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I want to clear up a misconception about veterinarians. A lot people, including myself, think veterinarians have the greatest job in the world – we do! And one of the biggest reasons they have this thought is that our days are spent snuggling puppies & kittens (sometimes they are!). On the flip side of the coin, many people do realize that it’s not always a happy or easy profession. We can see 10-20 pets & their people in a day and oftentimes they are sick animals that can sometimes lead to euthanasia.
Euthanasia is one of the hardest parts of the job. I’m not going to lie…it sucks. It is one of the best acts of kindness people can do for animals. We know that it is an sometimes an incredibly hard decision to make when your pets are like your family members. And as difficult as it is for pet owners, it too can be ravaging on the emotions of the veterinarians & the technicians when sometimes we do this 2-3 times (or more) a day. By nature, we are caring & emotionally invested in your pets health because we understand how much they mean to you. It’s the reason many of us are veterinarians so that we can help you strengthen the bond you share.
How do we do it? Each of us is different. It may not look like we’re torn up when we are helping your pet free from it’s suffering but that’s because we have to shut off a part of our emotions to help you get through it. Believe me it hurts inside every time I help a patient pass on. Veterinarians, along with their technicians, have an inner turmoil worrying about their patients overnight and hoping they don’t have to call you with bad news the next day. Knowing that letting go of your pet is a very tough process, it would be unreasonable for us to break down into tears while your are saying goodbye. And certainly, when I have spent significant amounts of time and energy, or have formed a special bond with you & your pet, I have shed a few tears; but I know that this is your time. When those patients are euthanized, I sometimes feel helpless in that I’m not able to help them get well. Then I’m reminded that the relieving of pain or suffering might be the most humane thing I can do.
Over time, I can’t say that it becomes easier. You build up a tougher skin but at the end of the day, sometimes you just have to break down. If you don’t, you end up burning out from compassion fatigue for caring too much and then we aren’t any good to you or your pet . Fortunately, there is help for medical professionals who are experiencing these issues. But I think one of the best things to help veterinarians & technicians continue to help your pets is an understanding that we also have feelings and to let us know “thank you for helping.” We understand that there will be a period of grief that can include anger and denial so we are okay with your venting; we know you don’t mean to hold us responsible. No matter what, we’ll always be there for you.
This is part 1 of a 2 part look at euthanasia. Come back in a few days when I discuss the topic from a pet owner perspective. Please leave comments in the section below if there’s anything specific you’d like me to address. Thank you!
Disclaimer: All blog posts are personally written and my opinion and do not reflect those of current or former employers .
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Mary V. Shaw MSc LVT July 9, 2014 at 11:16 am There is a reason that ve terinary medical students are required to have some courses in communications. Dr. Llera, you are an excellent communicator and your clients are extremely lucky to have someone as articulate as you on their pet health team. I have read and enjoyed a number of your blog postings. I am going to recommend it as required reading to my students and I am eagerly looking forward to the second part of this discussion of euthanasia. Thank you for your exellence. Reply Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 9, 2014 at 5:19 pm Thank you for your kind words Mary! Actually, the communication aspect is not something we were directly taught but it is something that is screened for during applicant interviews for veterinary school now. Maybe the veterinary education is different in this regard between Canadian vet schools and in the USA where I went. I feel fortunate (and so do many clients) that I am able to express myself and really articulate issues going on with an individual’s pet health, along with being able to form a good working relationship and bond with them to do what is best for them and their pets. Thank you for reading & sharing! You can also follow my Facebook or Twitter pages which are updated more frequently (and presents another way to use social media in communication with pet owners). If you don’t mind me asking, where do you teach? And if it’s alright, I will connect with you on LinkedIn. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 11:16 am
There is a reason that ve terinary medical students are required to have some courses in communications. Dr. Llera, you are an excellent communicator and your clients are extremely lucky to have someone as articulate as you on their pet health team. I have read and enjoyed a number of your blog postings. I am going to recommend it as required reading to my students and I am eagerly looking forward to the second part of this discussion of euthanasia. Thank you for your exellence.
Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 9, 2014 at 5:19 pm Thank you for your kind words Mary! Actually, the communication aspect is not something we were directly taught but it is something that is screened for during applicant interviews for veterinary school now. Maybe the veterinary education is different in this regard between Canadian vet schools and in the USA where I went. I feel fortunate (and so do many clients) that I am able to express myself and really articulate issues going on with an individual’s pet health, along with being able to form a good working relationship and bond with them to do what is best for them and their pets. Thank you for reading & sharing! You can also follow my Facebook or Twitter pages which are updated more frequently (and presents another way to use social media in communication with pet owners). If you don’t mind me asking, where do you teach? And if it’s alright, I will connect with you on LinkedIn. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Thank you for your kind words Mary! Actually, the communication aspect is not something we were directly taught but it is something that is screened for during applicant interviews for veterinary school now. Maybe the veterinary education is different in this regard between Canadian vet schools and in the USA where I went. I feel fortunate (and so do many clients) that I am able to express myself and really articulate issues going on with an individual’s pet health, along with being able to form a good working relationship and bond with them to do what is best for them and their pets. Thank you for reading & sharing! You can also follow my Facebook or Twitter pages which are updated more frequently (and presents another way to use social media in communication with pet owners). If you don’t mind me asking, where do you teach? And if it’s alright, I will connect with you on LinkedIn.
Mary S July 9, 2014 at 1:21 pm Ryan, you are tackling some very tough topics and I applaud you for it. I have had to have two doggies put to sleep and was there for both. Different Vets but both gave us time with the dog first and held our hand afterward. It never occurred to me to just leave them to the vet alone. They were my babies and I had to be with them to the end, there was no choice. They had reached a point that could not be cured and I owed them dignity in their last moments and actually hope someone will do that for me some day. It must be difficult in your shoes to have to adopt the detachment necessary to euthanize an animal and let it be about the patient and family. I am glad to know there is a support system in place for you so your heart is not hardened. I was adamant about not jumping into another dog when we let Gremlin (our Papillon) go to the rainbow bridge. We still had Chewy (our shepherd/rot mix) and she was grieving. She had taken to sleeping in the bathtub and just staring at walls…It was heartbreaking. When I went back to the vet’s office about 8 days later to pick up his ashes, when I arrived there was a police officer standing there with a little white fur ball in his arms. He was having the dog checked for a microchip as he had found her running in traffic during a down pour. He asked me if I had “lost” a dog…I kind mumbled yes but I knew where he was. Well, the little fur ball in his arms decided she wanted me to hold her…. and the rest they say is history. He was concerned she would get lost in the system at County Animal control so he fostered her at his house for the week required. It turns out he had a “Morkie” at home. After the week, we met back at the vet’s office and Skittles became ours. She and Chewy became fast friends. Fast forward about 5 years and it was Chewy’s time. Again, there was no choice but to be with her at the end. Another discussion ensued about this time we wanted a bigger dog for protection etc… We had a whole list of what we wanted and it was Skittles turn at the grieving process. The Humane Society was having a fair at Petco so we went. As we walked in the door this white Westie named James greeted us. Happy as a lark…. no he was too small, he had long hair, no no no…we basically ran out of Petco. We went up to the Humane Society and wandered through all the dogs and we kept going back to James name. Went home, looked at the next county’s website, nothing there and James name kept coming up. Gave up the fight, called Petco to see if James was still there and we were on our way! He had been in Animal Control custody for 3 months!!! I cannot fathom why he had not been adopted. He is the most loving dog and it wasn’t even until the next day that we even knew he could bark and it turns out it’s an impressive bark. He and Skittles became fast friends and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the two of them. I didn’t feel it was fair to change James name since he had been called that for 3 months, so we stayed with James and it fits. While all 4 of our dogs have been “rescued”, they have rescued us. Without a doubt each one of them have been put in our lives for a reason. I look forward to your next installment. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Ryan, you are tackling some very tough topics and I applaud you for it. I have had to have two doggies put to sleep and was there for both. Different Vets but both gave us time with the dog first and held our hand afterward. It never occurred to me to just leave them to the vet alone. They were my babies and I had to be with them to the end, there was no choice. They had reached a point that could not be cured and I owed them dignity in their last moments and actually hope someone will do that for me some day. It must be difficult in your shoes to have to adopt the detachment necessary to euthanize an animal and let it be about the patient and family. I am glad to know there is a support system in place for you so your heart is not hardened.
I was adamant about not jumping into another dog when we let Gremlin (our Papillon) go to the rainbow bridge. We still had Chewy (our shepherd/rot mix) and she was grieving. She had taken to sleeping in the bathtub and just staring at walls…It was heartbreaking. When I went back to the vet’s office about 8 days later to pick up his ashes, when I arrived there was a police officer standing there with a little white fur ball in his arms. He was having the dog checked for a microchip as he had found her running in traffic during a down pour. He asked me if I had “lost” a dog…I kind mumbled yes but I knew where he was. Well, the little fur ball in his arms decided she wanted me to hold her…. and the rest they say is history. He was concerned she would get lost in the system at County Animal control so he fostered her at his house for the week required. It turns out he had a “Morkie” at home. After the week, we met back at the vet’s office and Skittles became ours. She and Chewy became fast friends.
Fast forward about 5 years and it was Chewy’s time. Again, there was no choice but to be with her at the end. Another discussion ensued about this time we wanted a bigger dog for protection etc… We had a whole list of what we wanted and it was Skittles turn at the grieving process.
The Humane Society was having a fair at Petco so we went. As we walked in the door this white Westie named James greeted us. Happy as a lark…. no he was too small, he had long hair, no no no…we basically ran out of Petco. We went up to the Humane Society and wandered through all the dogs and we kept going back to James name. Went home, looked at the next county’s website, nothing there and James name kept coming up. Gave up the fight, called Petco to see if James was still there and we were on our way! He had been in Animal Control custody for 3 months!!! I cannot fathom why he had not been adopted. He is the most loving dog and it wasn’t even until the next day that we even knew he could bark and it turns out it’s an impressive bark. He and Skittles became fast friends and I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the two of them. I didn’t feel it was fair to change James name since he had been called that for 3 months, so we stayed with James and it fits.
While all 4 of our dogs have been “rescued”, they have rescued us. Without a doubt each one of them have been put in our lives for a reason. I look forward to your next installment.
Pamela Black July 9, 2014 at 3:46 pm Wow… your blog is presenting the human side of being a Veterinarian, Like you stated, I think sometimes, people just think your job is all about see animals in a positive manner and that Euthanasia would be part of the job. Truly, you made it clear it is not! Although, I have respect for Human doctors, I don’t think people realize that being a Veterinarian is a difficult job that requires a lot of knowledge… First of all, animals don’t talk, so when they are in pain, you are the one, who has to figure it out… sure animals will have signs of illnesses, weight lost, running eyes, noses etc. but what about pinpointing cancer in a dog or see if they digested something toxic … man the list just goes on and on, and then you are dealing with Euthanasia as well… it would be so strenuous to either make or suggest that call, where in the human world that would not even be the case. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 3:46 pm
Wow… your blog is presenting the human side of being a Veterinarian, Like you stated, I think sometimes, people just think your job is all about see animals in a positive manner and that Euthanasia would be part of the job. Truly, you made it clear it is not! Although, I have respect for Human doctors, I don’t think people realize that being a Veterinarian is a difficult job that requires a lot of knowledge… First of all, animals don’t talk, so when they are in pain, you are the one, who has to figure it out… sure animals will have signs of illnesses, weight lost, running eyes, noses etc. but what about pinpointing cancer in a dog or see if they digested something toxic … man the list just goes on and on, and then you are dealing with Euthanasia as well… it would be so strenuous to either make or suggest that call, where in the human world that would not even be the case.
Jamie July 9, 2014 at 4:03 pm Great Post. I’ve had to have a number of dogs euthanized,the last one being Mac in 07. I could see that the Vets & Techs who had taken care of him during Cancer surgery & Chemo were also hurting. Some of them weren’t even able to speak to me until I went back to get his ashes. They said they just couldn’t face me & I knew it was from sadness because they had spent so much time with him & had so much hope for his recovery. It actually helped me to see that he had also touched their hearts.I also got a great sympathy card with so many names on it I couldn’t believe that so many people had been part of his fight.And this wasn’t even his regular Vets/Clinc. It’s been almost 7 yrs & I have tears in my eyes writing this. I can’t even imagine the emotional toil it must take when you have to do it a few times per day. I was with Mac when he was euthanized & I will be with Tupper when her time comes.I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think it’s a difficult but wonderful privilege to thank them for the joy they have brought to your life. I’ve never lost a pet to an accident but I think that must be much worse than age/illness. Looking forward to Part 2. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 4:03 pm
Great Post. I’ve had to have a number of dogs euthanized,the last one being Mac in 07. I could see that the Vets & Techs who had taken care of him during Cancer surgery & Chemo were also hurting. Some of them weren’t even able to speak to me until I went back to get his ashes. They said they just couldn’t face me & I knew it was from sadness because they had spent so much time with him & had so much hope for his recovery. It actually helped me to see that he had also touched their hearts.I also got a great sympathy card with so many names on it I couldn’t believe that so many people had been part of his fight.And this wasn’t even his regular Vets/Clinc. It’s been almost 7 yrs & I have tears in my eyes writing this. I can’t even imagine the emotional toil it must take when you have to do it a few times per day. I was with Mac when he was euthanized & I will be with Tupper when her time comes.I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think it’s a difficult but wonderful privilege to thank them for the joy they have brought to your life. I’ve never lost a pet to an accident but I think that must be much worse than age/illness. Looking forward to Part 2.
Ann July 9, 2014 at 6:02 pm I have had several dogs cross over with the assistance of a very kind hearted, considerate and compassionate vet. I thank each and every one of them for this release for my beloved pets and they thank you for their freedom from illness and pain. God Bless and may you all have wonderful dreams knowing you do a very difficult but necessary service for the pet population and for us humans who are torn and saddened by having to face the inevitable. Reply Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 13, 2014 at 11:44 am Thank you for sharing your thoughts and also for realizing the difficult aspects of our job as veterinary professionals, both the doctor and the staff. It is good of you to also realize that it was time for your pets and that you did not prolong their lives for selfish reasons. Knowing when to make the decision is a big part, which I’ll be covering in the next post. Reply
July 9, 2014 at 6:02 pm
I have had several dogs cross over with the assistance of a very kind hearted, considerate and compassionate vet. I thank each and every one of them for this release for my beloved pets and they thank you for their freedom from illness and pain. God Bless and may you all have wonderful dreams knowing you do a very difficult but necessary service for the pet population and for us humans who are torn and saddened by having to face the inevitable.
Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 13, 2014 at 11:44 am Thank you for sharing your thoughts and also for realizing the difficult aspects of our job as veterinary professionals, both the doctor and the staff. It is good of you to also realize that it was time for your pets and that you did not prolong their lives for selfish reasons. Knowing when to make the decision is a big part, which I’ll be covering in the next post. Reply
July 13, 2014 at 11:44 am
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and also for realizing the difficult aspects of our job as veterinary professionals, both the doctor and the staff. It is good of you to also realize that it was time for your pets and that you did not prolong their lives for selfish reasons. Knowing when to make the decision is a big part, which I’ll be covering in the next post.
Julie Q July 13, 2014 at 7:50 am What a lovely post about a difficult subject. My lovely vet is always kind and helped me through six months of my last cat Puss and her renal failure. At the end, even though she was poorly Dr Natalie was kind enough to tell me that I would know when it was time for her help, and she was right. On the day, little Puss put out her paw ready for the injection as if she knew. Dr Natalie was kind enough to ring the next day and check how I was, and followed up again in a week with a card signed by the whole clinic. It is those touches that make me continue to bring my new cat to her clinic with her great team. Working at a hospital, I often feel that we should apply more lessons learnt from vets. When to let go, and not pursue feeble examinations or treatments that have little benefit, when the biggest kindness to many people like our pets would be to have a comfortable warm bed, comfort cares and love from their family. Keep up the good work. Julie Q Reply Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 13, 2014 at 11:41 am Hi Julie and thanks for your comments. What a nice story about your cat Puss and it sounds like you have a great veterinarian. I also agree that human medicine can learn a lot from veterinary medicine but there’s so much more legal involvement and red-tape it makes it difficult. I may discuss this later on here so be sure to check back Reply
July 13, 2014 at 7:50 am
What a lovely post about a difficult subject. My lovely vet is always kind and helped me through six months of my last cat Puss and her renal failure. At the end, even though she was poorly Dr Natalie was kind enough to tell me that I would know when it was time for her help, and she was right. On the day, little Puss put out her paw ready for the injection as if she knew. Dr Natalie was kind enough to ring the next day and check how I was, and followed up again in a week with a card signed by the whole clinic. It is those touches that make me continue to bring my new cat to her clinic with her great team.
Working at a hospital, I often feel that we should apply more lessons learnt from vets. When to let go, and not pursue feeble examinations or treatments that have little benefit, when the biggest kindness to many people like our pets would be to have a comfortable warm bed, comfort cares and love from their family.
Keep up the good work.
Julie Q
Dr. Ryan Llera (Post author) July 13, 2014 at 11:41 am Hi Julie and thanks for your comments. What a nice story about your cat Puss and it sounds like you have a great veterinarian. I also agree that human medicine can learn a lot from veterinary medicine but there’s so much more legal involvement and red-tape it makes it difficult. I may discuss this later on here so be sure to check back Reply
July 13, 2014 at 11:41 am
Hi Julie and thanks for your comments. What a nice story about your cat Puss and it sounds like you have a great veterinarian. I also agree that human medicine can learn a lot from veterinary medicine but there’s so much more legal involvement and red-tape it makes it difficult. I may discuss this later on here so be sure to check back
A Day in the Life of a Veterinarian | Dr. Ryan Llera - Kingston Ontario Veterinarian
Thankfulness for a Cat and a Veterinarian | Dr. Ryan Llera - Kingston Ontario Veterinarian
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