Putting the best friend down.. Humane Society says not allowed to be in room, why?

[phomp]

The family dog has become ill beyond repair. As a family we have discussed it would be best to end his suffering (If it comes to it, I will explain the extent of the medical history, as I expect some people to tell me he should not be put down).

The Vet (who I personally do not trust, but has done good work on the dog) charges $120 to put him down and another $250 or so to have him cremated and his ashes returned to us, and we can be there with the dog in his final moments. While the Humane society tells us it will be $35, we can have his ashes and he is put down the same way as a vet would they tell us we can not be with him in his final moments. They do not say why, just it is not allowed.

Anyone have this experience with them? Some family members want to be with the dog, I do not see why not if they do it the same way as the vet.

[brunes]

The family dog has become ill beyond repair. As a family we have discussed it would be best to end his suffering (If it comes to it, I will explain the extent of the medical history, as I expect some people to tell me he should not be put down).

The Vet (who I personally do not trust, but has done good work on the dog) charges $120 to put him down and another $250 or so to have him cremated and his ashes returned to us, and we can be there with the dog in his final moments. While the Humane society tells us it will be $35, we can have his ashes and he is put down the same way as a vet would they tell us we can not be with him in his final moments. They do not say why, just it is not allowed.

Anyone have this experience with them? Some family members want to be with the dog, I do not see why not if they do it the same way as the vet.
Might be for some kind of liability reason?

[gman]

The family dog has become ill beyond repair. As a family we have discussed it would be best to end his suffering (If it comes to it, I will explain the extent of the medical history, as I expect some people to tell me he should not be put down).

The Vet (who I personally do not trust, but has done good work on the dog) charges $120 to put him down and another $250 or so to have him cremated and his ashes returned to us, and we can be there with the dog in his final moments. While the Humane society tells us it will be $35, we can have his ashes and he is put down the same way as a vet would they tell us we can not be with him in his final moments. They do not say why, just it is not allowed.

Anyone have this experience with them? Some family members want to be with the dog, I do not see why not if they do it the same way as the vet.

May be the 'working' area is not a place that can be used for public access, etc? Vet's "office" is designed for allowing extra people.

[Whitedart]

Might be for some kind of liability reason?

I suspect there are other reasons, that relate in operational procedures.

If the OP wants to be present during the cremation, they should pay the extra fees.

[45ED]

I suspect there are other reasons, that relate in operational procedures.

If the OP wants to be present during the cremation, they should pay the extra fees.

Which means OP and family have a decision to make: what's more valuable to you - saving money or saying goodbye?

[Euphoriiick]

Look into home euthanasia. I would want to be there if my pet was put down. Besides the little guy/gal would likely be terrified at the procedural aspect without someone familiar to comfort them


http://www.gtamobilevet.com/?gclid=CNHptbjqv5wCFSBN5QodYVr9mw

"4-Home Euthanasia For more information about my services please see the FAQ Page."

[brunes]

Look into home euthanasia. I would want to be there if my pet was put down. Besides the little guy/gal would likely be terrified at the procedural aspect without someone familiar to comfort them


http://www.gtamobilevet.com/?gclid=CNHptbjqv5wCFSBN5QodYVr9mw

"4-Home Euthanasia For more information about my services please see the FAQ Page."

Man that vet has some sappy stuff on his page... but this takes the cake, I actually almost cried (no joke)


The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...

[Impossibles]

Ever see Old Yeller? :twisted:

[sjones]

Man that vet has some sappy stuff on his page... but this takes the cake, I actually almost cried (no joke)

I find the thought of a pet afterlife or any afterlife ridicalous.

[amz155]

For only $35, I'd seriously question that I'd be getting a private creamation for my pet at that price. It sounds way too low to be realistic.

If I had to choose, I don't think I'd be shopping around for the cheapest price. I would go with the animal's long time vet or opt for a home creamation. The animal's comfort would be more important than cost at that point. But that's just IMHO.

[madman604]

personally i couldnt bear to watch my pet die. or let someone euthenize them.

i know it would be for the best, but for me to be in there, i would literally be (involutarily) physically fighting with the guy trying to stop him.

if you gotta do it, don't go in the room.

[Impossibles]

For only $35, I'd seriously question that I'd be getting a private creamation for my pet at that price. It sounds way too low to be realistic.

They put down dozens of animals every week. What do you think they do with the bodies? There probably isn't much chance that the ashes you get are really ol' sparky though, just a shovel from the bottom of the furnace.

I never understood cremation and keeping the ashes. Why do you want the ashes? Creeps me out.

[JAGpilot]

$35 will buy your dog a one way ticket to the furnace, with a bunch of other animals as well as a bag of random ashes. That is why they don't want you present. They don't want you to see them putting multiple pets into the cremation oven.

If you want to check around, you'll probably be paying around $100-200 for private cremation.

[brunes]

I find the thought of a pet afterlife or any afterlife ridicalous.

So do I, I still found the scene touching :P

Kind of like how I find Star Wars ridiculous but I will get touched by the wookies!

[phomp]

Thanks for the responses.

We are not looking to be present for the cremation, just when the poor guy is put to sleep to comfort him. A family member wants the ashes which is fine.

The vet charges $120 to put him down and we can be in the room. Then an extra $250 or so to have him cremated. The Humane society charges $35 but will not allow someone to be there to comfort the dog. Now, my family has no problem putting up some extra money but this is a lot of money. Basically paying $300 + to be able to be with the dog. We have spent a huge amount on the poor dog, and I guess the money is running thin on that front. Chances are, we are going to pay the extra money and be with him, I would just like to explore the options.
If it were my choice only, I would prefer to look for another vet and maybe try and get a better price, but to find a new vet just to put the animal down might not go over to well.

[phomp]

$35 will buy your dog a one way ticket to the furnace, with a bunch of other animals as well as a bag of random ashes. That is why they don't want you present. They don't want you to see them putting multiple pets into the cremation oven.

If you want to check around, you'll probably be paying around $100-200 for private cremation.
Yeah, if they will not allow you to be present for him being put down I said to my mother that there has to be a reason and that raises a flag.

I would also like to point out that they only do the cremations once a week. Again leading me to believe they just throw him in with a bunch of other animals (Which they do not want you to see). That being said, if my family could be with the dog in his last moments there might have not been second thoughts.

[firesword2007]

So do I, I still found the scene touching :P

Kind of like how I find Star Wars ridiculous but I will get touched by the wookies!

Outrageous!

To the OP: As others have mentioned they probably don't want you in the room because of how the animal will be put down and cremated.

[gman]

Yeah, if they will not allow you to be present for him being put down I said to my mother that there has to be a reason and that raises a flag.

I would also like to point out that they only do the cremations once a week. Again leading me to believe they just throw him in with a bunch of other animals (Which they do not want you to see). That being said, if my family could be with the dog in his last moments there might have not been second thoughts.

I would give them a benefit of doubt and I assume they do individual 'packaging'.

Say, they need to put down whole bunch of animal in a schedule. Do you think they have time to deal with its owner? They probably operate as a assembly line.

Dog 1, inject,
Dog 2, inject,
Dog 3, inject.
Dog 1 die and into burner.
Dog 4, inject.
Dog 5, inject.
Take out Dog 1 ash and package.
Dog 2 die and into burner.
Take Dog 1 ash to the owner
Take out Dog 2 ash and package
Dog 3 die and into burner
.....

Adding owner or owners into the scene will significantly affect the flow.

[Shaykeija]

Most vets will administer a sedative to your pet and insert a catheter. The vet will then inject your pet with the final needle. It will be over in seconds. At the SPCA they most likely will not use a sedative and will either do a heart stick or do the final needle into a vein. I used only the vet and I have my dogs cremated privately. The cost is not important, the dignity and final moments you share with your pet is priceless. Show your pet that his or her love for you was important and you are with him or her until the end. I am sorry that you will have to take this final step with your pet. It is not easy.

[Kasakato]

Sounds like the whole cremation charge structure for people. If you want to see the casket go in, its another $150. If you want to stay in the furnace room beyond what it takes to place the body in, its another $100.

[stealth]

Just pay the larger amount and be done with it. A year from now you will have forgotten about the extra $ but your conscience will be clear that you did what was right for the dog and stood by him through to the end.

[sillysimms]

Most vets will administer a sedative to your pet and insert a catheter. The vet will then inject your pet with the final needle. It will be over in seconds. At the SPCA they most likely will not use a sedative and will either do a heart stick or do the final needle into a vein. I used only the vet and I have my dogs cremated privately. The cost is not important, the dignity and final moments you share with your pet is priceless. Show your pet that his or her love for you was important and you are with him or her until the end. I am sorry that you will have to take this final step with your pet. It is not easy.

+1. It's a very sad situation. There is a cost difference, but seeing you used the words "best friend" in your thread title, the cost isn't important. A pet really is a member of the family and you will likely regret it if you're not there to comfort and say goodbye to your pet. Many pets get scared and frightened during normal visits to a vet/clinic and it's important to comfort your pet during this difficult visit. Sorry to hear about this as it's never easy.

[buffylover]

Most vets will administer a sedative to your pet and insert a catheter. The vet will then inject your pet with the final needle. It will be over in seconds. At the SPCA they most likely will not use a sedative and will either do a heart stick or do the final needle into a vein. I used only the vet and I have my dogs cremated privately. The cost is not important, the dignity and final moments you share with your pet is priceless. Show your pet that his or her love for you was important and you are with him or her until the end. I am sorry that you will have to take this final step with your pet. It is not easy.

this is put perfectly, it cannot be put better

i am sorry for your loss

[lazertazer]

phone these 2 vet clinics and ask for price:

East York Animal Clinic
- holistic vet
805 O'Connor Drive
Toronto, ON
M4B 2S7

(416) 757-3569
Email: eyac@holisticpetvet.com


http://www.holisticpetvet.com/

-

Blue Cross Animal Hospital
132 Danforth Avenue
Toronto, ON
M4K 1N1

http://www.bluecrossanimalhospital.ca/

[nalababe]

We took our cats to the vet: one had a serious tumour, the other had their back broken by a dog. We were in the room both times. In both instances we took the cat home to be buried.

[ariell]

Just pay the larger amount and be done with it. A year from now you will have forgotten about the extra $ but your conscience will be clear that you did what was right for the dog and stood by him through to the end.

+1 I agree completely. I had to put my cat to sleep a couple years ago and it was one of the most difficult things I've ever had to do. Sure it was kind of expensive but I'm glad that I was able to be there with her and I never regretted the money spent. If your dog is really your best friend then do you really want to think about leaving him to die by himself so that you can save some $$?

[mart242]

I would give them a benefit of doubt and I assume they do individual 'packaging'.

Say, they need to put down whole bunch of animal in a schedule. Do you think they have time to deal with its owner? They probably operate as a assembly line.

Dog 1, inject,
Dog 2, inject,
Dog 3, inject.
Dog 1 die and into burner.
Dog 4, inject.
Dog 5, inject.
Take out Dog 1 ash and package.
Dog 2 die and into burner.
Take Dog 1 ash to the owner
Take out Dog 2 ash and package
Dog 3 die and into burner
.....

Adding owner or owners into the scene will significantly affect the flow.

Dude, you must be an engineer! I see the situation the same way.

[sonic]

so sorry you have to go through this.
I would pay the extra $$ & know it is being done right, hopefully your dog will be sedated & will pass on peacefully.

my first job was at the SPCA & it was a nitemare...i had to put to sleep many cats & small animals. (gas) a vet would come in once a wk for the dogs. they were all tossed into the furnace..i dont ever remember someone asking for the ashes as most were strays.

[cheapbastage]

Don't use the THS, Sounds like dumping your old friend in a mass grave to me. You will regret it.

[N1Hawk]

Pay the extra and be there with your friend in there final moments, I had to put my cat felix down 3 months ago and I could not be in the room, but the doctor suggested putting him down he was really sick! Use a Vet and not the THS!

[Bree]

OP, I've worked at both a humane society and a vet's office, and from the way you love your pet, pay the extra and go with a vet. If cost is an issue, try to find a rural veterinary office, as they are often cheaper than city clinics.