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At Final Moments, our goal is to ensure that your pet's passing is free of pain, stress, or fear. We want your pet and your family to be comfortable and in a safe space to cry, remember, pray, or maybe even laugh about the silly things your pet had done. Every emotion is normal and acceptable during a euthanasia. We want you to be able to express those emotions freely in a place that is most comfortable for you. This may be in your living room or on your bed, or outside under your pet's favorite tree. It may be by the lake where they spent endless days swimming, in the bed of a truck that they loved to ride in, or in a field where they loved to hunt. Our extended appointment times allow us to provide end of life care in the location of your choosing. Your Final Moments with your pet will not be rushed. You will have time to feed treats, throw the ball one last time, or even take a final swim if you would like. We will be with you for support, but will also give you private time when needed. Please let us know if you wish to have Final Moments outside of the home. We will work together to create the time and space you desire in which to say goodbye. Extended trips or full day appointments are available if desired. Additional charges will apply.
The Euthanasia Process
The literal meaning of the word Euthanasia is "good death" or "dying well." While saying goodbye to a pet is heartbreaking and so very difficult, our goal is to ensure that your pet's Final Moments are free of pain, fear, and stress. We will do everything possible to make sure your pet's passing is peaceful and that the family is comfortable. When we arrive at your home, we will discuss the euthanasia process so that every family member feels comfortable and that all of your questions are answered. If desired, we will take Final Moments Photographs. In most cases we will talk about your pet's final resting place (custom urn or memorial item) prior to their passing, but this depends on the comfort of your pet and your family.
When you are ready, we will administer an injection that will provide deep sedation, or in some cases, full anesthesia for your pet. The injection can take anywhere from five to thirty minutes to take effect, depending on your pet's illness and the route of administration of the injection. When your pet is in a deep sleep, a final injection will be given that will stop the heart. This can take seconds to minutes, depending on several factors. Be assured, during this time, your pet will not have discomfort or anxiety. The Doctor will listen and let you know when your pet's heart has stopped and will then give private time for you to be alone with your pet. We will make ink nose prints and take fur clippings. Ink paw prints and claw paws are professionally and beautifully done by Eco Animal. When you are ready, we will respectfully wrap your pet in a blanket swaddle and take them to our vehicle for transport to Eco Animal. In some cases, we may ask for assistance putting larger pets into the vehicle. A stretcher may also be used for larger pets.
At Final Moments, we understand that the process of saying goodbye to a beloved pet looks different for every family member. For this reason, we schedule fewer appointments per day and allow more time for each individual appointment. We plan for approximately two hours in the home, or in a special location, so that you do not feel rushed and that every family member has time to say goodbye. We understand that some families may not need or desire that much time, and that is okay. Your Final Moments with your pet are very personal, and there are no right or wrong feelings. Every person handles death differently and we will be there to support you through the process.
What is included in every appointment:
- The Doctor will have a brief consultation with you about your pet's state of health. This will also be discussed on the phone when the appointment is made.
- If desired, Final Moments Photographs will be taken. Photos will be edited and given to you digitally.
- We will perform euthanasia in the comfort of your home. A special location outside of the home may be chosen if desired. Please let us know as far in advance as possible if we will be traveling to another location so that we can be fully prepared.
- We will take ink nose prints and fur clippings at the time of the appointment. Professional paw prints and clay paws will be done at the time of aquamation by Eco Animal. In the case of a home burial, we will take paw prints and make a clay paw in the home.
- We will respectfully and gently transport your pet for Aquamation at Eco Animal
- If desired, we will create a beautiful and unique custom urn, memorial box, or memorial piece for your home.
- Grief resources will be provided at every appointment.
End of Life Photographs
Your Final Moments with your beloved pet will be some of the most precious moments you have ever spent with them. If desired, we would love to capture these moments with photographs that you can treasure forever. While they will be heartbreaking to look at initially, our hope is that the photographs will help bring closure, and movement into fond memories as you grieve your loss. Final Moments Photographs can be taken in a variety of settings, and can include any family members. The photography packages include editing of photographs and full digital rights to the photos. We understand that this service may not be right for every person, or every circumstance.
We offer full sessions for pets who are more mobile and are still able to interact with their loved ones. A mini-session may be more appropriate for a pet who is no longer able to get up.
AfterCare
We will handle your pet's aftercare from start to finish. After your pet has passed we will give you time alone to say a final goodbye. When you are ready, we will respectfully wrap them in a blanket swaddle and take them with us for cremation at Eco Animal Cremation. Eco Animal is a trusted partner that provides Aquamation, a water-based cremation that is gentle, dignified, and Eco friendly. You can be assured that your Pet will be cremated individually, and that you will receive only the cremated remains of your loved one. After your pet's cremation process has been completed, we will pick up their remains and get started on their custom urn, or memorial piece. Depending on the complexity, this process may take up to two weeks. We will contact you when your pet's remains and memorial items are ready, and will coordinate a time for pick up.
Receiving your pet's ashes back is a very personal decision. Eco Animal also offers a communal cremation. If this option is chosen, your pet will be cremated with other pets, and their ashes will be scattered on farmland.
Cremains
I have always believed that a pet's final resting place should be as beautiful and unique as their life was. Through the years I have had many wonderful pets, and though I loved each and every one of them with my whole heart, I have never kept their ashes, until the loss of my beautiful boy Tucker. Until recently, I didn't really understand my decision for not keeping their remains, I just knew it didn't feel right. For me personally, looking at a jar of ashes on the mantel made me sad. I wanted to remember my pets with peace and joy in my heart. At Final Moments, we would love to create a custom urn, or memorial piece, that will bring comfort and fond memories of your pet's life.
If desired, we will work with you to create a personalized memorial piece to hold your pet's final remains. It is our goal to help you find something meaningful in your own home that brings a smile and a sense of peace when you look at it. This can be a favorite vase, or maybe a teapot from the kitchen table where you shared so many beautiful mornings together. You may consider a special bowl, cigar box, favorite hunting decoy, or the boots that walked countless miles in a field with your best friend. We also offer personalized wooden memory boxes that can hold your pet's ashes, as well as special items, such as their collar or favorite toy.
Feel free to email with any questions about this option. Please keep in mind that the size of your pet may limit some options.
Our trusted partner, Eco Animal, also has beautiful standard options, as well as scattering options.
Home Burial Options
If Home Burial of your pet is preferred, the euthanasia process is the same. We will provide Final Moments Photographs if desired, paw prints, nose prints, fur clippings, and a clay paw print. Even without cremation, a custom memorial piece can be designed. If needed, we offer burial boxes and burial bags in various sizes. Home burial is generally not allowed within city limits. Specific regulations vary by county and municipality. Please check for specific guidelines in your area prior to burial. Regulations can be found online for your county.