While it may be heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet, it is a bigger tragedy when pet owners are so devastated that they sometimes feel it is too much to bear and can't be there for their animal when they come to the end of their lives.
According to a story published in MailOnline, earlier this year, a Tweet by US-based Jessi Dietrich touched on such a moment, and her comments struck a chord with thousands around the world.
Taking to twitter, she posted, “Asked my vet what the hardest part was about his job and he said when he has to put an animal down 90 per cent of owners don't actually want to be in the room when he injects them.”
The vet added, according to Dietrich that the animal's last moments are usually them frantically looking around for their owners.'
In response, Hillcrest Veterinary Hospital - a clinic in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - shared a similar message, urging owners to care for their pets up until the very end.
The post, written by a 'tired broken-hearted vet' asked those taking their animals to the vet for a 'pain-free humane ending' to not leave their animals, despite the fact staying may be devastating.
The post read, “I beg you DO NOT LEAVE THEM. Do not make them transition from life to death in a room of strangers in a place they don't like. The thing people need to know that most of you don't is that THEY SEARCH FOR YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE THEM BEHIND!!!!!”
It went on to say that the pets search every face in the room for their beloved person.
The moment is one that can be profoundly difficult, according to Melbourne vet Dr Lauren Bugeja, who euthanises elderly pets in their homes.
But while talking to Mamamia, she said animals are relaxed and there are times when an owner is too upset to be in the same room and they will need to leave.
She said she has never had pets worry during their final moments because she spends time talking and comforting them with her nurse.
Dr Bugeja said how a person copes with such a devastating event depends on the individual and she wouldn't ever pressure anyone to stay if it meant causing harm to their emotional wellbeing.
