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
