arrangements for this appointment. You can also reach out to Bubbling Wells directly for any specific questions -

When you call, we know you may want this handled as soon as possible, and we will make every effort to meet your requests.

What type of services does Bubbling Well offer?
Your pet's remains are always handled with dignity and respect; our identification system and Pet Electronic Tracking System ensure that the cremains are those of your beloved pet.

• Pet cremation service is available for all size dogs and cats, as well as birds, reptiles, rabbits, rodents, goats, and pigs.

• You can choose either private or group cremation.

• Your pet's cremains (ashes) are usually available for pick-up within 7-10 business days.

Memorial Urns and Keepsakes
Bubbling Well provides a personal, cherished memory of your beloved pet. They do provide a standard urn as a part of the service.

They are also partnered with an online provider to offer an extensive list of memorial urns, keepsakes, and jewelry: https://www.bubbling-well.com/products

Urns are available in many different styles, materials, and finishes. Many memorial products can be engraved to personalize them further. Bubbling Well does not charge an additional fee if a non-standard urn is elected.

Witness Cremation we recommend Valley Pet Loss Center if you want to be present for your pet's cremation. You can contact them directly for information on this service, and they will pick up your pet from Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center. Click here for fees and additional information.

Can a pet be put to sleep at home?
If you prefer to have your pet put to sleep at home, we recommend using a Home Pet Euthanasia veterinarian. These doctors can assist you in providing peaceful euthanasia in your home, where your pet may feel more comfortable.

Dog & Cat Housecalls
Dr. Tracy Williams | 925.735.7387

www.dogandcathousecalls.com

Heaven From Home

Dr. Vanessa Wensing | 925.218.8282

www.heavenfromhome.com

Rainbow Bridge

Dr. Anthony Smith | 510.381.3389

www.rainbowbridgevet.com

How do I know I am doing the right thing?
How do you know when it is time? In our experience, we rarely see someone arrive at this decision prematurely. However, we are obligated to tell you if we think it is not yet time to put a pet to sleep, and we promise to tell you if we think you are doing it too soon. We are here to help you and your pet at this difficult time, and we take our responsibility in this regard as seriously as anything we do.

Can I, or should I, be present?
Not everyone chooses to be present for the euthanasia of their pet, and it is a very personal decision. If you choose to be present, the euthanasia process varies based on the doctor involved and the special needs of each patient. You may want to invite family members or friends to be present for emotional support. If you choose not to be present, rest assured that your pet will not be alone in their final moments.

How is it done?
We understand what an intense and emotional experience saying goodbye to a beloved pet is, and we do everything we can to create a supportive, caring, and respectful environment for you and your pet. If you would like to know more about what to expect during a euthanasia appointment, please click here.

Pet Grief

Pets have the ability to grieve for the loss of their fellow companion animals. Every pet is unique, and while they are capable of grief, it is not inevitable that they will experience it. Pets that are grieving may manifest behaviors similar to a bereaved human. They may be restless, agitated, anxious, and depressed. Any unusual behavior after the passing of another household pet can be a sign of grief.

Common symptoms include (but are not limited to) a decreased appetite, unusual sleeping patterns, loss of interest in normal pleasures, aloof behavior (including hiding), quietness, and lethargy. If your pet does show any of these signs, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical reasons for the behavior.

A pet may grieve for a short while or for several months; during this time, try to keep their routine as normal as possible. While extra attention can heal you and your pet, you want to guard against reinforcing negative behavioral changes.

Creating a new daily ritual for you and your surviving pet may be helpful. This can be something each of you look forward to, whether it is playing together, an extra attentive rub down or brushing, a long walk, or maybe snuggle time.

Children and Pet Loss

Children have a unique connection to their pets. Discussing euthanasia or the loss of a pet with a child is a sensitive matter. Often this is a child’s first experience with death. There are varying points of view on how to handle the topic, but in the end, you are the best judge of what your child can handle.

Child psychologists generally agree that being clear and honest is a sound approach. It is recommended that you avoid using the phrase “put to sleep” since children may become confused and develop a fear of falling asleep.

They will often have questions when a beloved pet has passed away. Let them know it is okay to ask questions and feel sad. We have provided a list of resources, both online and in print, to provide guidance on this subject.

Pet Loss and Grief Resources

The loss of an animal companion may be one of the most devastating and painful experiences we face. It is hard to say goodbye and just as hard to express the depth of your grief. Grief is a process that individuals express in unique ways and at their own pace. Whether your animal is ill or has passed away, it is important to honor your feelings and to understand the emotions you are experiencing.

Because people handle the loss of a pet in many different ways, we encourage you to seek help and talk with family and friends about your loss. You can also talk with your veterinarian, read pet loss books, visit pet loss websites, or seek counseling if needed.

Recommended Books:

• So Easy to Love, So Hard to Lose: A Bridge to Healing Before and After the Loss of a Pet Laurie Kaplan, JanGen Press, 2010

• When Your Pet Dies: How to Cope with Your Feelings J. Quackenbush & D. Graveline, Simon & Schuster, 1985

• The Loss of a Pet Wallace Sife, Howell Book House, 2005

• Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet Moira Anderson Allen, Dog Ear Publishing, 2007

• The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven’s Gain Niki Behrikis Shanahan, Pete Publishing, 2007

• Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet Gary Kowalski, New World Library, 2006

• Cold Noses at The Pearly Gates Gary Kurz, Citadel, 2008

• For Every Cat an Angel Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2001

• For Every Dog an Angel Christine Davis, Lighthearted Press, 2004

Books for Children

• Lifetimes: The Beautiful Way to Explain Death to Children B. Mellonie & R. Ingpen, Bantam Books, 1983

• When a Pet Dies Fred Rogers, Puffin, 1998

• I’ll Always Love You Hans Wilhelm, Dragonfly Books, 1988

• Dog Heaven Cynthia Rylant, Blue Sky Press, 1995

• Cat Heaven Cynthia Rylant, Blue Sky Press, 1997

• The Tenth Good Thing About Barney Judy Viorst, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 1987

• Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping Marty Tousley, Our Pals Pub, 1996

Recommended Websites

• American Veterinary Medical Association
• Argus Institute for Families and Veterinary Medicine
• ASPCA Pet Loss Support Program
• Cornell University Pet Loss Support
• Muttville Pet Loss Suport Group
• Pet Grief Support and Candle Ceremony
• Pet Loss Help
• Pet Loss Support Page
• The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement
• The Delta Society – Pet Loss and Bereavement
• Tufts University Pet Loss Support Page

Pet Loss Support Hotlines

• ASPCA National Pet Loss Support Hotline: 877.474.3310

• Cornell University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 607.253.3932

• Tufts University Pet Loss Support Hotline: 508.839.7966

• University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine “C.A.R.E. Pet Loss Support Hotline”: 877.394.2273

• Washington State University Pet Loss Hotline: 866.266.8635 or 509.335.5704

In-Person Support Groups

• Dublin Hope/Hospice Pet Loss Support Group
  • ​​​​​​​Meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 6377 Clark Ave, Dublin.
  • Contact Michele Shimamura, LMFT, (925) 683-8463, micheles@hopehospice.com website: www.hopehospice.com/grief-support-center/programs-and-classes/

• Berkeley Humane Society Pet Loss Support Group
  • ​​​​​​​Meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 2700 9th Street at Carleton, West Berkeley, from 7:00 pm-8:30 pm. It is a free drop-in group. However, donations for BEBHS are appreciated.
  • For more information, call BEBHS at (510) 845-7735, or visit the website www.berkeleyhumane.org. Facilitator: Jill Goodfriend, RN. LCSW (510) 393-1359 jill.goodfriend@sbcglobal.net

• Tony LaRussa’s Animal Rescue Foundation
  • Meets the second Tuesday of each month, 5:30 pm-7:00 pm, at 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA.
  • Contact Vicki Smith LMFT (925) 887-5678 X1075 or vickis@hospiceeastbay.org

Creating a Memorial

Remembering the good times that you shared with your pet can help counteract the grief that comes with loss. One way to help you focus on those positive memories is to find a way to memorialize your pet.

Creating a memorial can be a cathartic and healing experience and is an effective way to help you cope with your grief while providing you with a loving reminder of your pet for years to come.

There are many ways to memorialize your pet. Here are a few suggestions:
Photo tribute

Select a favorite photo of your pet and have it framed; place it where it will bring you the most comfort. Or, place your pet’s picture in a shadow box and put some of their things inside the box, like their collar, lock of hair, favorite toy, or paw print.

Pawprints

You can purchase Paperclay material from our hospital in order to create a paw print of your pet. Some artists can use existing paw prints to create memorial markers, urns, or other items using your pet's paw print.

Have a portrait painted

A painting is a unique way to commemorate a beloved pet. Most pet portrait artists will work from your favorite photos.

Write a tribute

A written tribute can be a poem, a letter to your pet, an account of your pet’s life, or anything else that seems an effective way of expressing your feelings and memories.

Post an online tribute

Post a picture on the social media site of your choice, along with a few words about the love you feel for your pet. Several pet loss support websites allow you to post a photo and tribute of your pet online for free.

Purchase a special urn for your pet’s ashes

If you have chosen cremation for your pet, you may wish to keep its ashes in a decorative urn. There are many companies that offer special pet urns on the internet. You may also purchase urns or custom-order them from the Pet Care Depot.

Make a donation in your pet’s name to an animal welfare or humane organization

Sometimes animal shelters or humane societies will provide a plaque or paving stone with your pet’s name for donation. Or, if you adopted a pet from a local animal rescue organization, make a donation in your pet’s name; most of these groups are non-profits.

Contribute to the cure

If your pet dies of a particular disease, seek out a research organization working on a cure. A contribution to that organization may help other pets in the future.

Plant a tree

Some companies offer to plant a tree in your pet’s name in the state of your choice. Or, plant a tree or special plant in your own garden, park, or school for remembrance.

Garden memorial stone

Place a memorial stone, statue, or marker in your garden, even if you have not buried your pet at home. You can place the memorial stone in your pet’s favorite spot in the yard.