Hospice Care/Natural Death: Why and How
I've long wondered, since we strive to keep our humans with us as long as possible, providing palliative care and pain medicine, why we don't do the same for our animals. It breaks my heart when I hear someone say that they "had to put their animal to sleep". Most often, these animals could have had a peaceful passing, with pain medication if needed, at home with their loved ones.
Hospice for animals is a fairly new concept to most vets. Even if they are familiar with the concept, they usually think it consists of palliative care until euthanasia is performed. They don't know where to get guidance. Hospice care for animals is the same as for humans, actually: give them love, keep them comfortable, manage any pain, be present with them. Animals, I think, (I'm sure) almost always know how to manage their dying process and understand it more deeply and fully than we humans do. Virtually all of our cats have been able to die on their own, peacefully, here at home. As with humans, they usually lapse into a coma and slowly shut down. A support group for those wishing a natural death for their animals, or want to know more about it, has been formed. We have a facebook page: Animal Natural Death Support Group. Check it out! Join us!
I've been doing hospice for quite a few years now. I have learned from one who has provided hospice care for over 30 years, the blessed Gail Pope of BrightHaven (www.brighthaven.org) Gail is my guiding light. She has written books which are great guides, and are available on her site and on Amazon. Highly recommended! Gail and/or I would be happy to consult with you on the subject of hospice and natural death!
Wait, there's more! Gail Pope has partnered with others in animal hospice group, and they have formed ...Animal Hospice Group! https://www.animalhospicegroup.com/
Not a moment to soon! They have developed an extensive on-line series of classes, and a certification one can earn in order to counsel folks seeking information and guidance on animal hospice! I have completed the coursework and an now a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner!
Check out the Animal Hospice Group's MUCH needed and wonderful certification program!
https://www.animalhospicegroup.com/site/how-it-works
And for those wanting to know more about a natural death for your animals, there is a new spin-off group, the Animal Natural Death Support Group. We meet via zoom each Friday at noon, with guests invited on alternate Fridays. Bring your questions, stories, and thoughts! you can join the group on facebook, and will receive notices of upcoming meetings, and the link you can use to join us on zoom!.
And tell a friend!
Hospice for animals is a fairly new concept to most vets. Even if they are familiar with the concept, they usually think it consists of palliative care until euthanasia is performed. They don't know where to get guidance. Hospice care for animals is the same as for humans, actually: give them love, keep them comfortable, manage any pain, be present with them. Animals, I think, (I'm sure) almost always know how to manage their dying process and understand it more deeply and fully than we humans do. Virtually all of our cats have been able to die on their own, peacefully, here at home. As with humans, they usually lapse into a coma and slowly shut down. A support group for those wishing a natural death for their animals, or want to know more about it, has been formed. We have a facebook page: Animal Natural Death Support Group. Check it out! Join us!
I've been doing hospice for quite a few years now. I have learned from one who has provided hospice care for over 30 years, the blessed Gail Pope of BrightHaven (www.brighthaven.org) Gail is my guiding light. She has written books which are great guides, and are available on her site and on Amazon. Highly recommended! Gail and/or I would be happy to consult with you on the subject of hospice and natural death!
Wait, there's more! Gail Pope has partnered with others in animal hospice group, and they have formed ...Animal Hospice Group! https://www.animalhospicegroup.com/
Not a moment to soon! They have developed an extensive on-line series of classes, and a certification one can earn in order to counsel folks seeking information and guidance on animal hospice! I have completed the coursework and an now a Certified Animal Hospice Practitioner!
Check out the Animal Hospice Group's MUCH needed and wonderful certification program!
https://www.animalhospicegroup.com/site/how-it-works
And for those wanting to know more about a natural death for your animals, there is a new spin-off group, the Animal Natural Death Support Group. We meet via zoom each Friday at noon, with guests invited on alternate Fridays. Bring your questions, stories, and thoughts! you can join the group on facebook, and will receive notices of upcoming meetings, and the link you can use to join us on zoom!.
And tell a friend!
Just sleeping...