Saying goodbye to your pet

[APRIL 17, 2000]  Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet:  Saying Goodbye with Love, Dignity, and Peace of Mind.”  Myrna Milani, D.V.M., Prima Publishing, 1998, 377 pages.

“Of all the different aspects of the human-animal bond, none evokes such a wide range of responses as pet loss.”  These words represent the central theme of an important book by  Myrna Milani entitled “Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet.”  Milani’s expertise is evident as she tastefully gives the reader comfort and guidance through this emotionally difficult time.  She also provides information on coping with the death of a pet and how a person or family can deal with this loss.

The tone is set in “The Final Journey,” the book's opening chapter.  This chapter contains a straightforward discussion on the death of a pet by natural causes or euthanasia.  Recognizing the physical signs of death and describing the mechanics of euthanasia are delicately explained in detail.  Milani also includes an often-neglected but essential component of the separation process – the final resting-place of a pet.  She continues with topics such as losing a pet to circumstances other than death (lost or stolen), the experience of pet loss due to old age or chronic problems, and pet loss due to acute or sudden problems.

These chapters lead the reader to the heart of the book’s message: how we as owners respond to the loss of a pet.  This is explained in a beautifully written chapter entitled, “Guilt Plus Five.”  It describes the guilt that pet owners usually experience after a loss, guilt that is fueled by the five emotional stages that owners go through: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and finally, acceptance.

The succeeding chapters expand on this theme by discussing how owners respond to the loss of their pet.  “The Feminine Touch” and “The Masculine Reserve” explore the different emotions in pet owners and helps them to tap into their inner strengths.  “The Loss of Innocence” is arguably the most important section of the book, since it addresses the subject of children and pet loss.  Milani examines the special bond between children and their pets and recommends honesty as the best policy to explain the loss of the family pet.  “Double Jeopardy” discusses the relationship between a pet and an owner with special needs.  This chapter examines the relationship formed between pets and people who suffer from illness or feel physically or mentally vulnerable without their pets.

 

 

 

 

In the concluding chapter, Milani gives an overview of the death of a pet and the coping process.  Referring to this difficult time as “loss-proofing your relationship with your pet,” Milani advises that an advance directive written for your pet may relieve some of the emotional distress associated with the end-of-life decisions.  The advance directive can be composed by considering your personal values in caring for your pet, applying those values to life-threatening situations, writing the directive, and discussing it with your veterinarian or other person who would act in your absence.

Myrna Milani is a doctor of veterinary medicine and a practicing veterinarian. “Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet” is a thoroughly researched work that can be easily understood by the layperson.  The distinctive feature of her writing style is the sensitivity and care with which she broaches each topic.  She understands that this is a difficult subject and that a pet owner may consult her book during a time of anguish.  It is this compassion that results in a tastefully written book that is a pleasure to read.

“Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet” is recommended for any pet owner or anyone who is considering becoming a pet owner.

 

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

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