Dr Shelagh Pitt, BVMS MRCVS. Holistic Vet Norfolk and Euthanasia Vet Norfolk.
Pets become part of the family, and emotions are very strong when they reach the end of their life.
I am an experienced Veterinary Surgeon who decided to leave general practice and set up independently to provide a Peaceful In-Home Euthanasia service for families in Norfolk. I cover the whole of Norfolk, and keep every afternoon Monday-Friday open for bookings.
You know when your pet is suffering, and their quality of life has declined to levels where you wish they would peacefully die in their sleep. Because I give two step sedation prior to the final injection, your pet will die peacefully in their sleep. You can be with them as they gently drift off, in a place of their choosing.
Do call us for a chat long before you reach this decision, it will make that booking phone call easier, knowing you have already spoken to us and clarified any questions you may have. I reserve every afternoon, Monday to Friday, for euthanasia visits. You can often get a same day appointment, or plan a few days ahead and book the day/time that suits you and your family best. I can sometimes do weekday evening appointments, for an additional fee.
It is so important to plan for the end, that perfect last few days/weekend/week, filling that bucket list with your dog.
The last trip to the beach,
The last shared home cooked/takeaway meal, try kippers!
The last visit to their favourite woods,
The last evening in front of the fire together,
The last cuddle on the sofa,
Puppuccino at your favourite dog café,
Visits from important and favourite people - extended family, the dog sitter, the neighbour who chats on a walk,
Cheese or even chocolate may be used as a distraction treat during the sedative injection, side effects are irrelevant at this point.
Cats generally have a somewhat more home based bucket list - warmth, comfort, privacy and familiar foods, Cuddles from their favourite people and to avoid being parcelled up into a basket and transported to the vets.
University age children may want to return home to spend time with their childhood pet and say their final goodbyes - this is a biggie, as children of this age have often never experienced the loss of a loved family member before, and will need privacy and support to establish their own way of grieving. I am experienced in supporting children of all ages, and find that playdoh footprints made by each child can really help them stay involved and keep talking. I bring playdoh and other items for making keepsakes with me, and this time spent is included in my appointment fee.
https://apbcounsellors.co.uk/find-a-counsellor can provide details of qualified and experienced counsellors to give support, some of which may be free of charge.
https://www.bluecross.org.uk/pet-bereavement-and-pet-loss provides free telephone or email support from lay volunteers
If you choose at home euthanasia, you pet's final moments can be at home, in their familiar house or garden, surrounded by loved people and other pets. I can be wherever your pet chooses to be - in the garden, in the cupboard under the stairs, or on the sofa.
Being there for the final goodbye can be an important part in the grieving process. Euthanasia at home gives you the opportunity to spend some time with your pet after their death, or for companion animals to see the body and begin their grieving.
If you call 01603 369891 between 9-5, Mon-Fri, a real person will answer the phone (or call you back if they are speaking with another family) and be ready to listen. You may leave a message outside these hours, for a call back the following working day.
If you prefer, email us at contact@holisticvetnorfolk.com with your pet’s name and breed (or weight), your postcode and your name, we can reply with a quote, or call you to chat things through. My kind assistants, Lorraine and Helen, are both pet owners, and have lost pets themselves. They understand what you are going through and will listen and guide you through quality-of-life decisions, planning and timing.
You can often book same/next day appointments, or some families like to plan a few days ahead so everyone can be at home to say their goodbyes. This can give older children the chance to travel home. Family pets often play a huge part in their growing up, it is important that they have the opportunity to play a part in the final goodbye, and can be supported at home for some time afterwards. This is often the first time young adults face grieving for the death of a close family member, and will shape their grief blueprint to move forwards through life with.
People who live alone often need to talk to someone about their emotions - I can be that person for listening, gently prompting and honouring their pet’s life.
I can help your family to process their emotions. I have given ideas to help keep families talking and remembering, and helped to name and accept the many emotions involved, but most of all give lots of TIME for you to feel unrushed and supported.
My home visits usually last over an hour, and I will help with the care of the body when you are ready. I will help you wrap your pet in a favourite blanket, and help you carry them to my car for onward travel to the pet crematorium (additional fee for this service), or to the garden for burial at home.
I use calming traditional end of life essential oils, Rose, Frankincense, Geranium and Sandalwood, during my visit. I have formulated two Grief Blends of carefully chosen essential oils to support you as you navigate through your grief. I leave these with you before I go, along with some signposting to grief support helplines. You are welcome to call and speak to Lorraine or Helen at any time you feel you need a bit of support.
You may want to have some keepsakes to help remember and honour your pet.
Ink paw prints - I will make as many as you want, included in my price.
Nose impressions, for sending away to be made into a silver or copper keepsake (Pob’s pet keepsakes charge separately to create these).
Fur clippings, which can be kept or sent away to be made into keepsake jewellery or other items.
Play Doh foot impressions - children of any age, including older teenagers, often find this helpful. These can be turned into plaster of paris keepsakes, either at home or
sent to Pob’s pet keepsakes.
We will let your normal vets know for you, so that they can update their records.
To retain control over the ending, to have that in home euthanasia that you hope for…don’t leave it too late. A week too soon is much better than a day too late.
Better to say goodbye at home, with a vet specialising in home visit euthanasia, with support and family around you, than to have to visit the emergency vet in the middle of the night or weekend. Visit our webpage https://www.holisticvetnorfolk.com/euthanasia for more information, contact us on 01603 369891 (or email contact@holisticvetnorfolk.com) for experienced end-of-life care.
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