End of Life Resources
Here at Oakview we know that deciding where and when we say goodbye to a special friend is a personal and emotional decision. To help support our clients with this decision we offer a home euthanasia service, as well as end of life consultations
Angel, Emily, and Mandi have been certified veterinary technicians for almost 20 years, and all have a passion and respect for helping owners and their pets during the end of their life transitions. Emily and Angel have completed additional education and training through The Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy, or CAETA for short, to assist owners and their pets at this difficult time. Mandi has completed training and education in the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Animal Hospice and Palliative care program.
“I have always been passionate about the human-animal bond. Being able to be there for our clients and patients during their final goodbyes here on Earth is something so special and meaningful to me. I personally feel one of my purposes as a CVT is to always follow the CAETA training and give my patients the most comfortable fear free experience I can. I do feel home care euthanasia is one of the best ways to provide this.” – Emily, CVT
“I started an interest in end-of-life care in 2007 when my mom passed away, and that was my first experience with death in the home. Since then, as a certified veterinary technician, I have come to believe that we can provide better options for our clients and their fur-babies for end-of-life care. I know firsthand the bond a pet parent has with their animals, and to be able to be with them at the end of their life in a familiar peaceful environment, meant the world to me. Their last memory is just falling asleep with me at their side with nothing but love surrounding them, makes the hard decision more bearable.”
– Angel, CVT
“Having been in the veterinary industry for over 20 years I personally have had multiple pets that have come and gone in my life. I know firsthand how very difficult it can be to make the decision to say goodbye. When the bad days outweigh the good days and the journey is coming to an end, the last thing we want to do is take that final trip to the clinic. I have always felt that our patients should have the option of being in the comforts of their own home surrounded by family during this process.”
– Mandi, CVT
Client Testimonials
“My animals are my children with fur, especially my dog Charlie. He was there for me at many different points in my life, both good and bad. So, when at the age of 17 Charlie developed a brain tumor with concurrent seizures, I was heartbroken. I could not handle the loss. I was very thankful to Oakview, as their team member Angel, assisted my wife through the process of the euthanasia when I could not.
Charlie’s last moments were in the sun next to the water with my wife. I could not be more thankful for Oakview. They made this end-of-life experience a positive memory for all involved. They were supportive and truly understood the many ways of grieving. Oakview has an angel on their team.” -Mark.
Melissa’s Testimonial
“Losing a pet is one of the hardest days to face. Having Angel come to our house was such a blessing. She spoke so kind about our dog, reassured us in our decision, and explained the process from start to end. She was so patient and gentle with our little dog giving us the space to grieve and spend the last few minutes with him. We are so thankful that Angel was able to provide this service in the comfort of our home.”
Stef’s Testimonial
“I’ve been lucky enough to have Emily come and do at-home euthanasia and it was such a good experience. She brought such a calm, gentle and comforting presence to the whole process. You can tell she cares about your pet and what both your pet and you are going through. Upon arrival, Emily explains the process, the first of which is to sedate your pet. You’re able to have your pet wherever you’d like, so they can be in their most comfortable, favorite spot. After sedation, Emily gives you plenty of time to love on and say goodbye to your pet. When you’re ready, she gives them the medication, with you by your pet’s side the whole time.
Saying goodbye to a pet is such a difficult thing but being able to do it from the comfort of my home has been such a gift. It’s such a relief knowing that my pet is able to have their last moments in familiar surroundings with as little anxiety as possible, and it was a great comfort to me to be able to say goodbye in the privacy of my own space.
I’m so grateful to the service that Emily provided, and her comfort to my pet during the whole process and to me at my time of loss.”
Heidi’s Testimonial
“My animals are my children with fur, especially my dog Charlie. He was there for me at many different points in my life, both good and bad. So, when at the age of 17 Charlie developed a brain tumor with concurrent seizures, I was heartbroken. I could not handle the loss. I was very thankful to Oakview, as their team member Angel, assisted my wife through the process of the euthanasia when I could not. Charlie’s last moments were in the sun next to the water with my wife. I could not be more thankful for Oakview. They made this end-of-life experience a positive memory for all involved, they were supportive and truly understood the many ways of grieving. Oakview definitely has an angel on their team.” – Mark.
“Oakview Veterinary Medical Center has assisted me with in home euthanasia for one of my fur babies. My elderly cat Rudy had kidney failure and there was nothing medically left to do. It was time to say goodbye to her. The idea of having her last moments on a cold clinic table seemed wrong. I felt she deserved more. I was put in contact with Angel, a CVT at Oakview. She was supportive, compassionate and after listening to what I wanted for my kitty of 15 years, she gave me options. I opted to have the euthanasia in my home the next day as I wanted to have one last night with her. When Angel arrived, she took the time to check in with all who gathered. She was kind, respectful and made sure I was ready to proceed before starting the procedure. During the procedure she checked in with me to make sure I understood what she was doing and if I was ready for the next step. Once the procedure was finished she assisted me in making paw prints for keepsakes and made sure I was okay and at peace before she left the home.”
Denise’s Testimonial
“I cannot express enough how much I have appreciated the option of euthanizing my pets at home. I have had to euthanize two cats in the last 5 years. Being able to have my cats euthanized at home made the process a lot less stressful for my cats. I did not have the heartbreak in putting my cats in carriers once last time, which they hated, and driving to the vet, where there was a lot of noises and unfamiliar smells.
At home I was able to create a quiet space where my cats and I could be more comfortable. This allowed Poopy and then later Painten their last minutes of life to be in familiar surroundings, and me the opportunity to grieve in peace and privacy. I was able to cry in the comfort of my own home, instead of in a public place, where there were other people around.”
Letter from a Client
Dear Dr. Curtis,
Friday, June 15 – the day we said goodbye to our sweet, old Joey. A day that filled us with overwhelming grief and sadness, but also gave us the privilege of experiencing amazing compassion, care, thoughtfulness, and gentleness.
We cannot thank you enough for assisting to make Joey’s last moments with us peaceful and dignified. We will forever be grateful for the grace you possess that allowed us to have a positive memory of such a difficult time in our lives.
With sincere gratitude,
Joey’s humans
If it should be
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep.
Then will you do what must done
For this – the last battle – can’t be won.
You will be sad I understand
But don’t let grief then stay your hand
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know that in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has wagged
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don’t grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do
We’ve been so close – we two – these years
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.
~ Author Unknown ~
End of Life Services for Pets in Plover, WI
Please fill out our contact form or give our office call at 715-344-6311 to schedule an appointment and/or consultation.
Additional Resources
Ohio State University has some excellent pages on their website regarding grieving, including a pet loss support phone line.
Little Paws Cremation Service is our trusted and caring partner in cremation services.
The Rainbow Bridge is a grief support community. They have resources for grieving, memorial options, and more.
Animal Communicator
Lisa Brown with Best Day Healing
www.bestdayhealing.com
515-203-5561
Beth Bigler grief counselor from Honoring Our Animals
