Companion animals provide both parents and children with
stability, constancy, and security
The human animal bond has made our pets part of the family
3.
Pets are used to meet many of the changing psycho-social needs
of modern society
When pet loss occurs, intensity and duration of attachment
determine the significance of the loss and intensity of grief that
follows.
4.
Pets can take on symbolic meaning as reminders of both pleasant
and traumatic events in peoples lives.
The degree of attachment is different for each pet and
owner
5. Keys to attachment
Owners believe that they rescued their pet from death or near
death
Owners believe that their pet got them through a difficult
period in life
Owner spent their childhood with their pet
6. Keys to attachment
Owner has relied on their pet as their most significant source
of support
Owner anthropomorphizes their pet
Owner has invested significant time, effort and money into
their pets long term medical care
Owners view their pet as symbolic links to significant people
who are no longer in their lives or to significant times in their
lives.
7.
Pets can take on symbolic meaning as reminders of both pleasant
and traumatic events in peoples lives.
Grief can be intense
Grief is very individual, and each family member may grieve in
a unique way
8. As a child
Did you have a pet as a child?
What kind of pet did you have as a child?
Was it special to you?
Tell us why it was a special pet.
What happened to it?
9. As an adult
As an adult, haveyou have a pet die?
What kind of pet was it?
Whats was its name?
How was it special to you?
10.
Have you ever had to euthanize a pet?
Who made the decision?
11.
A dog comes in and is diagnosed with systemic
lymphosarcoma.
Euthanize or not?
12.
A chicken has a fractured leg.
Euthanize or not?
13.
A cat with feline aids.
Euthanize or not?
14.
Barbaro.
Euthanize or not?
15.
A 4 year old hamster with a tumor.
Euthanize or not?
16.
A cow with a chronic history of prolapsed uterus.
Euthanize or not?
17.
A cow with a chronic history of prolapsed uterus.
Euthanize or not?
A cow wouldnt be euthenized, it would be shipped to
slaughter
18.
What is your opinion about the use of animals or animal
products for food, clothing, research, entertainment, or
competition?
19.
Your personal values may effect your perception and beliefs
about euthanasia.
As a professional, you will have to participate in assisting in
the process of euthanasia
20.
It is important to understand your own feelings in order to be
able to assist the client with their decision regarding
euthanasia
In addition, you do not to make this process more difficult for
the client by projecting your values into the situation
21.
The euthanasia process
Explaining euthanasia to clients
Empathizing with clients
22. Death and Dying
Kbler-Ross: Stages of dying
Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Final acceptance
Bereavement and mourning
23. denial
People are uncomfortable talking about death and dying
People dont consider that most pets life spans are much shorter
than ours and that the grieving process is part of pet
ownership
24.
Veterinarians and technicians are confronted daily with complex
issues of attachment, loss and grief in the course of their
patients illnesses and deaths
25.
Many times clients turn to the veterinary staff as sources of
support, comfort, and understanding at and around the time of their
pets death
Veterinary staff have a unique position since they have an
understanding of the bond between owner and pet
26.
Veterinary staff have the ability and responsibility to assist
clients going through the process of grief when their beloved pet
dies
27.
You must give the client
Support
Understanding
Empathy
The permission to grieve
28. Places to contact for help or referral sources for help
with grief
Box 38-3pg 1184 in text
29. Dealing with children and death
tell them the TRUTH
Explain in simple terms
Dont use euphemisms
Contact childrens support system
TRUTH!!!!!!!
30. Factors that may complicate the grief process
Box 38-5pg 1187 in text
31. Veterinarians and technicians
Work with death and client grief on an almost daily basis