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=C...FSBN5QodYVr9mw

"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=C...FSBN5QodYVr9mw

"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?

[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.