CUSTOMIZING YOUR PATIENT’S EUTHABAG

A FRIENDLY REMINDER IN THE WAITING ROOM

IF THIS CANDLE IS LIT: This is a document that when placed next to an LED candle, will inform those in the waiting room that a euthanasia is being performed and thus help reduce the amount of noise in the clinic during this delicate time.

COLORING PAGES!

Click on an image below to download a colouring page for children. Offer this prior to the discussion with the owners, to help distract children and give them an opportunity to say good-bye to their best friend.

CHILDREN AND GRIEF

Take a look at our brochure with tips on how to discuss the loss of a pet with children and help them cope with grief.

INK PAW PRINTS AND NOSE PRINTS

This is a very simple, inexpensive and thoughtful procedure you can do to show your pet families how much you cared for their beloved pet.

SUPPLIES: 

• Ink pad, Calligraphy ink and a paintbrush, a bingo marker, or a pigment ink pad (Craft smart) that won’t stain hands.

PROCEDURE:

• After euthanasia, for a paw print, trim the hair and nails on a back paw preferably (as it contains less hair)

• if doing a paw print (vs. a nose print), wipe the paw with alcohol first. This will allow it to absorb more ink and remove dirt.

• Place a paw or nose on the ink pad, paint with calligraphy ink or use a bingo stamp and press onto one or more pieces of card stock (or textured paper). For the nose print, rock the nose on the paper.

• make more than one print for each child in the family or for members that were not able to be there.

TIPS:

The pet's name and date can then be added to the piece(s) of paper, and now you've created a lasting memory for the pet’s family! You can then send the paw print along with the sympathy card*.

*We have learned that it is important that a sympathy card is sent within 3-5 days of the euthanasia. The reasons for this are: 

• This helps the pet’s family realize how much we do care.

• Healing may have started and receiving a card a week or two later can bring back unwanted memories from the euthanasia.

SYMPATHY CARDS

Finding the right words for a sympathy card can be difficult.

Here are some suggestions to help better express your feelings.

You can also take a look at our sympathy cards here.

WAYS TO HONOR THE PATIENT

CLAYPAWS® The original clay paw by Veterinary Wisdom®. Will not dry out or crack over time. They have perfected its special formula for use in clinical and business settings. It’s quick and easy to use, with no mess, and it creates beautiful permanent keepsakes. The Original White provides a blank canvas for adding embellishments, like colorful ribbons or decorative charms, to the print. After it is baked, the weight, shape, and finish of the ClayPaws print provides a comforting paw to hold on to for pet parents.

ONLINE PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

VetVine® Virtual Pet Loss Support service was established to support people grieving the loss of an animal in their life - whether due to the death of a pet or loss of a relationship with an animal of any kind due to any circumstance.

You can find more pet loss support groups and counselors on our page Support Groups and Grief Counselors.

HORSE TAIL AND MANE KEEPSAKES

For families that have lost their equine companion, you can cherish their memory by trimming the tail or mane hair, washing it and then braiding it with a ribbon.

-picture courtesy of The Argus Institute, Colorado State University

DONATIONS

A donation to a shelter, the SPCA or a veterinary school can be done in the name of a pet.

Even planting a tree: Arbor Day Foundation for $5 or A living tribute in Canada for $20